Jesus 2 General...

In my "younger" years I was CONSTANTLY told I looked like George Michael...then it was Kurt Warner, then it was a number of other complete misnomers. Then it started to get better...I mean I went from Gay George to Jumpin Jesus...singing "Jesus to a Child" to breaker of bread and maker of wine! I've heard it all man...you look like: Tom Cruise (The Last Samurai), Lorenzo Lamas (Renegade), Sylvester Stalone, Jesus, Jesus, Jesus...but finally it's been too much. Too many people signing the cross when I board the bus, and to much whispering, and mostly, too much damn hair to "care" for and rip outta my skull after it's been tangled. So i took my head of hair--the hair that had accumulated after more than a year of untouched, untrimmed, but certainly not unnoticed growth--and went to Jonny the barber...the only non-gay, non-shemale/ladyboy haircutter around Cebu City. In hindsight, it might've been better to put up with the fondling and frolicking Terry might have entertained, cuz Jonny only knew one cut.

Me after 12+months of hair growth n' Jonny

So I entered the "salon" holy and left helpless, from bread and wine to dehydrated food and water, from healing prophet to dealing puppet, from jesus to a general damnit.

It was getting to be something else though...I really couldn't believe that my shadow was actually mine; it's the weirdest thing, but I still didn't feel like that dark figure following me with all the swaying about his head could possibly be me. Now I look in the glass and am terrified that I might salute myself.

Things not uncommon in Philippines:

--Anyone to start singing at the top of their lungs in this internet cafe right beside me...NOW! Though it's happened in 4 outta 10 inet cafes...clearly they know they're doing it...right???

--A girl to be sent from mindanao to anywhere in the cities to "work" for her family by selling her "services" to foreign and local men. Age starting from 12...and THAT'S no shit!

--A jeepney to be held-up by gunned men asking for the money of all the passengers...thankfully, I have no personal stories to recount here.

Recent Events:

--A boy lit some fireworks around a mall in the central Philippines and it torched the place killing 26 people. Lawsuits following for selling illegal fireworks, etc.

--I visited the deepest, darkest of life's corners in a philippino slum abound with prostitutes, junkies, paedophiles, sodomites, and everything that wipes there excrement from the bowels of city survival, centered around a basketball court. There is NO way I will post what my being witnessed online.

--An earthquake shook up the telephone wires around Taiwan causing serious "disturbances" to all inet service providers and telephone companies...ohh no, the world almost stopped :P

Personal Profile: Michael, a 45 year old from Vegas, married to a beautiful Philippina wife who took me out on the town. Michael told of stories of his "friends"...and again I just can't write this down here. I just read today about one of them in the paper though, not a "dedicated citizen" op-ed piece by any means. Michael called me a purist and said eventually I'd break down the brainwashing that the media and the west had employed...I told michael he was crazy! Then I politely wished the hooker a good evening and found my bed comfy, soft, and unoccupied. Dream sweet dreams...


Reads: "Candide" Voltaire; classic satire that provides good relief from more serious lit.

Music: One song to definately check out (if not the artist, obviously) is Pablo...Loser Crew; it's a great track that has a shaky voice akin to Dylan or better, Shanon Hoon (Blind Melon) over a Beta Band loop...and it makes you bop your head with a 'hell yeah' attitude. Go get it!

Hope you're all celebrating like rabbits mating; like no one's waiting. Shake it and stake it like it's underrated!

Happy 007

the shirt off Valencia's back...

Casaroro Falls

No more will UC me donning the beautous blue Clap Your Hands Say Yeah T-shirt; it's met a sad but inevitable fate. The sacred shirt served me well in travel battle and caused a respectable amount of people 2 make themselves look silly or stare stupidly...nice work blue...RIP CYHSY.

After my nudey nip below Casaroro Falls (Valencia, Negros), I decided 2 wash the sweat soaked/stained T--like the hippie I ostensibly am--in nature's gentle cycle; however, mama nature decided 2 test my dedication to hippiehood and stole away with the cherished garment. Suddenly, I was the silly lookin' one as I dropped my daypack and slid into the fast flow to sweep the theif's toes, but b4 I got entirely wet (head to spare) I could no longer C my T. I tried a couple profesional T rescuing techniques, but in the end I had 2 let 'er go...free after all.

Nude with Nipples, can't see the dimples

I ascended the 335 steps thinking how the hell am I gonna manage walking topless thru that conservative village and the jeepney ride back 2 the city of Dumaguete--"Arrongant Americans", I could hear whispered--and at the same time my eyes kept diverting themselves to the river in hopes mama would say, "Clap Your Hands...I'm BACK!!!" It took me the full hour's hike back 2 come up with f!*k all. I moped down the hill thru the village already encountering a few older women making their opinions known by their facial expressions and snorts when I came upon a fire station with the crew in front playing ping-pong. I thought, "I've done this before...let's give 'er a go."

I applied the learned sales techniques acquired in Cutco Class and established rapport before telling them that I have a friend who's a firemen (which I do) and that he collects fireman's shirts around the world (which he does) and that I'd be greatful if they might bless "his" collection with one of their eponymous shirts. Fortunately, I'm in the Philippines and the philippino is a straight up class human being, Valencia being no exception. They sooo managed a beautiful, though not clean nor aromaticly pleasant, addition to my friend Baca's shirt collection, and it fit beautifully over my belly. So far, I've only managed a shirt from Weed Fire Dept. and this one...but surely Baca's greatful.

The Crew n' Con

Rags 2 Riches or more aptly condemned naked vagrant to respected (ostensible) fire chief walking thru the city.

I purchased and slowly ate a sweet, delicious mango in the park...holding my head high for the skills obtained and used in a man's road to nowhere...and to there I go.

MusiK Konfused it...

I can't help myself; did some research on a rainy day and only demand...go get Okkervil River! One should always share the good stuff; the stuff that reaches him, the stuff that nourishes, the stuff that never seems2gives enuf.

If you need a place to start...first "For Real", then "Black", then for some slower more poetic listening pleasure (which I assure you it DOES provide) go for "The War Criminal Rises and Speaks" and "It Ends with a Fall". However, I beseech you to not stop there.

And after you are overwhelmed with the greatness of his gift, read the bio to get a glimpse of his crazed brilliance, not Newton, not Einstein, but not far off either.

Too many air-con frosty accomodations, seedy shacks, and sordid streets led to a 30 hour hold-up in the city of Bacolod--fortunately, I found a very accomodating place for less than $3US/nt which put my conscience at ease. Also, I miraculously found some pumpkin soup that made my tummy lub me and my mind fine in kind. Unfortunately, I was unable to climb around the parks that I had intended and instead have pushed on to the lovely city of Dumaguete.

Conversations of Sort:

Country--Philippines; Island & Province--Negros; Region--Negros Occidental; City--Bacolod

--->Down the dark alley that leads to my pension house,

a kid (9yrs) is pedalling a bike way too big for his frame<---

He is in front of me, and he turns his head back, while he throws all his weight to one pedal and says to me, "I'm soooo little and you're so tall; it's not fair". I encouraged him that in less than 10 years he'll be well over my stature to which he responds, "...just 10 years!" like he's been given another 15 kilos to spread between the pedals..."yep buddy, just 10 more years."

Not 3 minutes later <> a couple she-males approach me and ask all the silly questions that disclose their disguise. Kay (must be K. for Karl or worse, Kwik-Lube) and Eenie (could it be, the size of pee-pee that turned him she-she?) were both from Manila and followed me till we arrived 100ft. from my lodge. Kay says to me in that flamin' fABulous tone, "It's your last night in Bacolod. You should have some fun! I know a lot of friends. RU tired? Why don't you come out and live it up?!? You really should have some fun...I'm a fighter ya know!!?!!"

To which I responded, "Yeah...I bet you are K; I'm bet you are..."
.........and a good night to all the Konfused Kays..........

Mindless Man in Manila...

Music:

The Format, "Dog Problems", this entire album kicks like you got your foot caught in your pants while takin' 'em off. Sure it should be called Indie Pop, but this is Pop that hasn't fizzled or sold out; it's catchy, it's classic, and it's a shame if you don't at least give it a try. If you're a bit of a pirate you might look for the tracks, "Snail", "Ocean", and "Dead End" which are my faves--I love the "shoo lah lah"s on "Ocean". There are some streaming possibilities of "The Compromise" and "She Doesn't Get It" that are found on Artist Direct. Though not the appleseed of the album, it'll give you a intro to my runner up fave band. Whatever you do, go buy, borrow, or steal this album--thanks Marcos!

Also My current favorite band--Okkervil River's second album which is just an EP, but seriously spurs you into spice o' life with the lyrically livenin' I love and a true band orchestration that chimes and horns in with bombastic brilliance that dares-U2-dance with your soul on your sleeve. I specifically recommend "The President's Dead"--which is not the revolutionary rant it appears 2B--and "No Key, No Plan" which inspires you "to try" to earn your soul. Will Sheff is an amazing artist that I can not recommend highly enough. I also rec'd his 1st album "Black Sheep Boy".

Reads: Wandered into "The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn" but was cut-off by activity and now have started a short story, "Candide", by Voltaire.

Personal Profile: Simon--42 years old, though has the spirit, energy, and "bugger-it-all" attitude of a 9 year old--that "why" and "why not" innocence in action--that we all wish we could embody a bit more. He somehow slipped the noose of a gang of peace corps. girls who were set out to crucify him on wine appreciation night; It's still amazing that he came away from that crew who had set the stakes and lit the torches, and had actually left them confounded. Full of ideas, ambition, and energy to make his life one of a legend, Simon is an epic character that will remain in italics in the journal of murr.

So this post's title is now yours truly, believe it or not...I've arrived at a point where I just don't care to let the upper instrument drive my life any longer. Of course, this is easier written than performed, but there must be a starting point...and I demand a change!

I shouldn't quantify knowledge--for quality thereof and that which regarding are heavy variables--however, I will. I've learned more in the mucky metropolis, Manila than in the last 10 months of travel combined. I should also say that I could never have absorbed this experience had I not gone thru the 10 months of SEA travel (not to mention the 28 years up-to-date) but we all know...that's how the show works, right?

The 2 typhoons have wrecked a bit of the plans I hoped to realize, though I won't be dissauded any longer; I'm off to Iloilo City to visit the islands of Panay, Negros, Cebu, and play about the Visayas as they're called.




Fortunate to rise from bed and drink those 4 cups of coffee in front of the BBC that morn when I met the legend of the U.K., Simon. Later and still later, he unleashed a good whip of a lesson in the field of judgment; though he may realize it NOT. And the only guy I've ever met with just one name, Tao--no he's not Chinese--also flooded my parched person with nutrients on a different occasion.

Ya see--amongst other things I learned--I knew that by the time I left Manila, I would have developed a position/perception of the issue of "old man with young woman" that is so common here; I only am surprised at which position I've arrived. Enlightened and lightened with the load that judging encumbers, I'll walk away from Manila with a lifelike perspective on relationships, sex, questions in every facet of life, and personal needs/desires.

I came to a junction and ran into the Faust and Mephistopheles himself, and escaped with the simple, selective, and sound advice that will not reveal itself in words within this site. However diabolical their advice may have seemed at first, at the end of the day it was pragmatic, realistic, and sensible. More importantly, the timing couldn't have been more appropriate, as it goes. Furthermore, the "chats" and "questioning" provided me substance I gnawed on incessantly and concluded with several major decisions in my life; at least in between the curtains of this act of the drama that tells my life.

In the meantime, I just happened to run into a dutch guy Marc who I met 4 years ago when he came for a "stay" in my rented apt. in Mendoza Argentina and ended up staying a week or two as so many did; heavy, unimaginable, and freakin' sweet to see him at 7:30am when we both strayed in after each of our own respective long evenings. Also, bumped into a fellow yank with whom I'll probably end up touchin' volcanic tips and coral rips in the Visayas after you, me, and everyone we know bring in the 8th year of the 2nd millenium after JC "made an example".

It feels anything but December; HOT, pissing rain, and I'm on the road all the same. I think I'll end up with some str8 class characters for the eve of the fat man's dance upon snowy rooftops and sand-fronted bungalows. In other words--in familiar words--I'm happy.

I'll end with Lingering Lyrics of the aforementioned Okkervil River:

There is no key, there's no plan. I discovered that.
And truly I don't think you'll find a happier man!

(You never earned your soul),
I know
...but I'm gonna try!!!

You float up high and it isn’t a sin.
And there isn’t a hell where we’ll be sent.
There’s only now, and there isn’t then. So just breathe it in.

So just breathe it in!

Family Day

"Family Bathtime!!!"

Outside of Guesthouse, I've not seen a happier kid in a LONG time.

A Taal Jeepney Order...

South of Manila n' Transport within...

Dormant but Dominant
Taal Volcano

One of many; The Jeepney





















Or Kieth Diamond???

















Mass Tourism...ugh...













My guide could be my grandson...











Workin' with the fam'...w8, these kids aren't mine!!!

C More around the area in South Luzon

----P-Quest----

A proposition 4U2B part of the action...

Research something about the Philippines; some island, some village, or some event and tell me why it interests you and then sell me on going there 4U. I'll probably go there just because "you" tell me I should, but this way I'll seek something out 4U...whatever you want me to seek out; a picture, an idea, or just a story...I'll relate it to you, should UB so bold as 2 accept. Void Luzon cuz I'm movin' south after a volcano venture.

"Be good and you will be lonesome"
Mark Twain

Pricing and Packing: Philippines

Where have I found myself?

...Batad







A Taste, A Philipino Plate:

These are some of the things I've seen people consuming...have a go!

Balut: A boiled, fertilized duck egg (embryo inside) that usually has already developed down/feathers; they claim the best part is the serum...foul if you ask me.

Aso: Dog-meat stewed, supposed to be the most tender red meat.

Beetles: Fried or floating (soup) though it's easy to tell the vegies from the "meat", I couldn't put myself to it.

Pinikpikan: A chicken dish where the bird is beaten alive, so the blood coagulates, then killed.

Bopis: Pig lungs that have been chopped up and stir-fried till crispy.


So there's a lil' intro to the newest country to be under my feet and into my mouth; what are you kidding? Like I'd put any of that nasty in this speakerbox. You may have heard of a bitty (strength 4; max) typhoon that destroyed the southern part of Luzon (the main island which contains Manila) killing...2 many. Also, most recently the Marine who was found guilty of raping a girl and given 40 years...should've doubled it. This is probably the only thing you've heard about the Philis which is quite sad cuz the archipelago is awing and drawing me to stay.

Fortunately, I was in the Cordillera (N. Luzon) when the typhoon hit and only felt the effect of 3 days of cold, windy rain that's unusual for this time of year and the (what must be lost in translation) "brown-out" that deterred me from using all facilities involving electricity.

The arrival into Manila at 5am wasn't sketchy at all...I should say I've been thru much worse. The scariest thing that I came across in my first 24 hours was probably the Floridian (50+, fat, greasy, pale, balding) who told me that no "white 20 year old would marry me" and so after having come to Phili for years, pulled up a Phili dish of his own. She's terribly cute, super skinny, and yet I can only feel sadness for her state.

Unfortunately, I saw more than 5 examples of similar "relationships" before the sun would fall; and although there are some Euro Trash chippin' in to the pot, the majority our from the U.S. of A. I refuse to go to Angles, the city that boasts the worst reputation for the "sex tourism" industry. Destitute girl finds sad, sex-deprived paedophile with money and they both "profit" from personal prostitution.

Manila gave me a lot more than that though...the people speak English!!! I mean of course they have their National language (Tagalog) but almost everyone speaks my native tongue! I can't tell you the size of the smile I parted when I asked for directions/info and was answered in flawless English. Also, boys and girls were touching each other--no no, not like freaky frank of the 7th infantry--but just showing their affection. And to boot, they have this wickedly cool public transport called a jeepney that is probably the coolest vehicle to haul the public I've seen in all my travels...I wanna get one...oh please oh please santa!

However, in 3 days I ran thru the smoggy, sufficating streets of Manila long enough to get a headache that no amount of espresso would cure, and decided to board a bus and trek my tubby trunk around the terraces of North Luzon...what a sight to behold.




"Ampitheatre" (Batad)



"Ampitheatre"; Close-up



It was the best decision I made that day. Staying at Simon's Guesthouse was a blessing cuz Simon used to be a guide and opened up the book on trekking around the area of Batad. Not to mention the cheapest room (barring all my freebie scandaling) in the world, probably. Just $1US/night got this vagabond a clean, comfy room, soft bed, great view all to myself, yipppeeeeeeeeee!!!


I punished myself the next 3 days with hours and hours of up and down around the beautifully stone-walled terraces of the region. These people are amazing.


By far the best part of the trip up north was the trek I did from Batad over the mountain to Barlig. I did it partially to save some cash on the bus ride, but more because I had heard wonderful things about the walk...all of which I would find valid. Each town I arrived at was astounded that I didn't have a guide cuz "you must get lost". I didn't get lost...amazingly enough for my record...and found that even in the tiniest, most remote village the people could speak perfect English...I was baffled!







From Cambulo-to-Pula

Terraces To 'Ternity...I couldn't stop stopping.

Just part of the walk







In large part, this language capability is due to the American "take-over" or "occupation" from the Spanish over a century ago, but is also a HUGE credit to all the Peace Corp. volunteers that flock this island nation...all of you rock and almost negate the negative of Chubby Cpl. Colander. Apart from that the U.S. has a huge influence on this country; you hear it in the accent, you see it in the style, and you feel it in everything experienced.

Shortly after the trek over, I found myself in the slow-paced stopover of Sagada. Slow isn't accurate...the people walk backwards here, and I loved it. It's much more tourist oriented, but it was still a great little mountain village with fresh, crisp air, loads of hiking ops, and to my delight a delectable eatery that serves up the best banana pancake in the world! I roamed about here for 5 days and became more of a local curiosity than most white wanderers.

Sagada has so much to do, and I did it all. Waterfalls, caves, mountains, coffins (hanging), Echo Valley playin', river runnin' thru a cave, a lake and visiting some of the nearby villages. I met up with a Swiss-German dude who was a total trip.

This guy Andy is 42, and after having drunk 5 cups of coffee with him in a restaurant on one of the dodgy days in the effect of the typhoon about life, "god", astronomy, and most of it not really related as you'd guess; he tells me, "You learn me a lot." He's 42 and this is his first trip away from home/work...he was a real wonder for me to see, and it's ironic that he should've claimed so much about me when it was me that had my pen out in intriguing enjoyment.

I also met Kats and Mike who are part of University of Philippines Mountaineering group that is hosting a concert in Manila...tomorrow. My plans have changed considerably; though I've seen all I intended to see or wanted to see so it's not like I'm sacrificing anything at all. But Mike and Kats R Mad Kool! I'll prob benefit from meeting some of the members and end up trekkin' more than I had imagined...hopefully. M,K, and I went caving which was so much better than I had thought. Of course caves are cool and what not, but this was enormous, with so many structures, and pools...loads of fun. After the "2 hour" cave jaunt, swimming about, and gripping barefoot the limestone rock, I left Mike and Wilbur and ran up Mt. Ampacao for a little exercise and some views...but my camera pooped out.






Guide Wilbur descending to the entrance
















Big Rice Terraces and 3 happy travellers






Just 2weeks in and I'm in love with this country, the people, the lifestyle, and the whole show. I'm movin' down to where there was the massive damage from Typhoon Durian which should not make for pretty diving/snorkeling, etc...but I'm sure the 1000+ people dead and/or missing aren't really concerned with that. My most sincere to them.



I know you're dying to know what it costs over here so you can come see how "life" is really experienced. Here's just a sample:


Room: $1US (north, unheard of) to $10US; obviously it goes way up, but I'm gone b4 that.
Meal: No probs to get a good meal for $1.5, though for $5US I ate all I could eat...3.5 norm.
Fruit Shake: $1.5US
Coffee: (I Luv the question, "Brewed or Instant?"...Brewed being cheaper/better) $.30US
Taxi: All the way across Manila (huge area) no more than $6US
Beer: Like I'd leave out the most important...a cool $.40US...that's 40 cents! What the hell RU still doing reading this? Come join the fun

Some of the other messings...

Books: "The Importance of Living" Yin Lutang. It sounds really cheesy, but 500 pages of Chinese ideas and an apt read for my chill time in Sagada. Also, loads of the LP Philippines...ugh...wanted to cut weight for my trekking and left 10kilos of books and stuff back in Manila which left me with THAT to read.

Film: Borat!!! Sweet Sap of Shit you...Aussie, Slov., Dane, and I all shared good laughs at this piss-taking of America in one of the many MegaMalls of Manila.

Music: Silvio Rodriguez, current fave track..."Ojala"; great to hear some Spanish guitar with the plea of a Cuban songwriter bellowing out.

Lingering Lyrics: Good Ol' Tom Waits, new song called "Bottom of the World".

"My daddy told me lookin' back...
the best friend you'll have, is a railroad track."




The only pic I managed on Mt. Ampacao;
looking down at Sagada










Some more terraces and what not in my North Luzon folder.

I'm serious...get over here!