Category Archives: free verse

Taiwan: An Old Crate of Memories

One of the things you learn when you go overseas is how much a lot of the countries overseas really just like to enjoy life.

– Chris Paul –

I accompanied my friend to apply for Taiwan and unexpected things happen.

A set of tests were given to applicants and the examiner accidentally gave me a set of questionnaires and I took and answered it for fun. After 2 hours, one of the employees from the Manpower Agency announced those applicants who made it and upon my surprise, I was on the top 3, and my friend didn’t make it on her first try. I didn’t expect it that would happen that fast, after three weeks I flew to Taiwan. I even quit my job and school. This was my first travel abroad.

It was May 5, 2000, when I left my country to become an Overseas Filipino Worker. I was assigned to a manual machine to produce chips. From white collar job to blue collar job but no regrets because it was 7x more bigger than my salary in my home country. The only problem is, this job is risky. Every day I inhaled solvent, the company see to it that we were in good condition all the time so we had medical check-ups every six months.

After a year, I was assigned as a line leader and dormitory supervisor. So much pressure that I even quit my job and had a breach contract. I went home in May 2002. At that time, the company, I mean most of the companies in Taiwan were in crisis, so it was just a perfect timing for me to go back home.

In my two years in Taiwan, many memories were created. A set of new friends and friends up to this pointing time. I believe that when you live under the same roof, a more genuinely camaraderie will developed. And I agree because I can confess to them anything under the sun than with my old friends. Friendship is not how long you’ve been together but it’s how you value someone else genuinely. Through fights and being sulky at one another is just a test if you accept not only their good sides but also their weaknesses. I experienced all that, and proud to say we still remain friends.

 

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Leefo Village Theme Park, Hsinchu

 

nantou park

Nantou, Taiwan

 

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Prosperity Dielectrics Company, Nantou

 

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Taitung

 

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Prosperity Dielectrics Company, Nantou

 

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Taitung

 

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Chrismas Party, Nantou

 

taipei

Chiang Kai-Shek, Taipei

 

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Daan Park, Taipei

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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This is Crazy

The planets are predictable,
With their orbits and gravity;
He knew where to find them,
Wherever they may be.

He came to memorize,
What time and where,
He should sit or rise,
To accommodate them.

He fell in love with Saturn,
Neptune and Mars.
But the planets didn’t think much,
Of his unwavering love.

As long as they could pass by,
They couldn’t care less,
How hard he tried,
To look his very best.

But on days he was gone,
Looking for other things to love,
The planets vowed,
To again, love no one.

This is Anger

The world is untouchable,
That’s why he ruined the galaxy.
He threw all his hate,
And the stars became the debris.

In space, he could shout
As loud as he wants,
And no one could hear him,
Not even the world he loves.

Satellites became his friends,
Whom he spoke to often.
There was always a conversation,
Without a reply from them.

It sure was lonely,
Up there in space.
Yet there he was happy,
To spend all his days.

Moon River

A still river full of water,
Where colorful fins swim by,
And vibrant flowers sway,
Under the blue sky.

The quiet hum of dragonflies,
Leaping from stone to stone,
Envious is the water—
As stiff as a bone.

For the water stays at its home,
Destined to kiss its own;
Trapped by its own corners,
And left all alone.