Rough Groove

Typhoon Yoyong

Wednesday and the skies above Makati is quite cloudy. No sunshine but its not that gloomy. Slight drizzle from time to time. The air is cool. Typhoon Yoyong will land tomorrow.

4 Typhoons in 2 weeks

In two weeks time, 3 typhoons have already passed the country wreaking havoc to structures, agricultural lands, roads, life and limb. First there was typhoon Unding followed by Violeta. Now, there’s typhoon Winnie and forecast to pass over Central and North Luzon this Thursday is typhoon Yoyong that might pack winds of around 120 kph. As usual, portions of Metro Manila’s streets and highways will be inundated. The usual tales of casualties, rivers breaching the banks and families vacated to higher ground fill the airwaves and video photages of these happenings are fed hourly. Fervent pleas for donations, from food stuffs to cash to volunteers are raised. But sometimes its ironic to think that while these storms are passing, lower portions of the country are already experiencing the recurring el nino weather phenomenon. Stretches of land start to become parched and rain, while it still occurs from time to time, gradually lessens in intensity and volume. What’s happening to our weather systems? It sure is starting to get really screwed up.

Gym

After more than two months, I was sweating it out at Fitness First for my first day there. Good to be back working out again. A couple of revelations though:

I’ve gained weight: 165 to 172 lbs!
My BMI increased from 24 to 25+

What the heck. I’ll sweat it out, pump iron and control my food intake.

I like for you to be still - Pablo Neruda

I just can’t explain it but Pablo Neruda’s “I Like for You to be Still” is in my mind. Is it because of the somewhat somber afternoon? The very cold temperature in the office? Or am just feeling blue? I first heard about the poem in the movie “Il Postino” and from the soundtrack of the same movie being recited by Glenn Close.

I Like For You To Be Still
Pablo Neruda

I like for you to be still
It is as though you are absent
And you hear me from far away
And my voice does not touch you
It seems as though your eyes had flown away
And it seems that a kiss had sealed your mouth
As all things are filled with my soul
You emerge from the things
Filled with my soul
You are like my soul
A butterfly of dream
And you are like the word: Melancholy

I like for you to be still
And you seem far away
It sounds as though you are lamenting
A butterfly cooing like a dove
And you hear me from far away
And my voice does not reach you
Let me come to be still in your silence
And let me talk to you with your silence
That is bright as a lamp
Simple, as a ring
You are like the night
With its stillness and constellations
Your silence is that of a star
As remote and candid

I like for you to be still
It is as though you are absent
Distant and full of sorrow
So you would’ve died
One word then, One smile is enough
And I’m happy;
Happy that it’s not true

Typhoon Unding

Typhoon Unding (international code name MUIFA) still hovers around Bicol. And yes, its bed weather again