"Love Game"

"JARA!" I heard my name called so I turned around to find out if that's what I'm waiting for.

"Jara, here!"

"Auntie Ana!"

"Look at you. You're so grown-up!" my auntie exclaimed. "I'm so glad that your father allowed you to work here."

I am recently accepted to work as a writer in a sports-themed magazine entitled "Sports Unbounded" This is so new to me and I know being accepted to that magazine is a big leap to my career. So, despite of my father's disapproval, with my mother's help, I got his yes and I'm starting to work on Monday.


"Auntie, you know how hard to get papa's approval. I known he don't want to be away from his daughter, but you know sometimes we have to let go someone for them to flap their wings and learn to fly." I said.


"Yeah, you're right about that. And I'm so happy to be your guardian. You know, I only leave alone in that house."


"Now you've got yourself a new housemate, auntie." I said with a smile.




BEEP! Beep! Beep!

"It's still so early. I hate alarm clocks."

6:32am

"Shoot! I'm gonna be late."

So, I got ready for work as soon as possible. Prepared my things and take a bath as fast as I can.

"Jara, breakfast is ready!" I heard my auntie said.

"Coming!"

I only ate a piece of sandwich and drink a glass of juice. I have to leave early because it's 30-minute drive from our house to our office. And I don't want to be late on my first day, that's why I have to leave early.

"Bye, Auntie!"




"LISTEN people. May I have your attention please. I'd like to introduce you to our new writer, Ms. Jarayha Quinto. She is the replacement of Mrs. Rodriguez, who is now migrated to Canada with her husband. Because she is Mrs. Rodriguez' replacement, she will be the new feature writer for "Sports On Focus" So, be nice to her." said mrs. Solis, the production supervisor of "Sports Unbounded"


"Hi, Jarayha! I'm Gia, also one of the writers here." said a woman at my side.


"Hello! Just call me Jara. Nice to meet you."


"Yow! I'm Jet. I'm the lay-out artist of  Sports Unbounded Welcome aboard."


"CONGRATULATIONS for another job well done, people.: said Mr. Jimmy Manuel, the Editor-in-Chief of Sports Unbounded. "Our general manager and publishers our happy that we made it again at the the top5 spot as the best-selling magazine in the Philippines for 6 consecutive months. that's a record-holder everyone."

I've been working as a writer for Sports Unbounded for 7 months. And I'm liking my job so much. I feel that I made the right choice.


"That's why our publishers said that we will have an all-expense paid trip to Palwan for 3 days and 2 nights if we will still be in top 5 when we release our anniversary issue which is 2 months from now." our EIC continued. "Is it that great everyone?"


Everybody including me shouted with delight when we heard that. Especailly me because I haven't been to Palawan. And Palawan is one of the place in my list of "must-see place" here in our country.


"That's so cool. Don't you think so Jara?" asked Gia. "I never been to Palawan and I really want to see that place."


"Are you kidding. Gia? Of course, it's so cool. I also wanted to go there and do island hopping or even go to ther famous underground river." I exclaimed. "My blood is so pumped up. I'm gonna do my very best for our anniversary issue. I swear that."


"Count me in" Gia and Jet said.




"Ms. Quinto, please have a seat."
I'm scanning for possible subjects for "Sports on Focus" that morning when our EIC called me to go to his office.


"Do you like working here Ms. Quinto?"


"Of course, Sir." I answered honestly. "The people here are great and kind"


"Do you want our magazine to be the #1 sports magazine here in the Philippines?" asked Mr. Manuel.

I felt a pang of uneasiness in our EIC's question but I still remained composed.

"Yes, sir. We all want that. I honestly want that."

"Our anniversary issue will be out 2 months from now. And to achieve the #1 sports magazine in the Philippines we must be in the the top 5 best-selling magazine again right?"

"Right, Sir."

"So every employees including me of course must work harder for our anniversary issue. Do you want that Palawan trip?"

"Well, yeah! I know it's kinda shallow but yes, I want it." I answered. After that, yhe uneasiness I felt is beginning to escalate.

"So, are you willing to do everything for that and for our magazine?"

"Sir, yes, sir!"

"What a firm answer, Ms. Quinto. I like that. And now, let me assign to you your subject for your article in our anniversary issue."

"Ok, Sir. And who would it be?"




"WHAT?! Gia exclaimed as we eat our lunch together in our office canteen. "Mr. Manuel asked you to do that?"

Mr. Manuel assign me to do an article about MIKEY KURT GUZMAN. A basketball superstar, one of the sought-after bachelor and a very mysterious at that. Mysterious because never in his entire basketball playing career has he granted an interview, well except for the interview regarding the hard-court, but interview about himself.  Even the most celebrated talk-show hosts or sports writer didn't coax him to do that. He always said that he is entitled to his privacy because even he is a celebrity he has his own life.

"Yes" I utter. "What am I gonna do? I heard that he also didn't granted an interview even though they'll pay him a considerable amount of money. I'm screwed."

"Woah. That guy must really be somethingf huh. But, I think that attitude of him is a little annoying. He's just doing it so that he will be notic even more. " Jet speculate.

"I think Your right about that Jet. I will have that article about him in 2 months time. So what if he's a superstar. I must or my chances in Palawan will be reduced to 0%." I enunciate with conviction.

"That's the right attitude, Jara."

"Goodluck! Gia told me.




I'M relieved that I already did my article for the month before the anniversary issue. I did that in advance because I know that our EIC will assign us to a difficult assignment. I just didn't realize that he would assign me to one of the difficult subject I've ever encountered. So, I call this 'Operation Article MKG: the road to Palawan Escapade'

I tried to search anything about Mikey Kurt Guzman. He is the youngest of the two siblings. He has an older sister named Dana Yssa. His parents are Mr. Ysmael Guzman and Mrs. Myra Guzman. His parents are settled in their province in Bukidnon and managing their farm there. He graduated Hotel and Restaurant Management in Far Eastern University as Cum Laude which made me feel a little bit surprised actually. "So, he's not just all play but he also have brains." I thought.

After gathering all the information I can get which is so scarce, I went to the gymnasium where he usually do his work out, according to my source. I waited at the cafe located at the front of the gym. I just finished my second serving of frappuccino when I saw him going out of the gym.

"Mr. Guzman, wait up!" as I leave immediately to the cafe and approach him.

"And who you might be?"

I was tongue-tied at first when he faced me. I don't know why. But after a while I remembered my agenda. "Hello, Mr. Guzman! I'm Jarayha Quinto from Sports Unbounded magazine."

"So, what can I do for you?"

"Can I talk to you for a minute? I just want to ask youy something."

"I'm afraid, it's quite a wrong time today. I have some important appointment this time."

"Oh. Well, maybe next time I guess? Can I have your #, if you don't mind?" I asked.

"I'm sorr. But I don't give my # to anyone. Especially to people I just met." He said.

"I understand. I'll just give you my card. Here it is."

"Ok. So, gotta go."

"Have a nice day, Mr. Guzman." I told him as he went to his car.




"YOU'VE been checking your phone 5 times for the last 15 minutes, Jara." Gia observed. We're at a restaurant, chilling out. "What's wrong? Expecting a call from someone?"

"Oww." Jet said. "A call from a lover perhaps?"

"Shut up, you two. I'm waiting for Mr. Guzman's call. It's been 3 days and he still haven't kept in touch."

"Maybe he already forgotten it, Jara. You know he's a basketball superstar so he's busy." Jet said matter-of-factly.

"But he said, he'll call me up"

"I think Jet is right Jara. Maybe it slipped to his mind because he is busy training."

"Maybe you're right." I told them. "I should talk to him again.

"You have no choice Jara but to approach him again  if I really want that article."

"Jet's corect Jara." Gia said to me as she patted my shoulder.




AFTER I talked to Jet and Gia, I went again to the gym where I first saw him the next day.

"Hello, Mr. Guzman! Remember me?" I asked him when I saw him exiting the said gym. "I'm Jrayha Quinto, the one who approached you 3 days ago."

"Hmm.. I remember. You're the girl who gave me a calling card."

"It seems that you lost my card that's why you never had a chance to call me."

"Yeah. That's right." He shrugged.

"Do you have time? Can I talk to you even for a minute?"

"Ok, I guess. Let's go there to the cafe nearby."

"So, Ms. Quinto, what do you want to discuss about?" he ask as we waited for our order.

"I know you're a busy man Mr. Guzman but to tell you the truth, I want to request you an interview, if that's ok." I directly asked.

"I thought so. If I remember it correctly, you told me your from Sports Unbounded. But I'm sorry Ms. Quinto, I don't do interviews.

"But why? I promised to never write the things you don't want me to write. I swear."

"I just don't want people asking questions about my life. I want it just the way it is. And as I've said to others who want to interview me like you do, I value my privacy so much. Please don't approach me again for that matter. Have a good day." he said and went out of the cafe and left.



"I'M screwed."

"Got a problem, Jara?" my auntie Ana asked when she went to my room and gave me snacks.

"To tell you honestly Auntie Ana, Yes. My EIC gave me this assignment for our anniversary issue. And I can't do an article for the subject because her don't want to be interviewed. Even other writers asked him and some offering him money but he just refused."

"Are you giving up already? That's not the Jara I know. The Jara I know is stubborn young lady who would not give up if she really wants something. She is the one who made her father agreed to let her work in a place far from them because she wants it."

My auntie's words boost my ego. "You're right Auntie. I am Jarayha Quinto and I will never be thrown so easily."

"That's the spirit."

"Thank you, Auntie Ana. Now, I'll make Mikey Kurt Guzman know whom he's dealing with."



I did everything to gather more information about Mikey Kurt Guzman. And now, I'm standing in front of his house in Quezon City and waiting for him to arrive. I told to myself that I'll do anything in my power to convince him to do an interview with me. This is not just about the Palawan trip, although it's one of the reason but mainly it's all about my integrity, my pride as a writer.
After almost an hour of waiting, I saw his car arriving and commence my plan.

"What the hell?!" he said angrily and went out of his car. "What are you thinking? I almost hit you with my car. What are you thinking anyway by doing that?!"

"Hi again, Mr. Guzman! Remember me?" I answered with a smile.

"God?! You're that girl from yesterday. Ms. Quinto, what are you doing here? Or I should have known."

"I'm not that easily to get rid of Mr. Guzman. And I'll do anything to interview you by hook or by crook.

"Suit yourself, Ms. Quinto. So, if  you don't mind, you're blocking my way. I'm so tired and I want to sleep."



THE following morning, I went to Mikey's house so early so that I can still talk to him before he left for his training.

"Good morning, Mr. Guzman!"
 
"What the.. You again?! I already told you, I'll never do an interview."

"But, Mr. Guzman, why don't you hear me out first before refusing me." I said to him and also trying to stay calm before I'll beat the lights out of him for being so close-minded.

"I'm sure whatever your terms are, be it good, it'll still not change my mind. Can't you understand that, Ms. Quinto?" he said impatiently. 

"Mr. Guzman, why don't you hear me out. If you'll not agree then I'll leave you alone." But he just ignored me and went inside his house and shut the door right into my face. I couldn't believe he did that. I know he's a lot of things but I didn't believe he's also rude. I thought maybe I just caught him in a bad time but whatever. That rudeness made me more persistent. And I told myself I'll be his shadow until he gets tired of me and have no choice but to do an interview for me just so I'll leave him alone. Well, my EIC gave me the whole 2 months to finish this assignment.



I heard that every sunday he doesn't have training and he just stay in his house all-day. So again. I went there for a visit and of course to convince him again. As usual, he shut me off when he saw me in his front door. And when he got annoyed to my knocking, he open the door.

"How many times do I have to tell you, Ms. Quinto that I will never allowed uou to interview me." he said darkly.

"Mr. Guzman, it's unfair that you already judge me and refused that fast. Why can't you just hear me out?"

"Why can't you also understand that I don't want someone asking questions about me, my personal life."

"But I told you that I'll not ask questions that you don't like." I firmly said. "Please, Mr. Guzman, why don't you give it a shot?"

"No, Ms. Quinto and that's final. If you want to stay there for as long as you want, then stay for as long as you like. Be my guest." and then he shut his door again.

I felt so much frustration that I sat at the front of his house for a couple of minutes. The urge of wanting to strung his neck is so huge I have to restrained myself. I've never met a guy whose like that to be honest. So stubborn, arrogant and close-minded. I've always thought that I already been with different kinds of people but I've never been with a guy like Mikey Kurt Guzman. I'm beginning to lose my patience to him and give it up. But my ego doesn't want me too. There must be a way so that I can convince him, and I'll find that way I swear.



"SO how's it going Jara?" My auntie asked me as I went home that afternoon.

"Still the same. I still didn't convince him." I shrugged and drink a glass of water. "Gosh, I'm getting tired of it."

"Oh. Don't lose your patience, Jara. I know with persistence, you can get an interview with him."

"I just hope so, auntie." I sighed.



FOR the following days, my routine became the same. Every morning, I went to Mikey's house and join him when he do his morning jog but as usual he just ignored me. At afternoon, I'm waiting for him to arrived at his house. Sometimes I can't believe myself for doing this, chasing after a man. And he's not even a prospective lover or boyfriend for that matter. Yes, he's handsome that I got tongue-tied when I first saw him and famous but he's not my type. He's so out of reach I may say. But the, I've come this far to stop and I know I'll get what I wanted, I'm crossing my finger.

I didn't had a chance to go to Mikey's house the following morning because something came up from the office. And tonight, I'm waiting for him to arrive. I don't want him to think that I already gave up. Actually, I'm waiting here for 3 hours now. I didn't understand because he always went home at 7 pm and now it's already 10 pm. But for the life of me, I still not went home and wait for him.

11pm 12am 1am

I didn't realize that it's already 1 in the morning because I slept. I slept at Mikey's front door, for goodness sake. I became ashamed of myself and hope that no one saw me which I doubted. I'm getting ready to go home and waiting for a taxi, but after 30 minutes I never saw any sigle taxi. "Shoot! How will I go home?" I blamed my VIP subject for this. My neck is aching for sleeping at the front door of his house. And now, I can't go home. "What a life! Why is this happening to me?!" Then, I heard my stomach crumble. And I realized that I didn't ate supper. My only chance, I guess is to wait for Mikey to go home. I just hope that he will go home or else I'll spend the rest of the time outside his house.


-to be continued-

"Poem of Forever"

I was mending a broken heart
  Thought he was the one but not.
Feeling so miserable and fool
  Realizing, I was living a lie at all.

Thinking that love i just a farce
  Coz it always leave me alone and crushed.
Giving up always comes to mind
  Knowing, it's the best option of any kind.

Said to myself that enough is enough
  Even deep inside, I know it's a bluff.
Still having a hard time to believe,
  When you came and made my heart leap.

You showed me that I can be happy,
  That being sad is not suited for me.
You allowed me to heal from the past,
  Giving me your love with no bounds.

I know falling in love with you is easy,
  Because I feel you're not just like any.
So, in just a snap, you had my heart
  Allowing myself to take another shot.

There's still many things ahead of us,
  Challenges and bumpy roads.
I know we'll get past that
  Just always hold to my hand.

I will never regret loving you,
  Coz it's one of the best thing I do.
This poem is my proof of forever,
  And I promise to love you ever after.

~>un0h-rai jam

"Feelings of a Hopeful One" (part2)

Goodbye, my beloved one. 
Even if it pains me, I have to go on. 
It really saddens me to say this 
Coz I even see u as my groom. 

Darn. If wishes can be true, 
I still wish to be with u. 
I don't know how to start this 
But I know it's for the best. 


Goodbye, my dearest one. 
I hate this but we've grown apart. 
I still hope at the back of my mind 
Someday we can be, you and I. 

Everytime I remember u, I cry 
Trying to hold back the tears but nigh. 
I guess, for now, this is for the better 
We'll never know, maybe there's "we" in the future. 

~>un0h-rai jam

"Feelings of a Hopeful One" (part1)

Contented being all alone, 
Made my heart hard as stone. 
Never asking for something more, 
That's what I am before. 

Then u came and made my heart beat. 
So loud, I can't even breathe. 
U made me realize and see, 
That there's still a lot for me. 

Everything's fine, I thought. 
Just being with u is what I sought. 
However, u had someone else with u 
And it really hurt me, u know. 

Until now my heart is still breaking. 
Sometimes seeing myself crying. 
I don't know how long this will last 
But I have to move on, I must. 

Maybe someday we will be together 
And make our own happy ever after. 
For now, I have to go and live my life. 
Until the next time and goodbye. 

~>un0h-rai jam

"Waiting"

They say, patience is a virtue
And that is what I know.
Good things come to those who wait
So, I'm here don't want to be late.

I just want someone whose true
And will always be faithful to you.
Who will be the one to catch you
And someone who'll never forsake you.

Now, patiently, I'm still hoping
You'll see me waiting.
And if the day comes you're here,
I promise to hold on to you forever.

~>un0h-rai jam

"All About Him"

Late at night I wonder
On my pillow I ponder.

Are u the one destined for me?
Or just another case of misery?


I remember the first time I saw you,
You made me experience something new.

My heart went crazy like boom,
It's as if it said you'd be my groom.


You made me smile with just your smile,
It is as if I can reach the sky.

You made me watch in all you do,
Even it's so useless I want to puke.


With you, I can be the true me
Accepted it as long as I'm happy.

You made me realize my faults,
Embraced it without second thoughts.


No matter what this feelings hold
I know it's precious as gold.

The future will always be unknown
But happiness with you, this I know.

~>un0h-rai jam

"Just Another Poem of Letting Go"

Staring at my bedroom window 
Thinking of the best thing to do. 
I knew I should let go, 
Even though my heart says "no". 

All the good times we had, 
Will always be at my side. 
The crying and pain I got, 
Will be the lessons I've marked. 

It's time for us to be apart 
You know it's not that I want. 
But neither of us needed time 
Time, to set things right. 

Maybe someday or somehow it can be 
We'll never know our destiny. 
Remember these word I'll say: 
You'll always be a part of me. 

~>un0h-rai jam

"Umbrella"

Alone in the night 
With no one in sight 
Just a notebook on my side 
And a ballpen in hand. 


Thinking what to do 
Cause I'm missing you. 
Then, suddenly the rain fall 
It reminded me that you are my all. 


Since the day you came, 
My life is never the same. 
Since the day you shared your umbrella, 
You captured my heart like 'voila'. 


Under your umbrella, I knew 
The one I'm waiting for is you. 
Under the rain, I saw 
The future will only be with you. 


Now that we're together 
I know it will be forever. 
Under your umbrella, rain or shine 
My love for you will never die. 

~> un0h-rai ツ

"The Lady with Unknown Face"

In a town called Halmshire, there lived a girl who is aloof and very shy. The townspeople never saw the girl's face ever since she moved in their town 6 years ago.

Her everyday needs is supplied by people she pay but even them never saw her face. Because of that, the townspeople are intrigued by the lady. And they call her 'lady with unknown face'.

What people don't know, that lady's name is Gertrude. She is cursed by a witch who is envious of her beauty and kindness that make her popular and loved by the people in her hometown. And because of that curse, Gertrude became ugly and mocked by people that make her leave her hometown. To break the curse, Gertrude must found someone who will love her despite of her ugliness and see what truly Gertrude is despite of that ugly facade.

Many years have passed, Gertrude have moved in different towns but she still never found that someone who can break the curse. And every town she went, all she heard is their mockery because of her ugliness. She already lose hope, that's why she never left the town of Halmshire 6 years ago and never showed her face to the townspeople because she's afraid that she will be mocked again.

Until then, the people in Halmshire often heard someone playing the flute. And they know it came from the house of the lady with unknown face. She played her flute every night and the people loved her playing. They wished that someday, they will see the face of the flute-player.

Then, one day a group of bandits went to Halmshire. They snatched the town's food, animals and even burned a number of houses. And the people can't do anything but let the bandits do what they want so they can leave.

Gertrude heard the news, naturally with kind and compassionate heart, she set aside her fears and insecurities and helped the people. With the use of a veil, she hid her face and went to town to lend a hand.

The people are thankful to the lady with unknown face. Even though she doesn't have enough resources to supply the people's needs, with the help of her flute she eased the people's wounded hearts and shattered pride.

The people learned to love the lady with unknown face. They always went to her house and give her fruits and vegetables as a sign of their gratitude of what she did. Gertrude is so happy but she knew deep inside her that the townspeople will change their opinion of her if they saw her face.

The witch who cursed Gertrude heard that the people of Halmshire are getting kinder to her. She's afraid that the curse will be broken, so she went to the said town. She spread malicious gossips about Gertrude to remove the people's affection to her.

But the witch didn't win, the people are still affectionate to Gertrude. So, the witch gather the townspeople and told them that she will unmasked her face.

So, the witch alongside with the townspeople went to Gertrude's house. Gertrude is surprised. And the witch, grab that oppurtunity and remove her veil.

The people are surprised in what they saw. They saw a beautiful innocent-looking lady. The witch got angry because she didn't know when and how the curse is lifted.

Then, a lady dressed in beautiful white gown went to them and said that the curse is long lifted since the day Gertrude helped the townspeople. Because in that day, someone which is the people of Halmshire, learned to love her even though they didn't know her face. Gertrude is so surprise to heard that. Ever since the curse, she never bother to look at herself in the mirror that's why she never knew that the curse is gone.

The witch run amuck and used her powers to kill Gertrude. But the people never allowed that. They grab the witch and tie her. The lady dressed in white gown removed the witch's power and sent her to a place very faraway to the town of Halmshire. Gertrude is thankful to the lady and especially to the townspeople. And to express her heart-felt gratitude, she played a beautiful melody in her flute.

Since then, Gertrude and the people live harmoniously together. And Gertrude found the true meaning of love. A love that doesn't see the outside but only see what's the most important, the inside. And having a kind and compassionate heart has more worth than any beautiful face in the world. 

~>un0h-rai jam

"L-O-V-E??"

There's powerful thing than love
It can make u smile and soar above.

It can take u anywhere u want,
It can make u weep and sad.

It can make u sacrifice,
It can even make u compromise.

It can make u conquer highest mountains,
Even save u from ur anxieties.

It can make u see what u are
It can even lead u to ur heart's desire.

Love is really weird, I guess
It is something that can take u to bliss..

~>un0h-rai jam

Bai Juyi x Unoh-Rai

"Feelings Awakened by Mirror"

My beautiful one gave it to me when we parted,
but I leave the mirror in its box.
Since his flowering left my sight,
autumn waters have no more lotus blooms.
For year's I've never opened the box;
red dusts coats the mirror's green bronze.
This morning I took it out and wiped it off,
peered into at my haggard face,
and, done peering, went on to ponders sadly
our sweet memories then again...
- Bai Juyi

"Mga Ala-Ala sa Salamin"

Ito'y binigay sa akin ng aking mahal nang siya'y lumisan,
at itinago ang salamin sa kanyang lalagyan.
Nang siya'y di ko na nakita,
tagtuyot, at wala ng bulaklak ang mamukadkad pa.
Ilang taon kong ito'y di binuksan;
pulang alikabok dito ay nanahan.
Nitong umaga'y, ginalaw at nilinisan,
at ito'y itinapat sa abang mukha,
doo'y nakita at malungkot na naalala
mga masasayang ala-ala naming dalawa...
~> Un0h-Rai

"Memories in the Rain"

Rain are always special I suppose,
'Cause it's when I first hear your voice.
Till then I can't help but think of u
And all the things u do.
Slowly, I'm falling in love with u,
Wishin' that u feel it too...

But u leave very unexpectedly
Tell me, why, why u went away?
So now, I am here, alone and crying,
Watching raindrops falling.
As they help me rememberin'
You and ur memories back then...

~>un0h-rai jam

"Sa Duyan"

Isang dapit-hapon,
Ako'y nakabantay.
Umaasang ikaw ay nariyan
Hanggang ngayon ay naghihintay.

Sa aking duyan,
Ako'y umaasa.
Na isang araw ikaw ay dumaan
Ngitian kahit saglit, ako ay masaya na.

Araw o gabi,
Umulan man o hindi.
Sa aking duyan laging nakamasid
Para sa iyong muling pagbabalik.

Hindi mo alam,
O wala mang pakielam.
Ikaw ay matagal ng iniibig
Sa iyong pagmamahal ako'y sabik.

Ngunit isang araw,
Ako'y nabulahaw.
Habang sa duyan at patuloy na nakahiga,
Nalaman na ika'y may mahal ng iba.

Labis na nasaktan,
Ako'y naguluhan.
Inisip na ako ay may pag-asa,
Pero ito ay nawalang parang bula.

Nang biglaan,
Bumuhos ang ulan.
Kasabay nito'y pagbuhos ng luha
Na hindi naitago sa labis na pagluksa.

Sa aking duyan,
Nagmahal at nasaktan.
Pero ito ay buong-puso pa ring tinanggap.
At sa aking duyan ay patuloy pa ring mangangarap.

~> un0h-rai *jam* ツ