The Wheel and Axle

So last Sunday, we arrived in Bali from Manila for a week’s getaway in Indonesia. Our itinerary consists of two nights in Bali (specifically in Ubud and the surrounding areas), three nights in Flores Island (about an hour’s flight from Bali), then finally another two nights in Bali (this time in Seminyak).

The first time I was in Indonesia was when I went to Jakarta in 2016. Jakarta is very much like Manila, only larger. And just like Manila, it’s a business capital. It’s very cosmopolitan and – save for some cultural tourist spots like the Istiqlal Mosque, Kota Tua (a.k.a. Old Batavia; think Intramuros, only Dutch-influenced), and several museums – really more of a gateway into the country to get to more touristy destinations.

Bali is quite the contrast. It’s significantly more laidback and, if I’ll be honest, has a greater cultural feel. It’s also different from the rest of the country in that it’s the only Hindu-majority area as opposed to Muslim-majority. You can almost feel an old world vibe that comes from a pre-colonial time. Sure, it’s modernized as well, but this is a place where you can really immerse yourself, take time to reflect, and enjoy.

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Seriously, I want to be these guys. One speaks 35 languages (and understands even more than that), while the other is learning 18 languages and already has 15 languages in common with the first guy. That is not an easy feat.

Perhaps it’s never too late to learn more languages and become a polyglot. It would certainly be a very awesome way to acquire more knowledge, and it’s definitely even more awesome in action if one loves to travel. Let’s see.

I just love this clip that showed up on my newsfeed recently. Apparently, it’s from a Thai TV series called Slam Dance, which now I need to watch in full. With subtitles, hopefully.

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Atom Araullo making his feature film debut in a movie by a re-emerging Mike De Leon (the Mike De Leon)… I’m in!

Sometimes, I can’t believe it’s been over three years since that first writing workshop by Jessica Zafra. I was lucky to be part of that first batch, and not only did I learn a lot (and finish the first draft of my first novel), but I made lots of new friends that I still keep in touch with. We still occasionally hang out for coffee, conversations about books and more, or just catch up. Some of us formed and still run The Library Underground; although the site is dead (personally, I think a revival is in order), the social media accounts are still alive.

If you think all that’s great and want to see what it’s like to learn from a master slash the dominatrix of the universe, well, you’re in luck! Jessica has run several successful workshops after our batch, and she has another one this July!

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Damn right, Tyra. That’s talent.

Time for a de-stress. 👍🏻 It’s a bit rainy, but it’s still beautiful. Let’s see what the next few days have in store for us. First stop: Villa Sarna, just outside Ubud.

This short video from Ministry of Funny could very well be the spiritual sister of UP Babaylan’s anniversary book from a few years back, Anong Pangalan Mo Sa Gabi? at iba pang tanong sa mga LGBT (What Do You Call Yourself At Night? and other questions for LGBTs).

In the clip, the interviewers asks random straight people (in the streets of Singapore, apparently) some questions commonly asked of LGBT people. The hilarious squirminess and/or bewilderment of the straights should make anyone realize just how inappropriate or foolish asking these questions can be when directed at non-straights.

Enjoy and learn.

From the opening credits of Wonder Woman

Because the true superhero legends are about to rise.

Really, these Thai boys. They just make your day.