Nov. 11, 2011 at 9:18pm
Loi Krathong. Views from my balcony tonight: Below, biker boys on their usual Friday drinking session but with fireworks. Above, sky lit with lanterns and fireworks that resemble shooting stars; Doi Suthep temple lights have company. Last night, the people of Mae Sot were polluting the streets, sky and river with their wishes and glee. We let Thailand enjoy this week. Much love to Bangkok, especially to my two friends there.

Loi Krathong. Views from my balcony tonight: Below, biker boys on their usual Friday drinking session but with fireworks. Above, sky lit with lanterns and fireworks that resemble shooting stars; Doi Suthep temple lights have company. Last night, the people of Mae Sot were polluting the streets, sky and river with their wishes and glee. We let Thailand enjoy this week. Much love to Bangkok, especially to my two friends there.

Oct. 15, 2011 at 10:45am
Costume days are for my mother.

Costume days are for my mother.

Sep. 5, 2011 at 10:34pm with 1 note
I have a home.

I have a home.

Aug. 28, 2011 at 8:57am
This is for the mothers who are too busy for motherly counsel. And their kids who cartwheeled through life because they could. I thank my mother for raising me with “bahala ka” (“do what you will”). Can I play with the neighbors? Bahala ka. Is it okay if I don’t wear that dress or any dress ever? Bahala ka. Should I be a lawyer? Bahala ka. Can I leave you forever? Bahala ka. It has taken me from the barangays of Samar and Agusan to the villages of Ratanakiri and Steung Trang, and has allowed me to listen to people’s stories and translate them to what I call the language of the powerful. You know how rockstars and sports heroes always tell us to pursue our life’s passions? I guess that’s what I’ve been doing. But it wasn’t them I listened to. I listened to my mother when she just couldn’t be bothered to think of firm yeses and nos, and just decided to let us go with bahala ka. I always took that as a yes. (Photo: The women of Steung Trang telling their stories of dam devastation so their kids and the kids of their kids could do as they will.)

This is for the mothers who are too busy for motherly counsel. And their kids who cartwheeled through life because they could.

I thank my mother for raising me with “bahala ka” (“do what you will”). Can I play with the neighbors? Bahala ka. Is it okay if I don’t wear that dress or any dress ever? Bahala ka. Should I be a lawyer? Bahala ka. Can I leave you forever? Bahala ka.

It has taken me from the barangays of Samar and Agusan to the villages of Ratanakiri and Steung Trang, and has allowed me to listen to people’s stories and translate them to what I call the language of the powerful. You know how rockstars and sports heroes always tell us to pursue our life’s passions? I guess that’s what I’ve been doing. But it wasn’t them I listened to. I listened to my mother when she just couldn’t be bothered to think of firm yeses and nos, and just decided to let us go with bahala ka.

I always took that as a yes.

(Photo: The women of Steung Trang telling their stories of dam devastation so their kids and the kids of their kids could do as they will.)

Jul. 3, 2011 at 3:14pm
For sale at the night market in Luang Prabang. I wonder how the idea was pitched to the Wall Hanging Designs Department.

For sale at the night market in Luang Prabang. I wonder how the idea was pitched to the Wall Hanging Designs Department.

Jun. 23, 2011 at 9:51am
The fasten seatbelt light was already off at this point. That was how high we were.

The fasten seatbelt light was already off at this point. That was how high we were.

Jun. 20, 2011 at 5:17pm with 1 note
IKR. (Makati, June 17, 2011)

IKR. (Makati, June 17, 2011)

Jun. 13, 2011 at 11:58am
This illustrates the 7-year age difference, which is no longer apparent. HAPPY 25TH BIRTHDAY, BONG! Your turn to travel, my turn to visit. (My laptop can’t access Bookface in Vietnam.)

This illustrates the 7-year age difference, which is no longer apparent.

HAPPY 25TH BIRTHDAY, BONG! Your turn to travel, my turn to visit. (My laptop can’t access Bookface in Vietnam.)

Apr. 19, 2011 at 2:10am with 1 note
This is for the tired and the dreamers.

This is for the tired and the dreamers.

Apr. 12, 2011 at 1:25am
Set for 2068. Happy new year, Nepal! (Yes Bong, they survived their 2012.)

Set for 2068. Happy new year, Nepal!

(Yes Bong, they survived their 2012.)