USS Indianapolis: Men of Courage - A tragic tale of heroism

USS Indiniapolis: Men of Courage tells the ill fated story of the heavy cruises of the same name. With World War 2 nearing it's end, USS Indiniapolis was secretly given a mission by the Admirals reporting directly to the President of the USA to deliver top secret package to Tinian, Guam alone. Unescorted by any US warship which could spot enemy submarines, USS Indiniapolis sailed to Tinian, Guam at full speed to deliver uranium and other parts of Little Boy, the atomic first dropped at Nagasaki, Japan which ultimately ended the war at the Pacific.

USS Indianapolis skipper, Capt. McVay, played by Nicolas Cage, when given the order has had a hunch that what they will deliver will change the course of the war at Pacific and pushed through. With 1,172 crew on board, the cruiser upon delivering the package at Tinian was still denied escorts before sailing to Leyte, Philippines to disembark its fresh Marines who will undergo training therein. 6 days prior to sailing towards its mission, USS Underhill, a light cruiser was also sunk in the same seas by an Imperial Japanses Navy (IJN) torpedo. This crucial information was also withheld by the higher Navy officers to McVay. To them, USS Indianapolis' end goal was to deliver safely the package. They believe that giving them escort would only attract enemy submarines to target them thus jeopardizing the whole mission.

While sailing en route to Leyte on the night of June 30, 1945, IJN sub spotted the heavy cruiser and fired 6 torpedoes with two of it hitting the cruiser underneath causing massive damage and death among the crew. McVay this time had followed protocols such as assess the damage, send out SSS or call for help, declare abandon ship, and assist the crew to leave premises before USS Indianapolis finally sinks. Within 12 minutes after being torpedoed, the cruiser met its fate at the bottom of the sea taking with it 300 men.

In the next scenes, the survivors including McVay endured hunger, thirst, hypothermia, salt water poisoning, infection of sustained injuries, and the worst of all, being eaten by sharks. McVay displayed courage and strength helping his crewmen and assuring them that help will soon arrive. He administered morphine to those severely injured, and shared with everyone their remaining rations of Spam. Of the 800 strong and alive men that jumped out the sea, only 301 survived after being rescued on their fifth day at sea. The saddest part is that, had the rescue arrived that same night after the cruiser was sunk, it is a great possibility that all of these 800 men could have survived. According to their US Naval history, such loss of life in USS Indianapolis had been the worse since after Pearl Harbor bombing in December 8, 1941.

What sucks even more is that despite the 3 distress calls received in Leyte no help arrived, The commanding officer dismissed even the captain's distress call believing the Japanese were just trying to lure them. Others simply explained there had been a miscommunication since USS Indianapolis journey was top secret. It had been by miracle that a plane doing a routine patrolling spotted hundreds of these men afloat in the open sea that the rescue finally arrived. What if no plane did a routine patrolling? All these brave souls could have perished with no news about the USS Indianapolis' tragic fate ever making it out in public.

With this tragedy finally surfacing on the newspapers, the Navy simply blamed the sinking of USS Indianiapolis as the fault of it's captain, McVay for failing to zigzag the cruiser which could have avoided the torpedo, and for failing to call abandon ship on time. The poor skipper who already endured so much in the open sea had been crucified and became their scapegoat just to cover up their inadequacies and poor decisions which had cost the life of hundreds of young men aboard the cruiser. McVay was court martialed, ridiculed, and harassed by the relatives of those who died aboard his commanding ship who relentlessly sent him hate letters and phone calls. Although his men strongly testified to his innocence, dedication, and courage to their survival, he was found guilty of hazarding the ship for failing to zigzag the night it sunk.

Bearing the guilt of his men's death for years, losing his wife Louise's to cancer, and still being harassed by both media and the casualties' relatives, McVay took his own life in early 1960's using his Navy issued pistol at his home in Connecticut. I found it sickening to the core that the real hero was stripped of his dignity by those imbeciles. One of his men even said, they should be building a monument for his heroism. To me, he is a hero not for faithfully carrying out his mission to deliver the atomic bomb's parts, but for standing up and selflessly helping his men when they were all just trying to survive out in the unforgiving and dangerous Philippine seas.

If it may be of any consolation, McVay was exonerated and cleared of any Naval record in 2000 in a bill passed by the US Senate and signed by then President Bill Clinton through the efforts of a young boy named Harvey Scott who researched and lobbied for McVay's innocence. The US government could have done that decades earlier, but refused to do so for they did not want to be blamed for their wrong decisions. Had he been exonerated earlier, then the lonely hero could probably not have committed suicide.

I also wish that this film be patronized by our new generation. Many have forgotten about the sacrifices made by these brave men for us to enjoy our present rights and liberty. I was deeply saddened to know that after a short lived showing in cinemas, it was altogether pulled out. No amount of money could repay the debts we owe to their bravery, and I believe the least the young millenials could do is acknowledge and honor their bravery by watching these modern World War 2 classic drama. Kudos to the producers for making poignant and inspiring films like this. Keep doing these kind of films. I don't think we will ever run out of stories of bravery and courage by our real life heroes from the WW1 and WW2.

The Story of the Courageous Medic: Hacksaw Ridge

Last night I watched Hacksaw Ridge, a war drama evocatively portraying the courage and compassion exemplified by Desmond Doss, played by Andrew Garfield, in the decisive battle of the US Marines versus Japs in Okinawa, Japan during World War 2. The title Hacksaw Ridge is the cliff 400 high just beyond the Okinawa shores. On this battlefield lies the underground tunnels and quarters of the seemingly inextinguishable Japanese Imperial Army. Given this geographical feature of the Hacksaw Ridge, the Japs had the advantage. In this battlefield, Doss remained to tend and rescue his soldier comrades trapped and injured to climb back down to the plains.

The film was remarkable. Mel Gibson's comeback in directorial deserves an Oscar award so does the actors in it. Garfield was tremendous. You can definitely feel his emotions and his faith will move you. His friend Smitty, played by Luke Bracey, was really good, too. The way Bracey wore his US Marines uniform was perfect. He looked pretty much like those US Marines who fought in Vietnam War. At the boot camp, I can't help but laugh at Sergeant Glover. He shouts monikers and commands too hilarious not to laugh at. Doss had a pretty rough time at training due to his moral and religious beliefs. He is a 7th Day Adventist, and personal reasons made him promise to never fire any gun. He was taunted, beaten to give up but remained steadfast to his goal. I almost cried when he tried to wear his uniform after being brutally beaten up by his squad mates on his sleep. 

What his comrades did not expect is that the person they believed to be useless in the battlefield for refusing to shoot turned out to be the bravest of them all after saving the lives of 75 other wounded soldiers: American or Japanese. As his captain had told him, he did more than anyone ever had in this war. 

I know I am typing random thoughts about this movie. I just can't find the words to describe it. All I want to do is just watch this movie again. This morning I told daddy, my father in law, that he should watch the film as well. He got excited hearing it's also about World War 2. We share the same interests in war movies especially in WW1 & WW2 history. His father, my husband's grandfather also served as a medic while my grandfather in my papa's side was a scout ranger/soldier during WW2 here in the Philippines. Both were war veterans. Too few of the WW2 veterans were left now, and I keep wanting to hear more about their stories.

Rings Movie Review

WARNING: SPOILER ALERT!

SYNOPSIS: 

Rings is set in the modern times 8 years after Samara first unleashed her curse through the damned video. Julia, played by Jessica Alba’s younger doppelganger, Matilda Lutz selflessly sacrificed herself to save her boyfriend Holt, played by actor Alex Roe, Evan Walker from The 5th Wave, after the latter has watched the video sent by his classmate. It was shown here that Gabriel, Holt's professor, was able to find a solution how one can live past the 7 days prescription period set by Samara to those who unwittingly has seen the video. All they have to do is find someone who will serve as their tail, a person who will watch the video for them to pass on the curse. 

After Julia voluntarily watched the video to become Holt’s tail which effectively saved him, things went awry. They found out that Julia’s video is different. Of course only Julia watched it twice! It had been modified with additional images of bird, an old church, and a snake devouring its own tail forming a circle. As Gabriel puts it, a video within a video. WTF? So now ghosts can edit film in an instant? Moreover, Julia nor Holt or Gabriel didn't receive the eerie "7 days" call after she watched it again. Even Julia’s markings and visions appeared earlier compared to others poor ones who watched the video. In addition to that, Julia can no longer have someone watch the video for her to be saved since it appears that Samara’s ghost chose Julia to unlock her mystery. 

Julia, convinced that Samara is trying to tell her something pieced together the clues from the images of the new video. This made the couple search for answers about how Julia can also be saved. Before setting their journey, Gabriel handed out his research about Samara's early life. Samara even killed Gabriel by electrocuting him after a car accident when the latter tried to warn Julia and Holt after decoding the markings in Julia's right palm as Braille. Based from Gabriel's research, Samara was adopted, her real parents were unknown, and while growing up, her adoptive parents believed she was from the devil thus her mother killed her before jumping off a cliff. Their journey to Samara's old town is the part of the film where it the backstory of Samara Morgan was untold; her origins or her true parents, how, and why she started the curse. 

Samara is actually Burke's daughter, a former priest who kidnapped Evelyn, Samara's red-headed, and talented church violinist teenage mother. Burke held Evelyn captive under the church bell tower's hidden chamber to serve as his sex slave thus impregnating her. Based from Julia's visions, Samara's mother is too young to be pregnant. According to Burke, he has always wanted to father a child. However, Evelyn possibly after becoming depressed and delusional from more than 9 months of captivity, tried to kill her own child. It is unclear though how her real mother died. This is might be one of the reasons why Samara has been given up for adoption aside from the priest trying to protect his deepest, darkest secret. Years later, Samara returned to her old town but as a cold corpse after her adoptive mother had killed her. The priest and townsfolk buried her body in the town's cemetery but transferred it after they experienced flood. To protect himself from Samara's curse, since only thru watching the video can Samara inflict harm, Burke blinded himself, turned away from priesthood, and hid his daughter's remains at his house's walls. In the end, Julia succeeded to free Samara's bones meanwhile the latter's ghost finally killed her father by returning his vision in time for Samara to consume his soul and save Julia from being choked to death. 

Thinking that they finally gave Samara's soul eternal peace thus ending the curse, Julia and Holt cremated her bones, and went on with their lives. Little did they know that it was just the beginning of Samara's unleashing of her deadliest curse. After taking a shower, Julia coughed out a long strand of long hair wherein a new fly was born. Meanwhile, Holt read Gabriel's text message saying Julia's markings are Braille, translated it using Julia's computer which means REBIRT, and unintentionally spread Samara's new video via email to all of Julia's contacts. The film ended with Julia staring at the bathroom window where Samara's ghost also appeared as if finally possessing Julia's body.

REACTION:

I find the solution to survive Samara's curse in the earlier video rather stupid. If things had been that easy then the past films should have been resolved easily as well. It goes against the nature of how the Samara's notorious killing spree succeeded and remained unresolved in the previous films though said video was passed on to watch by other folks. I mean a lot of people could have been saved then if it the solution was that easy. You just need to first, make make a copy of the video after watching it. Second, have someone watch it for you to pass on the curse and then poof, Samara spares your life! 

Moreover, I feel that they tried so hard to come up with Samara’s story it appeared to be written in haste, and impulsive manner which renders her backstory unbelievable and incomplete. It did not relate whatsoever as to how and why Samara acquired immense evil powers, and how she was filled with so much hatred to unleash such curse using a videotape. Does that even exist 30 years ago? It was only Betamax back in 1980's by the way. Although Julia did mention that Samara's mother has suffered, it did not gave us insights how Samara has suffered as a child or showed in what way she appeared evil. The movie did not even mention how Evelyn died and why she has haunted Julia. It lacks these vital details. 

As for the actors portrayal of their characters, it's all good. I actually watched this film primarily because of Alex Roe, and he did not disappoint. He is actually good, and a born natural. Two thumbs up also for Matilda Lutz who proved that one does not need to strip down to get attention and look sexy. No dull scenes or moments in the film overall. 

For the creepy scenes, I didn't shriek in fear nor freaked out. It failed to deliver the chills and shrills unlike its predecessors probably because it focused on telling Samara's history. To sum up, I'd give the film 7/10. 

Some thoughts about The 5th Wave trilogy's characters

Beware for some spoilers!

1) "CASSIE" CASSIOPEIA SULLIVAN 

I finished reading the final and concluding part of the New York Times Bestselling young adult sci-fi, romance, thriller novel The 5th Wave by Rick Yancey. Honestly, I was disappointed that the one of main protagonist, my heroine Cassie Sullivan died by sacrificing herself to blow up the alien mothership now sailing in the outer space. Yancey is really brave writing this even though it's apparent that his young teenage followers will be hell bent on cussing and venting out their frustrations upon Cassie's demise. I'm an adult, and I am no exception to this. In my next post I will try to come up with an alternate ending for The Last Start. When I really can't move on after reading a good book I try to write alternate endings which somewhat helps me take the blues away. Take GOT as example wherein the script writers had already surpassed the author's story based from his novel since last year.

I had loved Cassie's character since the first book. Her POV is really age appropriate that it really felt like I am actually reading from a 16 year old's perspective. She was portrayed by my all time favorite young actress, Chloe Grace Moretz, in it's film adaptation. Suffice it is to say that Cassie is quite petite at 5'4", normal built, strong-willed teenager blessed with perfectly blown-out strawberry blonde curls, and is extremely pretty like Chloe. Some of her negative traits though was she is a little impulsive, immature, sensitive, but caring, dedicated to her family, and loyal. It is unlikely however that she has not fallen in love with Evan Walker. I do believe that girls at such age could easily be swept off of their feet if a hottie with a good heart like Evan Walker would make them feel really special unless such girls are like nuns or lesbians. I mean like who can resist that extra terrestrial hottie regardless if he was a squid in his past life or before the alien's memory was merged into the human Evan's. Though she voluntarily reciprocated Evan's love I just felt that it was not good enough.

However, as the story progressed in the second book The Infinite Sea, Cassie became somewhat annoying. I am trying to understand her frustrations and jealousy since she has been through a lot. Despite her constant denial of Evan as her boyfriend, it is obvious that they are literally like one. She felt jealous and insecure over the other silencer, the svelte model-like Grace. Who won't be? I know I would feel insecure too but I'll set it aside once reunited with Evan. I mean he barely survived from a terrible and life threatening situation after blowing up Wright Patterson military base. I won't be a heartless ass who would bitch about her doubts at Evan. What she should have done was nurse Evan back to health first. They should have cuddled and snuggled like their heart warming moments in The 5th Wave. That's what a logical person would do not nag or interrogate him right away. Despite the catastrophic events brought about by his alien kind, I would never doubt anyone who had risked his own life for me and my little brother. I'd be terribly head over heels to that wonderful guy.

I was kind of confused with her actions when she had sex with Evan in The Last Start. Yes, they finally did the deed! I was like, they should have done that ages ago, though in the film they actually did it in an abandoned car in the forest. She said she wants to do it with someone she cares for, not necessarily someone she loves. I think aside from her teenage hormones raging uncontrollably, the thought that any day might be their last prompted her to engage into having sex with the initially disinterested Evan. Evan's refusal too must have posed as a challenge for Cassie as well. He kind of played hard to get at first. I guess out of pure love and possibly because he, too, was inexperienced when it comes to bedding women. Later on, he just raised his hands on the side of his head as if he finally surrendered himself to Cassie's carnal pleasures. Cassie enjoyed herself despite being a virgin. Reading between the too literal lines, Cassie was on top of Evan! Wild! It didn't help that Evan had just taken a shower, groomed himself really clean and smelled musky and manly with an aftershave. I just wish they had more sexy moments to finally knock up Cassie. The earth just dwindled its human population from billions to just a couple thousands so they better reproduce! 👪

In the last book, I fell in love with Cassie's character even more when she embraced her humanity and stood up for the 7 billion casualties and the remaining survivors. Her heart definitely is the biggest among the characters in the series. She was the most selfless, courageous, noble character in the novel despite her superficial and at times childish attitude. Probably sacrificing herself had a positive effect in a way. She redeemed herself from being stubborn, self-righteous, temperamental and ungrateful at times to becoming a hero who has saved humanity. She really is my favorite. 

 

2) EVAN WALKER 

He is the personification of a perfect human being; perfect in every way, except that he is not fully human, or so they thought. Evan Walker is terribly handsome; his brown hair and eyes with the color of melted chocolate are too difficult even for Cassie not to admire. I literally got knee weak when the hunk British new comer Alex Roe portrayed Evan Walker. He fits the bill! He is tall and masculine at 6" with strong arms that could always protect and make Cassie feel safe. Before the arrival, he was a diligent farm boy who would always help his father around their country side house. Hard labor did not take its toll on Evan's hands that have remained baby soft with neat cuticles. Personal hygiene and cleanliness are number one in his how to stay human list. He is family oriented and really loves his sisters even though there's a part of his consciousness that is out of this world roused when he reached 13. That's when he learned that he was destined to become a predator who would kill humans once the mothership arrives. He had been lonely and has felt so alone since then.

The only difference Evan actually has compared to normal humans is that he has heightened skills and senses, like a superhuman. They can see, think, hear, smell, run, heal, and move 10x faster thanks to the gifts bestowed upon the chosen humans by the Others. Evan was already a killer fulfilling his mission when he came across Cassie. Her beauty and solitude peaked his interest. Initially, he would just stalk his prey, delaying her execution by telling himself he needs to find out if she has other people to meet, ergo, more kills for the day. He keeps rationalizing why he cannot kill her yet until he finally realized that he had fallen in love with the lonely girl in the woods. Evan felt that Cassie was just like him. Thus, the need to protect her became his mission.

Others might call him creeper for being a love sick alien who is caring and overprotective of Cassie. What caught their irate is the fact that he privately reads Cassie's journal whenever she leaves her tent foraging food. It is indeed unforgivable to read someone's journal because as Cassie would say, even though Evan has bathed her and nursed her when she was unconsciously, Evan only saw her naked body (Truth is, Evan shuts his eyes whenever he bathes or undress Cassie). However, reading her journal is like delving into her soul. Actually, Evan reading the journal has been Cassie's lifesaver. It was when Evan read it that he understood and realized how Cassie was just as lonely as him. 

I fell in love with his character. Who won't go nuts over such caring, handsome, sweet-talker extra terrestrial hottie? He loves Cassie unconditionally, and found his purpose of protecting her and her loved ones at any cost even if it meant annihilating his kind. The Others had no cure for love therefore the power Cassie has over him is overwhelming. He should have knocked up Cassie. What's with the playing hard to get when Cassie started mauling him? They need to procreate, and who won't want to see their cute babies? You gotta those perfect genes Evan! Talk about improvement of humankind. 😆

3) BEN PARISH aka ZOMBIE

Ben Parish is this funny and cute boy next door type who is secretly drooled over by Cassie for years during the pre-Arrival stage. Nick Robinson suits Ben Parish just right. However, he appears to be really sweet that he doesn't seem like a player or has had plenty of girlfriends if you will just look at his innocent looking face. I'd say Beau Mirchoff, known as Matty McKibben of MTV's Awkward could have been the perfect Ben Parish. 

Ben is actually popular jock back in his high school who with one smile can send shivers down any girls' spine. Cassie fell for it, too even keeping a yearbook photo of him months after the Arrival. Although he and Cassie went to the same school since toddlers, he never really noticed Cassie. It's definitely not because Cassie is not that pretty but because Ben is just used to girls approaching him, and Cassie was not that type. He actually had reservations to trusting Evan Walker stating it is rather absurd to betray Evan's kind just for a girl. 

Ben was nicknamed Zombie after barely surviving the 3rd wave of infestation. He was close to choking from his own plague caused by the Red Death when he was taken from his refugee camp and drafted in the Wright Patterson Military Base. He is actually one lucky guy having survived 4 series of near death experiences: the infestation, gunshot wound from Ringer, sniper shot from a senile silencer, and the bombing at the Urbana Caverns. As Sergeant of Squad 53, Ben exemplified good leadership traits and dedication to his mates. He has a witty sense of humor which is even though some of his jokes are pretty dumb at times still seems too hard not to laugh at. However, this has no effect whatsoever to his love interest, Ringer. Whenever tensions rise, Ben is always there to break the ice. 

Despite his seemingly bubbly demeanor, he has been keeping a painful experience since he left home. He is trying to run away from the ghosts of his family particularly his 5 year old baby sister; same age as Sam. After the first 2 waves wreaked havoc on earth, looting and crimes have been rampant. Shortly after being tasked by his father to take care of his mom and sister, his parents and little sister were massacred before his very eyes by burglars. Ben almost died too but upon gaining momentum chose to runaway without returning to see if his sister had lived. The thought of leaving her has haunted him. This was the reason he had been really tight with Sam, Cassie's little brother, and the rest of the Squad 53. 

4) MARIKA KIMURA aka RINGER

Of all the 16 year old characters in The 5th Wave, Ringer has the most unbelievable traits. She doesn't sound like a teenager at all but more of a 40 year old lady who has been honed by good by bad experiences in life. In the movie she was portrayed by the spunky Maika Monroe. I actually loved her badass portrayal of Ringer. She is gifted with a pixie face, and dark deep set eyes, flawless pale skin that Cassie noticed has no visible pores at all, and straight black hair. However, in the book Ringer is actually 3/4 Asian. Based from her surname she sounds more of Japanese ancestry with 1/4 Caucasian blood. I'm trying to look for anything Asian in Maika Monroe's features but there is none unfortunately. One weird thing about Ringer too is that she never smiles. That is just unbelievable for teenagers. Even the most serious, methodical, calculated, and intelligent weirdos do smile at any given chance. 

Her features alone already caught Ben's attention while they were training at Wright Patterson Military Base. But what really made her stand out among the rest is her uncanny ability to stay firm and unfazed by the problems and challenges that come their way. She is strong and brave in combat yet fears one thing, making promises that she thinks she will not be able to fulfill given the perils they face on a daily basis. She admits that she is good at pretending everything in her life seems perfect though it really is the opposite. When she was a younger child, her mother left her and her artist father. Since then his father who is also a drunk depended on her for support. 

Her maturity, decisiveness, bravery, and strength are probably what prompted Col. Vosch to choose her to receive their gift of invincibility thru the 12th System. This made Ringer literally a superhuman. Bearing a child with Razor, her caregiver in The Infinite Sea will surely be beneficial for humankind because her baby will also inherit her powerful genes. Although she trusts Zombie, it is still unclear if she reciprocates the feeling he has for her. She finds him cute and funny, but never showed any interest in him even at the end of the series. I find that too odd as well. You see, when you only socialize with the same equally attractive member of the opposite sex, you are most likely to feel infatuated then eventually fall in love with that person. In Ringer's case, like Cassie, she also denies her and control her feelings. Believe me, it doesn't happen in the real world. 

5. SAM SULLIVAN aka NUGGET

Sam is Cassie's 5 year old brother who has been her reason de eittre to live. He was a sweet and prayerful little boy who dearly loves Cassie but was forced to neglect his childhood and prayers after being drafted in the military. Sam has been Cassie's inspiration to keep fighting and living even though many times she would have given up in life. Without Sam, Cassie obviously would not have made it that far after witnessing their father's murder in the hands of Col. Vosch. 

One thing I like about Sam is that he seems like a really good follower and student. Would you believe that a boy his age would find it easy to build IEDs? It takes a really smart person to even recall the basic components used to make one. With Sam, everything is easy-peasy. Sam who has dearly loved Bear, his toy since infancy became Zombie's dedicated follower too. He even came to the point that he has preferred Zombie over his own overprotective sister.

It sounded ridiculous that he doubts Evan Walker despite the fact that he also saved his life, and that he is romantically involved with his sister Cassie. At times like that, a vulnerable kid like Sam would also be in need of a father figure in his life. His loyalty to Zombie must have also influenced his indifference to Evan. 

Hello old house!

This is our humble abode in San Jose, Batangas back in the 90s. My father bought this new from his lawyer friend. The property is nestled in a sprawling landscape totaling 3,000 square meters. The house itself is considered a mansion in Philippine standards for it has 4 spacious bedrooms, 2 bathrooms, 4 living rooms, 2 dining rooms, 2 kitchens, 1 maid's quarter, a pantry, laundry, lush garden decorated by a variety of roses and orchids, a large indoor garage that can accommodate up to 4 SUV sized vehicles, and lastly, a wide backyard converted into livestock farm with a a decent kiddie pool. He was only 29 then. 

This house was his symbol of prestige, affluence, and hard work. Being the clever and ambitious second son in the brood of 8 children, he devoted his bachelor life providing for his family back in the old days. His hard and dedication while working as a plant warehouse supervisor in Ameron Co. in Saudi Arabia rewarded him and his siblings promising careers and successful lives. This house is one of the fruit of his hard labor, and it has always been special to all of us.

Growing up, I rouse to the fresh scent of poultry and livestock such a swine and goats raised in the backyard. Sometimes, we helped papa or mamay harvest eggs, grow flowers, vines and vegetables or just watch the swines being slaughtered (savage). Oftentimes, my siblings and I would pretend we were cowgirls or hacienderos roaming around our country home. We had pleasant childhood memories in this house. 

But some things are not just meant to be even though you never took any for granted. I was 14 when wrong investments prompted my parents to sell the house, and we just couldn't stop them. The house was sold for a meager amount of P6M back in 2003. If I will based that in the recent market evaluation, it would have been around P11M. They decided to relocate in Mindoro for good despite our pleas not to do so. We lost everything though after our sudden migration in the province. What pains me though is the loss of the dear house that we considered our safe haven.

Moreover, their decision broke our hearts. I had been an introvert since then. In my case, I have never really moved on from it because my family's best memories had been in this place. Until now, this house still haunts my dreams once or twice a year. The mere thought of it never failed to move me to tears precisely because our lives drastically changed since the day it was sold. Gone are the laid back, country lass days. Gone are the good old times when my family, and I would travel in nearby cities of Lipa or Batangas City or just play around the compound after a hard day's work or class. 

Last night, I dreamt of this house again but I felt better now. I know it is in good hands with my cousins and nephews. Why am I posting this? Because anyone's wealth does not amuse me. It never did, and I don't think it ever will. It is sickening to the core when people hold on to everything mundane, monetary, and to their worldly possessions. I pity those who would only treat others in a humane manner if they aren't paupers. Selective kindness disgusts me. On a lighter note, old houses have always caught my interest. They have histories and pleasant memories which make them even better than those empty new ones.