tj cafuir | the Life and Times

A surfer will be wiped out, dragged underwater and hurled by heavy hitting waves time and time again. After this, he has to grab his floating board and paddle back to the lineup to do it again. Easier said than done, surfing is a hard test of endurance. But as soon as he catches that perfect wave, never mind the ache. It is bliss all over.

So last week I got to ride not so perfect waves - but just enough to actually see myself moving one with the board. Also, I was able to experience what’s storm signal #3 feels like when your docked at seaside. Images of the tsunami at Sri Lanka began to conjure. Good thing that when you have Gran Matador, disastrous winds suddenly feel like just the breeze of your normal jeepney ride. Hik.

I want a board and I want it now! I’ve been eyeing this yellow longboard posted on the Surf Forum and I can’t wait to break the hell out of it. I need to get back in the water!

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While we all clutch our hoodies as we cross the streets we regularly do, the south shores of the north are lashing out tidal 8 foot waves. So I asked myself, why don’t I pack my remaining dry clothes and head out for some ocean love. Well, I filed a vacation leave already, so I think I’m all set. Plus, I contacted Jennie Castillo to hook me up with a Holga 120GN. Hopefully I’ll be getting it this afternoon. Me and my surf buddies will be leaving at dawn tomorrow and I can’t wait to snap great lomo shots.

Have you ever got that certain feeling every time the rain falls and all you get to do is stop and stare? There’s this mystic spell to it. Sights and sounds have a somber ambient. It makes me feel happy. Really.

Oh sh*t, I have to first pick up the camera at Glorietta at 6pm. That means I’ll only be taking the best way to get there. The MRT. Last time I was inside the trains it was heavily raining - and it was hell in a box. I still haven’t packed yet. My boardshorts are all dirty and the only dry clothes I have are worn-out shirts I wore back in college. They now can pass as baby tees.

Both blessing and a curse, either way, we all gonna get it. Rain falls just outside my window here… but I’m gonna travel in need of some more. Nature at its best, I’m chasing these rainy days.

“Turn me loose, turn me loose.. for the rain has fallen“

- Kaya, Bob Marley

When we find solace in loud guitar instrumentations, when we feel alive lost in splendor of melancholic rhythms, when we soberly explain ourselves through screaming vocals - as we imagine singing it in front of their faces. That is when we know that music is saving us.

Thursday, our heroes.