ARGONZAPOEM

Wisdom/Spiritual Blogs:

BRIGHTWORLD: http://erlefraynebrightworld.wordpress.com

Poetry & Art Blogs:

Mixed Blends Blogs:

@FRIENDSTER: http://erleargonza.blog.friendster.com

WILD PIG HUNTING

2011-11-12T14:17:00.000-08:00

WILD PIG HUNTING

Erle Frayne Argonza y Delago

Shooting wild boar can be exhilarating yet funny

But shooting a wild mother sow could bother conscience

Twas on my second return to southern California in 2001

That my sibling Emerald and myself went out to hunt

For wild game/pig to gun down and take home as meat

In a southern California hilly area did we go to

Paid the fee we parked the Bronco on ground

Then walked a-zigzag downhill curving in the way

Slowly we walked downwards yet till I sensed a presence

By my mystical faculties I knew our hunt was there

And indeed upon turning right downwards there it was

A family with sow suckling its baby pigs

Hurrying up yet slowly walking onwards

Bro Emerald aimed to shoot at the sow

Taking just a shot to execute the hunt twas over

At once the sow fell while the baby pigs scampered

Then the small truck of the game area owner arrived

There we loaded the felled sow as we drove along

Upon transferring the game to our Bronco

We went home feeling both victorious and guilty

So healthy a meat it was to recall

Of pork with nary a fat to parlay its skin underneath

Exquisitely tasty we gradually consumed it for two weeks

Even as we gave many a piece to family friends

And partying we too barbecued some of it

To go along with tequila and Tecate beers

[Philippines, 28 July 2011]

%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%

Come Visit E. Argonza’s blogs anytime!

Social Blogs:

Wisdom/Spiritual Blogs:

BRIGHTWORLD: http://erlefraynebrightworld.wordpress.com

Poetry & Art Blogs:

Mixed Blends Blogs:

@FRIENDSTER: http://erleargonza.blog.friendster.com

FRIED BEETLES, FROGS, LIZARDS

2011-11-02T23:18:00.000-07:00

FRIED BEETLES, FROGS, LIZARDS

Erle Frayne Argonza y Delago

In my old hometown of once idyllic Tuguegarao

Did I learn to eat as culinary dishes of exotic claim

Fried beetles caught from slumbering farms

Same species that swarmed the fecals of livestock

Trapped they’re thereafter prepared for the cook

With lard boiling up to destroy bacteria

Concluded with deliciously smelling delicacy

Fried frogs from dark species coming from farms

Croaking still while they’re being prepared for caldron

Skinned so exquisitely and looking funny they’re then

Immersed in pepper & soy sauce & garlic

Then boiled in hot lard to cook & kill germs too

Concluded served as adobo-type delicatessen

Fried monitor lizard of size huge to match big rooster

Caught too from farms right in my hometown

Then brought to home prepared thus for cooking

Skinned and cut out so exquisitely too

Immersed likewise in soy sauce & pepper & garlic

Then immersed in caldron of fiery lard

Concluded thus a wonderful delicacy it is adobo lizard

No more do I eat fried beetles today

But surely my stomach can still intake frogs & lizards

They I can proudly present to guests and observers

[Philippines, 23 July 2011]

%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%

Come Visit E. Argonza’s blogs anytime!

Social Blogs:

Wisdom/Spiritual Blogs:

BRIGHTWORLD: http://erlefraynebrightworld.wordpress.com

Poetry & Art Blogs:

Mixed Blends Blogs:

@FRIENDSTER: http://erleargonza.blog.friendster.com

MARAGONDON’S HANGING BRIDGE

2011-10-26T23:47:00.000-07:00

MARAGONDON’S HANGING BRIDGE

Erle Frayne Argonza y Delago

For almost two decades did I speak in educational tours

As university professor made resource lecturer by companies

Specializing in eco-tours & historical tours too

Around Cavite we brought students & teachers

With Aguinaldo Shrine in Kawit as featured anchorage

Other sites to radiate from there to recollect

The battles betwixt Filipino forces and Spain’s army

Likewise to recollect too the death of Andress Bonifacio

In the hands of his unholy comrades of Magdalo ignominy

Visited the house in Maragondon where he was judged

By kangaroo court of generals and colenels of Emilio Aguinaldo

To highlight the fun we also moved to the hillside area

And crossed a hanging footpath bridge of twines & vines

Amazed yet appalled was I for the bruising backwardness

Of the infamous town where Supremo Bonifacio was executed

[Philippines, 17 July 2011]

%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%

Come Visit E. Argonza’s blogs anytime!

Social Blogs:

Wisdom/Spiritual Blogs:

BRIGHTWORLD: http://erlefraynebrightworld.wordpress.com

Poetry & Art Blogs:

Mixed Blends Blogs:

@FRIENDSTER: http://erleargonza.blog.friendster.com

MEXICO’S BORDER

2011-10-21T18:20:00.000-07:00

MEXICO’S BORDER

Erle Frayne Argonza y Delago

For couples of times did I visit the famed San Diego

Big city of California that borders the tequila country d’Mejico

Twas on the early visit in November 2000

On a five-week break to California via Montclaire

Motored to San Diego to visit a Jew pal of Dad

Who was married to a Filipina of sturdy mien

Then from the Diego home we motored to border d’Mejico

To glance at the other side and document a sociography

Arriving thus on the border we immediately eco-scanned

Both sides to reckon with structures and shapes

Took snapshots of with the border patrol guards

And the stone tablet on the California side

Appalled I was at the sight of 3^rd world ignominy

On the Mexican side of Baja California d’tequila

Cultural development surely mark differences between

Two countries that are allies in trade & politics

No wonder that Mexicans keep on migrating across

To America for greener pastures and opportunities gained

[Philippines, 12 July 2011]

%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%

Come Visit E. Argonza’s blogs anytime!

Social Blogs:

Wisdom/Spiritual Blogs:

BRIGHTWORLD: http://erlefraynebrightworld.wordpress.com

Poetry & Art Blogs:

Mixed Blends Blogs:

@FRIENDSTER: http://erleargonza.blog.friendster.com

CARABAO FIGHTING D’ BATANES

2011-10-14T23:13:00.000-07:00

CARABAO FIGHTING D’ BATANES

Erle Frayne Argonza y Delago

Don’t ever come to think so loudmouth a blabber

That cockfighting alone is the folks’ game of creatures

Here in beloved Filipinas

I recall well back in ’82 as a young executive still youthful

Chanced upon a special occasion in warm Batanes

As I was there for regular work in my new office

Upon the vice-governor’s invitation did I come

With my work team along we came right after breakfast

To a known place along the riverbed in Basco town

Water had seemed to purposely recede for the folks

Who tagged along male carabaos proud with machismo

And there I witnessed with enormous curiosity and fun

As carabaos faced each other in almost mortal combat

Charged upon each other with horns like fiery spears

Mightily pushing each other to try to take enemy down

As crowd shove and cheer like watching today’s Pacquiao

Only once did I witness that cultural remission stint

Maybe no more to watch a game so unique

Yet will I always be reminded of the event

As photos of the champion carabaos do charge

Thankful to Almighty we’re blessed with them buffalo

[Philippines, 06 July 2011]

%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%

Come Visit E. Argonza’s blogs anytime!

Social Blogs:

Wisdom/Spiritual Blogs:

BRIGHTWORLD: http://erlefraynebrightworld.wordpress.com

Poetry & Art Blogs:

Mixed Blends Blogs:

@FRIENDSTER: http://erleargonza.blog.friendster.com

IVATAN’S PALECK WINE

2011-10-10T00:41:00.000-07:00

IVATAN’S PALECK WINE

Erle Frayne Argonza y Delago

In no small measures I make rounds of towns

Past Basco—Uyugan, Mahatao, Ivana

Circa ‘81 through ’82 to task and spread goodwill

So will I now say my deep appreciation

Of Ivatan culture including warmth & hospitality

That went with so many drinks of sugar wine Paleck

More potent and palatable than delectable Ilocos basi

One day I moved around bringing along Luzon staff

In those same times to be entertained by mayors

With sweet potato as staple and sweet delicacy for lunch

In some occasions drank paleck right after lunch

And danced accompanied by guitar & Ivatan songs

A volunteer girl there in tow she danced with gusto

And wined with us too like she were Gypsy

Unmindful of time flowing along with sweet guests

Irresistible beat of song I stood pronto to dance along

And while dancing drank rounds of paleck to go

Till by day end tipsy indeed we were all

Our feet demanded we depart after saying thanks

Paleck & dance is akin to Earth embracing thee

As blessing for all thy rapport with folks’ bosoms

[Philippines, 01 July 2011]

%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%

Come Visit E. Argonza’s blogs anytime!

Social Blogs:

Wisdom/Spiritual Blogs:

BRIGHTWORLD: http://erlefraynebrightworld.wordpress.com

Poetry & Art Blogs:

Mixed Blends Blogs:

@FRIENDSTER: http://erleargonza.blog.friendster.com

PUERTO GALERA

2011-10-03T23:08:00.000-07:00

PUERTO GALERA

Erle Frayne Argonza y Delago

A charmer of a place Puerto Galera surely is

As I visited the tour site repeatedly in the ‘90s

With friends at times to cool down our university tasks

And at times with my beau girlfriend from Teutonic knights

Magic of the night ambience once enchanted me enough

With beers & cool world music in company of Love & pals

Brazilian music to mix with Pinoy jazz & rhythmic notes

Then crafts a parlaying waiting for the pocket to trade

Came back to the paradise place once more

In early January of 2009 to start the year with relaxation

With kins to company and cousin Eric managing a site

Where snorkels and scuba dive gears to borrow

Teachers of diving too there were to train one

I can only watch then the entire site and swims

The enchantment then replaced by meditative stance

Memory was spiced up by typhoon coming our way

We almost lost the chance to traverse the sea back

To Batangas bay astride huge bancas

Yet safely we all came home back to Manila

Thankful still am I for the gracious tour

[Philippines, 26 June 2011]

%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%

Come Visit E. Argonza’s blogs anytime!

Social Blogs:

Wisdom/Spiritual Blogs:

BRIGHTWORLD: http://erlefraynebrightworld.wordpress.com

Poetry & Art Blogs:

Mixed Blends Blogs:

@FRIENDSTER: http://erleargonza.blog.friendster.com

EARTHAVEN D’ SAN MATEO

2011-09-29T02:35:00.000-07:00

EARTHAVEN D’ SAN MATEO

Erle Frayne Argonza y Delago

Only a hearsay was the ecotour site Earthaven in ‘99

Shared by fellow Adept Edgard Guevarra who was tasked

To help design and run the idyllic paradise site

Then came 2003 when I was back in the academe

After a short stint in California for tour & work

Did I bring along university students to Earthaven cool

There they listened to wisdom notes about ecology

Spiced by unique lemon grass tea and snacks

Then proceeded to the tough yet fun obstacle courses

At times they crawled by mud as value-cherishing task

To learn to love Earth and her beneficence a-plenty

Finally exhausted we were brought to lake pool

Watered by cascading falls so breezy and gentle

Then took late lunch amid gentle talks & sharings

Earthaven is nestled in the humble town of San Mateo

A town that has grown to urban prosperity of late

Amid mountainous terrain and bamboo groves

The site is wondrous to behold for campsites & obstacles

And retreat from the ferocious city life in Manila

[Philippines, 19 June 2011]

%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%

Come Visit E. Argonza’s blogs anytime!

Social Blogs:

Wisdom/Spiritual Blogs:

BRIGHTWORLD: http://erlefraynebrightworld.wordpress.com

Poetry & Art Blogs:

Mixed Blends Blogs:

@FRIENDSTER: http://erleargonza.blog.friendster.com

OLONGAPO & SUBIC

2011-09-22T19:30:00.001-07:00

OLONGAPO & SUBIC

Erle Frayne Argonza y Delago

As American troops finally left Subic naval base

Olongapo now left on its own to peddle its future

Did I visit the corridor of fame in early 90s cool

Like kibitzer cat sneaking in once dirty prostitution towns

Came one occasion when I was with university students

Toured Subic site astride a funny bus with open sides

Then watched baseball at night while eating packed dinner

Till past 9 pm we moved on to bars in Olongapo

From there to hop from one bar to another

Till we noticed that by 4 a.m. we’ve had toxicity enough

As many bars we’ve been to listening to live bands

Chatting peaceably too in band-less sites

Till finally we said goodbye to the fun city

Delivered farewell to the Ulo ng Apo

Saying thanks for the gracious short stay

[Philippines, 13 June 2011]

%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%

Come Visit E. Argonza’s blogs anytime!

Social Blogs:

Wisdom/Spiritual Blogs:

BRIGHTWORLD: http://erlefraynebrightworld.wordpress.com

Poetry & Art Blogs:

Mixed Blends Blogs:

@FRIENDSTER: http://erleargonza.blog.friendster.com

LAOAG PALACE?

2011-09-14T22:33:00.000-07:00

LAOAG PALACE?

Erle Frayne Argonza y Delago

Laoag was once an unholy place for this being

Who merely passed by the noble city on flights

To Basco of Batanes paradise from Tuguegarao lair

And back again to Tuguegarao for work reportage

Till finally came early May of 2006 the era came

With work team around toured entire Ilocos to monitor

And settled a bit by Fort Ilocandia in famed Laoag

Where casino game & wines blended pool swims

Monitored likewise city streets and establishments

Noted that the city is indeed a place to tour around

Settling here a bit to visit Pagudpud & sites up north

Then coming back to relax the night with swims & drinks

[Philippines, 07 June 2011]

%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%

Come Visit E. Argonza’s blogs anytime!

Social Blogs:

Wisdom/Spiritual Blogs:

BRIGHTWORLD: http://erlefraynebrightworld.wordpress.com

Poetry & Art Blogs:

Mixed Blends Blogs:

@FRIENDSTER: http://erleargonza.blog.friendster.com

STA MONICA

2011-09-07T23:41:00.001-07:00

STA MONICA

Erle Frayne Argonza y Delago

Came 2001 did I come to see this cute tour city

By the southern San Bernardino county of California

Tagged by my father along to celebrate corporate victories

We had fun swimming partying and shopping around

Truly delightful a tourist city this one is

Where wealthy couples bought estates & homes to holiday

My father and I did spend time here too to casino

With slot machines my hands did win some chips

Enough to buy some crafts and quaff tequila in bars

Again did I return to see this wondrous tour city in 2002

Staying by Holiday Inn with biz trainees to boot

This time to hear grand lectures from gurus of success

Yet to bar & dine & drink just the same at end of learning

Nearby is a mountain range so bald and negatively vibrating

Lucky that Sta Monica brings life to the range’s dead aridity

[01 June 2011]

%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%

Come Visit E. Argonza’s blogs anytime!

Social Blogs:

Wisdom/Spiritual Blogs:

BRIGHTWORLD: http://erlefraynebrightworld.wordpress.com

Poetry & Art Blogs:

Mixed Blends Blogs:

@FRIENDSTER: http://erleargonza.blog.friendster.com

DISNEYLAND & ENCHANTED KINGDOM

2011-09-03T23:52:00.000-07:00

DISNEYLAND & ENCHANTED KINGDOM

Erle Frayne Argonza y Delago

Theme parks aren’t a fave site of this enthused traveler

But did I visit a pair of them in the ‘90s through ‘01

So wide spaces with shops & fancy fun specialty sites

The Annaheim land of Disney is one taking hours to tour

Likewise is Enchanted Kingdom d’Laguna long to traverse

Tiring yet exhilarating in their specialty funs

With virtual chamber of theatres to simulate scenes

Theme parks will rise in many more places

Round the globe and in my own country Filipinas

Will be glad to visit them for as long as I am

In company of families with kids to satiate fondness

For fun and memorable histories to craft

Rendering life like a merry go round

[Philippines, 27 May 2011]

%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%

Come Visit E. Argonza’s blogs anytime!

Social Blogs:

Wisdom/Spiritual Blogs:

BRIGHTWORLD: http://erlefraynebrightworld.wordpress.com

Poetry & Art Blogs:

Mixed Blends Blogs:

@FRIENDSTER: http://erleargonza.blog.friendster.com

MAYON D’BEAU

2011-08-28T00:29:00.000-07:00

MAYON D’BEAU

Erle Frayne Argonza y Delago

Fiery and fuming Mount Mayon as a sanguine daughter

Of Vulcan Lord of the magma & seismics underneath

Yet so beautiful and magnificent it is the holy mount

For which my enthused eyes did see couples of times

On flights to Visayas passing by the Bicol basin

And also passing by Albay en-route to Leyte cool

Perfect in cone shape it seems God had ordained so

Erasing images of Vulcan as spiteful a wrathful deity

For her daughter Mayon is as majestic as Zarathustra

Always welcoming visitors even when she’s erupting

So behold! The holy mount to bless pass times a-coming

With noble energies to Bicol land will shower

[Philippines, 20 May 2011]

%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%

Come Visit E. Argonza’s blogs anytime!

Social Blogs:

Wisdom/Spiritual Blogs:

BRIGHTWORLD: http://erlefraynebrightworld.wordpress.com

Poetry & Art Blogs:

Mixed Blends Blogs:

@FRIENDSTER: http://erleargonza.blog.friendster.com

LAMBANOG COUNTRIES

2011-08-24T02:21:00.000-07:00

LAMBANOG COUNTRIES

Erle Frayne Argonza y Delago

As late adolescent did I immerse in lambanog subculture

Came to know early whether colored or colorless liquid

Of the fiery fuming liquor is more powerful than the other

From provinces Lagua, Batangas, Quezon to boot

So did I came challenged to visit the towns of fellow studes

To holiday on weekends while freed from campus work

Batangas City with pal Julian to toast colorless quaffs

San Pablo d’ Laguna of pal Butch to toast & chat

Lucena & Tiaong of Quezon likewise to relish the same

Delicacies anchored on fiery lambanog for record-setting

In one’s personal sojourns the quaffs blend history

Of immersion with folks and lambanog subculture

So absolutely admirable is this jungle liquor so potent

As it is now exported to shores and cities afar

Witness was I to how lambanog so cool was found

In California groceries owned by Filipinos & Asians

The potent jungle drink has conquered the planet at last

[Philippines, 14 May 2011]

%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%

Come Visit E. Argonza’s blogs anytime!

Social Blogs:

Wisdom/Spiritual Blogs:

BRIGHTWORLD: http://erlefraynebrightworld.wordpress.com

Poetry & Art Blogs:

Mixed Blends Blogs:

@FRIENDSTER: http://erleargonza.blog.friendster.com

CAGAYAN HOME OF MY YOUTH

2011-08-21T00:37:00.000-07:00

CAGAYAN HOME OF MY YOUTH

Erle Frayne Argonza y Delago

Born was I in humble Tuguegarao town by the river Cagayan

In ’58 as scion of a couple still in youth & studies

Immediately I was brought to Manila while parents burnt oil

To finish their schooling and birth my younger sibs

Thereafter to drive home to Tuguegarao our family did

Growing up by Ybanag culture plus agriculture & cottage crafts

Tuguegarao famed for pansit-batil-itlog & Larion bladed objects

There I was to nestle from age 6 till high school

Visiting our family farms every now and then

To contemplate on my future options and spaces

Helped bring food at times to our rice mill workers

Witnessing how the hometown progress from gravel roads

To the concrete roads of the day

Coming back for work circa late ‘81 till ‘83

Did I fulfill my own dream of touring all of Cagayan

28 of its 29 towns did I visit and enjoy crafts & foods

As young community worker and junior executive then

Happy that my hands were to amongst agents of change

Helping to build folks’ livelihoods & planning huge projects

Likewise feeling bliss upon sights & sounds so idyllic

Tasting delicacies of all towns and bringing home crafts

Thought that Calayan island town would be my trophy visit

But no longer opportuned to do so did I fail to tour it

Yet the valley towns will always be in my bosom

Toured every corner and chatting with folks of all towns

Home indeed was Cagayan to me till these days

Part-builder of my youth and my conqueror spirit

[Philippines, 08 May 2011]

%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%

Come Visit E. Argonza’s blogs anytime!

Social Blogs:

Wisdom/Spiritual Blogs:

BRIGHTWORLD: http://erlefraynebrightworld.wordpress.com

Poetry & Art Blogs:

Mixed Blends Blogs:

@FRIENDSTER: http://erleargonza.blog.friendster.com

TAAL

2011-08-08T22:53:00.001-07:00

TAAL

Erle Frayne Argonza y Delago

Fiery and fuming in its seismic steads

Yet so friendly and idyllic a mighty little volcano

Taal sits by a blanket of cool pristine lakewaters

A lake that’s collapsed space of a gigantic caldera

Taal is once scenery that I never tire to visit

Contemplative and meditative tours often I do

Many wondrous times did I visit Tagaytay

To contemplate anew on the glorious fuming mount

Coming often from Silang town where nestles

My sister Ethleen’s family amongst coffee breeders

There to visit Tagaytay almost thrice a year or so

Sometimes touring university students there

Zoo and ‘palace by the sky’ plus gaming hotel

Horse ride too by famed garden squeezed in sites

Royal lunch & dines by special gourmet restaurants

Bulalo cafeteria did spice many of my visits

Then came opportune moments to ride & visit

Laurel & towns on Batangas side of Taal circa ‘98

Preparing designs for grand projects to boot

For parish priest and partner investors a-ready

Saw Taal mount down the spaces of coastal towns

Still as beautiful as it remains from higher space

Untiring to pay visits to the fiery friend mount

I shall go there again in time to visit & buy coffees

And pray that mighty blessings be had for peoples

Sharing spaces with the friendly volcano

[03 May 2011]

%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%

Come Visit E. Argonza’s blogs anytime!

Social Blogs:

Wisdom/Spiritual Blogs:

BRIGHTWORLD: http://erlefraynebrightworld.wordpress.com

Poetry & Art Blogs:

Mixed Blends Blogs:

@FRIENDSTER: http://erleargonza.blog.friendster.com

PAGSANJAN FALLS

2011-08-01T23:45:00.000-07:00

PAGSANJAN FALLS

Erle Frayne Argonza y Delago

Straight from Jeddah of Saudi Arabia my Mom came

Back to holiday for a month in Filipinas circa ‘84

Role playing itinerary maker as always in family tours

I fixed Laguna trails of Calamba hot springs swims

And last leg of an inglorious tour in Pagsanjan Falls

Bad luck twas to recall as a stormy month did it hap

Yet tour is tour and like an fuming warrior I quipped

We go forth and swim in hot springs to warm us all

As rainy days keep dropping waters from the sky

And onwards finally to famed Pagsanjan Falls

There to cruise the river & falls via local canoe

Twas a time when my cousin Arnold was always along

Still like a normal one yet for someone bipolar

Drinking and dining by a bar that seemed vampire’s lair

On occasion of so rainy days like Dracula is expected

There to join dirty guys with sextour girls & boys in hand

With brandy to warm up the body till call it a night

Pagsanjan is surely a witness to Transylvania coming

Once in a while in my life sojourns

[Philippines, 26 April 2004]

%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%

Come Visit E. Argonza’s blogs anytime!

Social Blogs:

Wisdom/Spiritual Blogs:

BRIGHTWORLD: http://erlefraynebrightworld.wordpress.com

Poetry & Art Blogs:

Mixed Blends Blogs:

@FRIENDSTER: http://erleargonza.blog.friendster.com

CLARK

2011-07-27T14:59:00.000-07:00

CLARK

Erle Frayne Argonza y Delago

From ’86 through 2004 did this enthused traveler visit

Clark Airbase of Angeles City blues in Pampanga

Marveled many times thus at its constructs

Trade shops and resort spots to rest the day

First coming to teach at the Clark campus

Of my beloved University of the Philippines

To teach sociology to American G.I.s and personnel

Driven by school van we came home at night

Shopping for ice cream & chocolate delights

Then onwards in ‘89 through ’94 did I come back

Again and again as resource lecturer of learning tours

Bringing along students from Manila’s diverse schools

Interacting with American troops on their last stay there

Till the days when Americans were to be seen no more

Onwards till 2001 bringing along a high school classmate

We stayed by famed Mimosa to drink & chat

While others played some baccarats in casino fumes

The coming home proud with baggages of choco & liquor

Bought from bazaars of free trade there

Move forward again in 2004 where my palace team

Planned the founding of a new agency by the river Pasig

Back to Mimosa to stay and workshop the days

Then leaving Clark full with chocos liquors & buys

From the same free trade bazaars

Then lastly to celebrate the opening of Macapagal air

Graced by brilliant lady president Gloria d’ economist

In late 2004 saw for the last time the long airstrip

Of the once mighty American airbase to spare

Did meet d’Gloria for the first time to boot

[Philippines, 21 April 2011]

%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%

Come Visit E. Argonza’s blogs anytime!

Social Blogs:

Wisdom/Spiritual Blogs:

BRIGHTWORLD: http://erlefraynebrightworld.wordpress.com

Poetry & Art Blogs:

Mixed Blends Blogs:

@FRIENDSTER: http://erleargonza.blog.friendster.com

VIGAN COBBLESTONES

2011-07-21T17:28:00.000-07:00

VIGAN COBBLESTONES

Erle Frayne Argonza y Delago

Cobblestones all over the graceful ancient city

Vigan transports you back in time to Hispania

Stone houses combining Antillean & local builds

Calesas to take you around as carousing traveler

Luna & Crisologo houses lead in museum fame

Basi bagoong vinegar & delicacies for cuisine delights

Abel blankets & textiles from cottage foundries

Clay tablets pottery jars kilned and bazaar sold

Thus came my opportune time to be transported

Came April to May of 2006 a-cruisin’ Ilocos region

Training my project personnel in tours delights

Did I come to visit Vigan on perfect sunny days

Never failing too to amends with wild game pets

My team strutted like orbs the zoo Baluarte

Pony to ride around and ostrich to snapshot

Chimpanzee to clown a bit and tame tigers to squaw

I could only wish that two centuries back

Vigan was much like it is today

Where fun and business blend to shrine the soul

With experience worth sharing to future kids

[Philippines, 15 April 2011]

%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%

Come Visit E. Argonza’s blogs anytime!

Social Blogs:

Wisdom/Spiritual Blogs:

BRIGHTWORLD: http://erlefraynebrightworld.wordpress.com

Poetry & Art Blogs:

Mixed Blends Blogs:

@FRIENDSTER: http://erleargonza.blog.friendster.com

BORACAY

2011-07-14T22:55:00.000-07:00

BORACAY

Erle Frayne Argonza y Delago

Came a two-week talk spree in ‘October 94

As national leader amongst teachers

After making rounds of Iloilo-Antique-Capiz

Made a resting ride to Boracay fame

Passing first by the largest bell in a Capiz town

Went on till my baggages and me reached town

From there crossed from coast by boat

To the pristine den that was Boracay

There I was housed in the parish convent

I marveled at the island’s white beach

The idylls of the paradise caught in snapshots

Did sometimes swim by the beach

And at night walked & entered bars to sip

Beers to go along with fine cuisines

So wonderful are the white sands they

Are so cool at lunchtime amid sweltering sun

And the seawaters so friendly to the eyes

Even if one swims underneath no stress comes

Upon your benign eyes as it marvels further

Seeing fishes & games even without snorkel

No more was I to go back to the island fame

And maybe no more opportunity shall come

For another visit to this place of game

Its memories resides at least in my brain

Never to depart from it

[Philippines, 08 April 2011]

%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%

Come Visit E. Argonza’s blogs anytime!

Social Blogs:

Wisdom/Spiritual Blogs:

BRIGHTWORLD: http://erlefraynebrightworld.wordpress.com

Poetry & Art Blogs:

Mixed Blends Blogs:

@FRIENDSTER: http://erleargonza.blog.friendster.com

KALINGA D’ PINIKPIKAN

2011-07-08T00:49:00.000-07:00

KALINGA D’ PINIKPIKAN

Erle Frayne Argonza y Delago

How wonderful it is to travel rounds of holy Earth

Integral it is to staff & boss work of a young man

Came early ’81 and again couples of times in ‘82

Made rounds of Flora & Luna towns of Apayao

Plus Tabuk, Pudtol & Conner towns of Kalinga

Two tribes plus Ilocano migrants to immerse with

In sturdy Kalinga-Apayao that used to be one

Chat with folks to share info and gather facts too

Likewise to pay visit to Kalinga bosses & personnel

Spiced our travels were at times with pinikpikan

Delicacies blended with Kalinga oranges and coffees

Going home at times to carry along banglan pieces

For growth of ferns & special herbs it was

My anthropological instincts came satiated too

By peace pacts and tribal talks thereat

As it was by sights of topless women in full breasts

Beads and treasured metals ornaments to bodies

Kept tab of memories for future graduate studies

Kalinga d’ Pinikpikan it was to be

Or Pinikpikan d’ kalinga if you choose this line

Ensconced in my memory banks to stay forever

Enamored of sturdy Igorot tribes scions of Malay Mu

Will I hope to be as sturdy as them for future roles

As guardian-Elder of the holy Earth

[Philippines, 02 April 2011]

%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%

Come Visit E. Argonza’s blogs anytime!

Social Blogs:

Wisdom/Spiritual Blogs:

BRIGHTWORLD: http://erlefraynebrightworld.wordpress.com

Poetry & Art Blogs:

Mixed Blends Blogs:

@FRIENDSTER: http://erleargonza.blog.friendster.com

LEYTE WITH TUBA LOVE!

2011-07-02T15:09:00.001-07:00

LEYTE WITH TUBA LOVE!

Erle Frayne Argonza y Delago

Truly memorable it is to drink tuba every day

Portent of prosperity and luck for enthused souls

Came Summer ‘93 on a ten-day tour of Leyte land

Upon invite of a pal among powerlifter athletes

Motoring from Manila through Bicol land to Sorsogon

Then crossed the channel to Matnog in Samar land

Drove across Samar a sight for a first time

Till we reached the San Juanico bridge of fame

Onwards did we drive via bus to Leyte land

Then picked up by jeep to Palo there to stay

Chats with folks spiced with tuba drinks

Tours of rivers, climb of Hungduan mount

Swim & fish by the seashores for couples of days

Paying respect to McArthur Park nearby

Visiting UP Leyte too that was beside the sea

Too many snap shots bared the warm island

The hospitality blessed by tons of tuba

Stuck up almost forever as storm arrived

On our last leg of days we had to decide

Fly we would in going back to grand Manila

Satisfied and fulfilled of the memories of tuba

[Philippines, 29 March 2011]

%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%

Come Visit E. Argonza’s blogs anytime!

Social Blogs:

Wisdom/Spiritual Blogs:

BRIGHTWORLD: http://erlefraynebrightworld.wordpress.com

Poetry & Art Blogs:

Mixed Blends Blogs:

@FRIENDSTER: http://erleargonza.blog.friendster.com

HAIL SABTANG!

2011-06-27T19:47:00.000-07:00

HAIL SABTANG!

Erle Frayne Argonza y Delago

For a year Batanes was second home to me

In the early 80s upon the ascent of my first job

Building communities and spurring livelihoods

Packaging northern Cagayan & Batanes into one

Of Human Settlements ministry fame twas

So on one of my stays in idyllic Batanes

In a popular inn in Basco near my diva Love

Made usual rounds of Basco and Mahatao

Of Uyugan and Ivana round the highway built

So picturesque and grand is view of sea and hills

Of cows and carabaos going by their chores

Lush vegetation and farms spruced to charm

Till one day I decided to leave Batan for awhile

Waiting for a boat to cross the channel to Sabtang

Treacherous a channel ‘tis the world’s most dangerous

Quaffed half a small gin bottle to booze my fears down

As rivers seem to cross by the seas in both directions

And then upon arrival of the boat my knees still jerked

Motoring fast yet tricky a route we climbed waves

Upon waves as tall as seven feet each twas hard to see

The destination of this unholy sojourn till we arrived

I almost kissed this soil in Sabtang town

Privileged a young man I felt so great to be there

Hail Sabtang! Be thou challenge to the enthused souls

To marvel in thy land cross tough channel without repose

Hail Sabtang! Scion land of Mother Mu!

[Philippines, 24 March 2011]

%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%

Come Visit E. Argonza’s blogs anytime!

Social Blogs:

Wisdom/Spiritual Blogs:

BRIGHTWORLD: http://erlefraynebrightworld.wordpress.com

Poetry & Art Blogs:

Mixed Blends Blogs:

@FRIENDSTER: http://erleargonza.blog.friendster.com

SAGADA

2011-06-20T15:09:00.000-07:00

SAGADA

Erle Frayne Argonza y Delago

Scheduled to fly to fly to California in due time

I decided to do holiday in Sagada before that

On a day in Summer 2000 passed by Ifugao first

To stay the night in picturesque Banawe

A return visit it was in this town d’gourmet

Till the following day I motored to Sagada

There to be greeted by Bulol the Silent Watcher

Spent couples of days to relaxingly walk

Visited the underground caves where ancestors lay

Awed at the marks of sea levels in cavernous walls

Visited bars and on a night sang along with acoustics

Bearing along with me theosophy books to read

And meditating too for so many an hour schedules

Cleansing myself with drinks of local herbal tea

And communicating with the Hierarchs for counsel

Whether shall I leave Filipinas for overseas calls

Snap shots and memories filling my memory bank

I left thereafter and passed by Banawe again for a night

To take stock of the future days awaiting me

And thank Bulol the Silent Watcher for the holy stay

[Philippines, 17 March 2011]

%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%

Come Visit E. Argonza’s blogs anytime!

Social Blogs:

Wisdom/Spiritual Blogs:

BRIGHTWORLD: http://erlefraynebrightworld.wordpress.com

Poetry & Art Blogs:

Mixed Blends Blogs:

@FRIENDSTER: http://erleargonza.blog.friendster.com

NEVADA

2011-06-14T22:46:00.000-07:00

NEVADA

Erle Frayne Argonza y Delago

Driving along freeway 10 towards the borders of Nevada

Way back late June ’01 to spend the July 4 holiday there

A truly hot sultry space twas upon crossing the borders

Where temp stood at 115 Fahrenheit exacerbating

The dreary looks of backward small towns on the borders

Yet we went on to pass along the famed Las Vegas

And onwards passed by a native American site

To quench our thirst and buy some ethnic stuff

Drove onwards again till we reached Lake Hoover

Spending thus almost six days on flat bottom big boats

We almost a hundred peoples all a family circle

Swam, did boat-ride, snorkel & dived, barbecued

Beers after beers to quench amid sultry days

Yet at night star-gazed the wondrous cloudless sky

Sang the blues & country & rock the day too

There was no boredom at all across the many days

Fun with our circle from babes and kids to adults

Spiced our moments with tons of stories

At times blended with arguments on social issues

Till it was time to go and cruise the same hot freeways

Temp now climbing up to 120 Fahrenheit like stove

Yet we drove on back and passed by Las Vegas again

Hit we were by sand dunes gushed by gales

But we survived and went on motoring back to California

Till finally resting we were all to exhilarate the wonderment

Of the Nevada trail so pregnant with frills and funs

[Philippines, 11 March 2011]

%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%

Come Visit E. Argonza’s blogs anytime!

Social Blogs:

Wisdom/Spiritual Blogs:

BRIGHTWORLD: http://erlefraynebrightworld.wordpress.com

Poetry & Art Blogs:

Mixed Blends Blogs:

@FRIENDSTER: http://erleargonza.blog.friendster.com

CALIFORNIA BEAMING

2011-06-08T22:59:00.000-07:00

CALIFORNIA BEAMING

Erle Frayne Argonza y Delago

In November 2000 and again from ‘01 till ‘02

Did I visit and make home of southern California

Amazed at the prosperity and near-perfected planning

Did I sing along many times ‘California Dreaming’

Making rounds of over fifty of its cities big and small

From Los Angeles and eastern coasts to Nevada’s borders

And downwards to San Diego couples of times spent

Visiting the border to Mexico viewable from the state

So did I come to love someone too

A noble lady from San Bernardino clue

Who treasured me so much she made me speak

Before university students eager for Light

Lake Mead, wild boar hunting, San Pedro tour

Huntington offshore speed boating & fishing too

Sta Monica tour with beers, swims & slot machines

Venice cooling by the coast & buyin’ crafts along

Partying with family circle & grassroots workers

Drinking tequila and Mexican beers to company

And when the opportune moment came

I did grab grassroots work via church work

Counsel & listen to young adults and singles

And making rounds of seminars in diverse parishes

Residing in Ramona’s apartments with dad & sibs

On weekends to party and visit Ontario Mills sometimes

A few times post-party to star gaze for shooting stars

Do gym work right inside our home village

California beaming is what I made of it

The warm peoples of the state to stay in my bosom

A second home truly it was beyond dreaming

[Philippines, 04 March 2011]

%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%

Come Visit E. Argonza’s blogs anytime!

Social Blogs:

Wisdom/Spiritual Blogs:

BRIGHTWORLD: http://erlefraynebrightworld.wordpress.com

Poetry & Art Blogs:

Mixed Blends Blogs:

@FRIENDSTER: http://erleargonza.blog.friendster.com

CALAMBA SHRINE & HOT SPRINGS

2011-06-01T15:33:00.000-07:00

CALAMBA SHRINE & HOT SPRINGS

Erle Frayne Argonza y Delago

A privilege it was to visit Calamba many times

From 80s through early 2000s did I come to strut

The glorious home of noblest Asian hero Jose Rizal

A resource speaker for educational tour companies

Accompanied by fellow patriotic professors

We who once served club Education Forum

Ennobling tasks as teachers were thereafter tapped

To showcase Rizal Shrine and Rizal cults to listeners

Enthused students and adults from diverse schools

So did I visit Calamba many times to bath

In its famed hot springs shaped by tour resorts

Into swimming pools warm waters flowed like lake

Bathing in the waters burnt down germs and fungi

In the company of social activists and pals

From among university professors of UP fame

Shrine & hot springs will always be in my heart

To treasure moments of thought sharing and baths

Beacon of Rizal staying in my psyche till old age

[Philippines, 28 February 2011]

%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%

Come Visit E. Argonza’s blogs anytime!

Social Blogs:

Wisdom/Spiritual Blogs:

BRIGHTWORLD: http://erlefraynebrightworld.wordpress.com

Poetry & Art Blogs:

Mixed Blends Blogs:

@FRIENDSTER: http://erleargonza.blog.friendster.com

NEGROS ORGANIC ISLAND & MASCARA FESTIVAL

2011-05-28T15:28:00.000-07:00

NEGROS ORGANIC ISLAND & MASCARA FESTIVAL

Erle Frayne Argonza y Delago

Maybe we all ought to treasure the noble event

Of Negros Island declared an entire organic land

From Oriental to Occidental sides ‘tis the same

Narrative of organic life shaping to full bloom

Twas in 2005 on occasion of the organic launching

Timed with the Mascara Festival of Bacolod fame

As technocrat of food security I was invited

To grace the two-day convention of NGOs

And market players and government players

Challenged to inspire did I speak first of all

On Day One of the noble occasion to fore

Consulting then for Kaisampalad organization

Thankful to Almighty Creator I spread Light via speech

Goin’ out by night of that same Day One

Mascara muse filled the festive air of city cool

Muses hidden in masks paraded on the stage

Filled me and crowd ecstatic for grand ensemble

Goin’ home the day after the memory thus built

Organics and mascara fests are partnered to swoon

Takin’ home photos and pieces of gorgeous masks

To make my day they to remind me as organic baton

[Philippines, 22 February 2011]

%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%

Come Visit E. Argonza’s blogs anytime!

Social Blogs:

Wisdom/Spiritual Blogs:

BRIGHTWORLD: http://erlefraynebrightworld.wordpress.com

Poetry & Art Blogs:

Mixed Blends Blogs:

@FRIENDSTER: http://erleargonza.blog.friendster.com

NEWSPAPER CLIMES

2011-05-20T15:36:00.001-07:00

Erle Frayne Argonza y Delago

Conquering the public mind isn’t easy a goal

More so by landing in news headlines a-gallery

Such a chance did finally come upon my being

In 2004 upon endorsing a presidential candidate

As spokesman of a multisectoral coalition twas

In month of January it did come to commence all

How awesome that all the major newspapers came

Reinforced likewise by tabloids of worthy fame

From coalition launching to press cons and all

There was I and mass leaders in news fronts

Headlined in no less than couples of events

As I heralded advocacies that were truly treasures

That social services be for grassroots & mid-class

Twas eventually my short-cut to a palace stint

So was it time to meet boxing hero Manny Pacquiao

Twas too a meeting with cinema star la Aunor

And the young daughter of the martyred Flor Contemplacion

Short it was in 2004 to make of wondrous clime

Yet meaningful a stint for my own future roles

Beyond 2012 awaits my co-founding of larger commonwealth

Colored preliminary by the past newspaper climes

[Philippines, 11 February 2011]

%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%

Come Visit E. Argonza’s blogs anytime!

Social Blogs:

Wisdom/Spiritual Blogs:

BRIGHTWORLD: http://erlefraynebrightworld.wordpress.com

Poetry & Art Blogs:

Mixed Blends Blogs:

@FRIENDSTER: http://erleargonza.blog.friendster.com

HONG KONG KOWLOON

2011-05-16T01:20:00.000-07:00

Erle Frayne Argonza y Delago

A civil society was I then to advocate

Love and concern for overseas Filipinos

As Treasurer of Kanlungan Center Foundation

& Kakammpi president for overseas’ dependents

Came December 1990 we flew to Hong Kong

From across the globe we leaders converged

Stayed in Maryknoll sisters’ compound to camp

There to workshop too and build camaraderie

We then decided to architect Migrante International

Finally had it graduate from a Committee for nigh years

Just in time when we were lobbying for sanguine law

To care for overseas Pinoys across the globe

We did pay visits to bars & toured places

Victoria peak and cable car I recalled

With company of Pinay domestic helpers too

We toured the nights for songs & cocktails a’satiate

In one bar did I belt out songs to make for free beers

With gusto I sang La Bamba of Mexican folk fame

Accompanying myself with electric guitar to feel

As electrified eyes of tourists watched with awe

To the wonderful city built by British taipan

I bid not farewell as it’s o’so near to fly

My appreciation for glorious city planning will stay

This Asian city is one we islanders can be proud of

[Philippines, 03 February 2011]

%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%

Come Visit E. Argonza’s blogs anytime!

Social Blogs:

Wisdom/Spiritual Blogs:

BRIGHTWORLD: http://erlefraynebrightworld.wordpress.com

Poetry & Art Blogs:

Mixed Blends Blogs:

@FRIENDSTER: http://erleargonza.blog.friendster.com