Whatever happens next remains to be seen; here’s what’s happened already.

Started the day with a group hike out in the Philseco section of Subic. It’s always nice to get out of town and hike a seldom-traveled route. I’ll share some photos from the adventure later in this post.

Yesterday’s SOB was held at Queen Victoria, the first time I’ve attended the event at that venue. I was the first to arrive, and it was pouring down rain outside. I figured that would keep turnout low, but I was wrong–the place was packed with more attendees than usual. The show was pretty much more of the same: Wet Spot was the winner, followed by Alaska Club and Hot Zone. I’ll post some pictures once the event sponsor publishes them.

UPDATE: Some SOB photos:

With my early arrival, I got my choice of seats. I guess they forgot to reserve a VIP table for the sponsor, Dave. I invited him and his guest to join me at my table, and it was nice to share the event with its founder.

Joy from Alaska and TinTin from Queen Victoria came and stood behind me after they had completed their dance routines. Naturally, I quenched their thirst with lady drinks. I’m getting to be quite the man about town these days, and the girls all love that big bulge in my pants! (I’m talking about my wallet, of course.)

I attended the Aftermath event at The Green Room at the conclusion of the SOB. That always keeps me out past my bedtime and requires ingestion of excessive amounts of alcohol (I stuck with San Mig Zero to limit the impact as much as possible). I didn’t get a chance at the big prize (turn over the joker and win over 20,000 pesos) but came away with some more “buy one, take one” coupons. It looks like I’ll be spending some time (and money) in Hot Zone this week.

The Facebook memories feature took me back to my life in Seoul eleven years ago. That truly was a lifetime ago, and this life I’m living is about as close to the opposite of my former life as it can be. Many photos featured Jee Yeun, and those memories are still quite painful. Still, it was good to be reminded of those days when I was literally fat and happy.

Oh, well. As I have often said, the man I used to be died a slow and painful death. The man I’ve become is what I am, for better or worse. Things haven’t always gone as planned, but I’m still in the game and ready for whatever might come next.

Alright, enough introspection. Let’s take a hike!

Sorry that this installment of hike photos lacks the diversity and quality you’ve become accustomed to seeing here. I usually steal from fellow hiker Scott’s collection. Alas, he remains in Facebook jail and was unable to upload his gallery from yesterday. These will have to suffice:

We caught a Jeepney back to Barretto and then enjoyed the hospitality at Dynamite Dick’s.

And that brings you up to date. Stay tuned for more exciting adventures from Barrio Barretto.

Oh, I referenced Thoreau above, but despite my love of poetry, I was never a big fan of his work. Still, sharing some of his writing only seems fair since I invoked his name. I glanced at a few of his poems and couldn’t decide which of these two I liked best. So, I’ll post them both.

Epitaph On The World

Here lies the body of this world,
Whose soul alas to hell is hurled.
This golden youth long since was past,
Its silver manhood went as fast,
An iron age drew on at last;
'Tis vain its character to tell,
The several fates which it befell,
What year it died, when 'twill arise,
We only know that here it lies.

Free Love

My love must be as free
As is the eagle's wing,
Hovering o'er land and sea
And every thing.

I must not dim my eye
In thy saloon,
I must not leave my sky
And nightly moon.

Be not the fowler's net
Which stays my flight,
And craftily is set
T' allure the sight,

But be the favoring gale
That bears me on,
And still doth fill my sail
When thou art gone.

I cannot leave my sky
For thy caprice,
True love would soar as high
As heaven is.

The eagle would not brook
Her mate thus won,
Who trained his eye to look
Beneath the sun.