The process is more important than the success.
—Francis Kong
Yes, I’ve been muttering this phrase for a week now. Since I heard Francis Kong, RP’s top inspirational speaker, say that, I couldn’t get it out of my head.
And he’s right. Everyday, everything is a process.
Couldn’t say much now, but I admit it’s an encouragement. I’m in an uncomfortable situation right now, helps to know that the discomfort is part of the process.
Someday, everything will pay off. For now, I’ll have to deal with the process.
It took me 19 years before I set foot on Bohol. I’ve been to many places abroad, but I’ve always dreamt of going there. Last week, I had a wonderful experience touring the island, the famous Chocolate Hills and other places. However, the sights and sounds came no closer to the lesson God taught me on friendship.
E8 at the Chocolate Hills. From left to right: Shanie, Jane, Jed, Shanemie, Hadrian, Jonalyn, Armel and Pamela.
Background
I think it’s time that I publish this original composition I entitled “Long Look”. The idea of composing a song with that title came to me on August 2008, during the VSU Anniversary. As the festivities went on at the Oval, I sat on a bamboo pole lying on the lawn. It was afternoon, around the time she and her teammates would have their volleyball practice. I was thinking of going to the next block and watch her play.
My personality type is INTP. When I think, I withdraw. This is evident when I like to observe her intently. Before I come and greet the team, I first situate myself at the slide beside the volleyball court and enjoy the sight from afar. Hence, the title “Long Look”.
Back at the oval, I started to hum a tune out of the blue. That tune is now the melody of the chorus. I then grabbed a paper and pen to write what is now the words of the chorus.
The next jolt of inspiration came about two months later. She was taking her final examination in Physics at the Science Lecture Hall. I was outside, preparing for our final examination as well. With a Long Look and another piece of paper, the two stanzas were written. The song is complete.
Here are the lyrics of the song. Enjoy. (Click the “play” icon above to listen to me singing the song. You can download the MP3 file here.)
Long Look by Jed Asaph Cortes
I
As I watch here from a distance, I see a radiant smile
A wondrous sight that nothing else could e’er compare
With eyes of dazzling beauty and a countenance so fair
If it bids me come, what joy is there for us to share?
But is there more than what I see today?
Shall I go ahead or shall I move away?
Cho
I just take a long look, make a distant stare
Watchin’ all the happiness, wishin’ I could be there
I just take a long look, more than I could bear
Coz all the time that I was here, wond’rin’ if I could be near
You’ve been there and waitin’.. for more than this one look
II
Can I be near and not bother, if it’s fine forever stay?
For a lifetime’s never too long if I am with you
Can we witness ev’ry sunset, can I gaze into your eyes?
Can I warm your hand, o, let it intertwine with mine!
For all these dreams will never become true,
If a far-off gaze is all I have for you!
Can I be near and not bother, if it’s fine, forever stay?
For a lifetime’s never too long if I am with you.
Can we witness every sunset? Can I gaze into your eyes?
Can I warm your hand, o let them intertwine with mine! —Excerpt from my song “Long Look”
After the busy SCUAA Week, she’s now going home. At this moment, she’s faring her way to Ormoc on a van. She’s got my VSU Jacket with her (she can keep it). I also gave her a souvenir DVD. Ms. Captain Ball must go home, so bye for now, Kap…
I have to speed down the highway to catch her van before it left. I just had to say goodbye! I reached out my hand, as she reached out hers through the window.
“Bugnawa nimo oi!” she remarked, as I held her hand.
Then I remembered the song. Bit ashamed was I. She had to warm my hand instead. But soon, very soon, I’ll catch up when I see her again. I guess I have to live true to what I am pleading to her.
But for now, bye Kap. Enjoy the rest of the semestral break. Lovelots.
I’m an INTP (Introverted iNtuitive Thinking Perceiving).
My kind is rare. Very rare. In fact, to discover another of my kind is quite a find. And it is! This afternoon, I felt like a lone T-Rex finding another T-Rex when I thought we were going extinct.
My newly adopted sister Jaypen Jayme is an INTP as well. I never expected this. I first saw her when she was one of the hosts during the Ilang-Ilang Talent Showdown 2009 (where I had a funny experience with Ivone’s HD Camera—read more about that here). I don’t know why I was so drawn to her. Something tells me that I have to know this kid. Continue reading Finding Another Of My Kind→
It is difficult to get a person like me excited. Even pleased. Therefore, it takes an extraordinary soul to thrill and overwhelm mine. Each day, she gives me more reasons to adore her all the more.
This week was a blast. Although the first three days were silent, the next three were great! On Wednesday, she was graceful enough to allow me to include my painting of her on an IHK tarpaulin. She willingly cooperated during the athlete pictorials (on ordinary days, she hesitates to smile on cam). That evening, Dean treated us with ice cream (like Sir Joselle did before, so it reminded me of his treat!).
That day, I also handed her a portable speaker. Though she hesitated to accept it at first, she still did and thanked me. On Thursday, she was busy, so we had little time to catch up. I just handed her the result of her personality test (MBTI) and explained it briefly to her. I just love it when she listens attentively! I could just see that sparkling interest in her eyes.
Jed 