A Letter from Scarlett ("Checklist")

Dear Women of Earth,

We all have ideal men, do you not agree? We have lists of what our future boyfriends should look like and act like. Don't deny it, you made that list. You either wrote it on a scratch paper or at the back of your notebook.

I had a list before. My ideal man would be: tall, dark, and handsome. He'd be smokin' hot and would dress normally (and when I say normally, I mean not better than me). He'd be a gentleman but can also be such a bad ass (but not that much). He'd kiss me on my forehead whenever I get so upset because he knows it can calm me down. He'd be caring, understanding, and thoughtful. He'd remember all the small details I'd say. He'd be the sweetest man alive, to the point that I might even get diabetes. He'd listen to my problems. He doesn't have to solve it, just listening will help subside it. He'd be smart and witty and funny. He'd be creative and will always be such a surprise. He'd get me and understand me before, during, and after my period.

My list goes on and on and on....

But the list I made is nothing. That list that you've stowed away in places where no one can ever read? That list is useless. It really is...when you are in love.

I am in love. And the person I love doesn't have all the qualities and characteristics in my checklist but he has more to show/give. And I love him still in all ways possible because he is himself. That list will just be a list of the ideal man in our imagination. And no such man exists with such perfection. A man isn't perfect but he can be perfect for you.

When you're in love, you'll be all like, "Forget that list. I love him and he's perfect for me."

Sincerely,

Scarlett Turner

A Letter from Scarlett ("Paasa")

Dear Special Someone,

I do not have any other way to open up my terribly sad feelings. Telling my best friend isn't enough (but she has made me feel better in a way no one can). And telling you is completely impossible. My life was complicated even before you came...but everything changed when I met you and fell for you. It made my life more complicated and difficult. So instead of telling you whatever there is to tell, I'm gonna write it here...knowing that you can never read it.

It started with a simple crush. But later on, there are moments when your hand will find mine and intertwine. I felt a spark. An instant feeling that my stomach was filled with butterflies. I ignored it, thought that maybe it was just a small "something". But it happened no matter what. I tried to avoid you. But there's like magnet between us. But maybe it just happened to me. One-sided sparks, I guess. Then..I know deep in my heart that I like you. A lot. Even thought there's too much pain alongside this feeling.

I'm being the exact definition of a "martyr in love." Or in my case... in like. I'm not in love with you. I am not gonna be stupid enough to be in love with a person who won't love me back.

It's been eight months. And I've done everything to not like you and not expect from you. But even after you've broken up with that girl, or even after I've had a crush on different guys (hoping to move on from you), the magnet is still there. Our hands will always intertwine. Our hands will always be sweet with each other. But I guess our supposed-to-be love story only applies to our hands. And I guess that magnet applies to our hands.

I did my best to comfort you when the girl broke up with you. And you look fine now. Of course, there will always be moments that you get to ask questions regarding her or you'll feel sad, but that's it. You're still fine. We hung out one time and watched a movie the next time. We held hands in the theater. I don't know how it happened, but you took my hand and we stayed like that. I thought it'll end there. But no. We held hands, even outside the theater.

After that, we talked. It's the first time we talked about all this. It's been eight months, and we just talk about this now. My best friend told you to not do anything that will get my hopes up. But I guess those words didn't sink into your thick skin. You still got my hopes up. I thought that there's still "something" between us. But no, you said, "I'm not getting your hopes up." But the hell does that mean? You hold my hand and you tell me to not expect anything? Isn't that a little stupid? So I asked you, "If you're not getting my hopes up, then what are you doing?" Your answer was the best... "I'm being nice."

That was nice? Really? Wow, so all of my guy friends aren't? My two guy best friends doesn't even hold my hand. Are you fucking crazy?

What you said was also kind of funny, "Don't expect." You lost your right to say that to me whenever you hold my hand.

We ended our conversation there. Because I have nothing more to say. I don't like to talk about it further because it is useless. Nothing can get past that thick skull of yours. I left you then and there and you ran after me. When you called, you only asked where I was going and was expecting a good bye.

I am not angry. I am merely pissed, sad, and broken. Thank you for everything. Now I know that I can't trust your "niceness".

Sincerely,

Stranger from another block

5 Reasons Why One Direction Should Not Be Banned from the Philippines

There has been rumours that 1D will be banned from the Philippines because unfortunately, two members of the boy band was caught smoking marijuana. CBCP officer wanted to ban them and when asked about the issue, he said, "Do not lead the youth in the wrong direction...Why admit poisonous influences? There is enough poison in our society. Parents should stop their children from buying the expensive concert tickets of substance abuse addicts."

Well, CBCP Officer, I'll give you 5 reasons why they shouldn't be banned. 

1. Jesus (I'm sorry if I am including Him) will forgive 1D for their actions

Isn't there are a saying "WHAT WOULD JESUS DO"? CBCP Officer, banning the boy band won't be the first action of Jesus. He'd forgive them. The actions of these young men isn't entirely evil.

If you guys want to practice what you preach, start with this.

2. They're very freaking nice/charitable/kind/whatever nice word

You must've forgotten how GOOD they are...

3. How come other marijuana-users got to visit/tour the Philippines?

Huh, Bruno Mars got away from using cocaine (which is worse than Marijuana) but you're gonna ban 1D? Isn't that a little bit....stupid? Justin Bieber was here before right? He got to visit the Philippines even though he was one hell of an out-of-control teenager.

Even influential people has tried the greens! Obama, Oprah, Clinton, Clooney, Gates, Gaga, Brad Pitt, Jolie, et cetera.

So what's next? You're gonna ban movies with scenes where our favourite actors or actresses smoke marijuana? That's hilarious and pathetic.

Remember, Nicotine is far worse than Marijuana.

4. Millions of fans will be brokenhearted

Millions of fans who look up to One Direction will be brokenhearted. They stayed in MoA (Mall of Asia) overnight just so they can get tickets. Their efforts will be wasted. Isn't that a little cruel? Those girls wanted to see One Direction so much. They saved up their money exactly for this event (I know because my best friend and I saved our money with the hopes that 1D will eventually tour our country).

Cruel...just...cruel!

5. They have saved millions of lives

They have, really. But not just through Charity, but also through their music and actions and music videos.

One Direction made me smile and laugh when I am sure no one could. They have a direct line to my funny bone. And don't get me started with their songs! Their songs has touched my heart and saved me (yes, they did).

Although their songs aren't directed to me: They made me feel beautiful; they made me feel that my flaws can be loved; they made me feel cheerful; and whenever I'm heartbroken, there's a perfect song to match it.

One Direction has changed my life and changed other Filipino Directioners, too. Banning them will crush us. If you care for us, think this through. No, wait...Don't think this through because there's nothing to think about. ONE DIRECTIONS SHOULD NOT AND CANNOT BE BANNED.

If you're so worried about us, teenagers, try to fix the government first or help the poor or focus on 

education.

#Cut4NoOne

News about two members of One Direction smoking some green has spread like fire. A local news channel here in the Philippines even called them Bad Direction (I disagree, you arse).

What's worse than being called "Bad Direction"? Well, it's that some Directioners have started to cut themselves and hashtagged #CutFor1D because of smoking pot.

Tell me, Directioners, why cut? Why cut that perfectly good skin for someone who smoked marijuana?

Before, there was this issue of Zayn smoking cigarettes. Did you guys cut for Zayn, too, and hashtagged #CutForZaynMalik? No, you were strong. You stayed positive for him so you could show your support and encouragement in making him stop. You believed in him and didn't turn your backs to him.

What's the deal now? Did you know that Nicotine (found in cigarettes) are worse than Marijuana? Marijuana can even be considered as medicinal and non-addicting.

They are young men, for crying out loud. There will be a phase in their lives that they may try different things and even learn from it. Put down those blades and stay positive for them.