"Doc In , Doc Out Presents: Locker Request"

"Doc In , Doc Out Presents: Locker Request"

by:

Virgilio F. De leon Jr.MD

Meanwhile in a Certain Company Clinic in QC: Locker Request

Me: (Minding my own business while doing my business in the urinal stall when the two agents on my left started talking).

Agent#1: "Pre pupunta ako ng clinic mamaya. Magpapalit ako ng locker. Masyadong mababa eh."

Agent#2: "Gage , tatanungin ka nung Doctor kung bakit gusto mong magpapalit ng locker."

Agent#1: "Kayang kaya ko yun. Sabihin ko lang masakit paminsan minsan.Aray aray masakit Doc.( Agent holds lower back as if in pain.)

Agent#2: "Gage ang galing mo talaga ha. Hahahahha

Agent#1: Siyempre. Hahahahahahahh

At this point I also joined in on the laughter. I couldn't help myself. I was imagining what the guy would say to me when he finally enters the clinic. Both agents turned to me. Realized who I was. Stopped laughing and awkwardly stepped out of the bathroom.

I was waiting for the guy the whole shift. I might have granted his request too.

"Midweek Magic 2019 #37: Dice Rolling. Doc."

"Midweek Magic 2019 #37: Dice Rolling. Doc."

by:

Virgilio F. De leon Jr.MD

It has been a running joke in my playgroup in Eton Centris that you still need to roll a dice but totally acceptable if you just attack Doc.

Its like they already made up their minds before attacking. Hahahha

They do have a funny way of showing me respect. Long before I have any sort of board state or any mana acceleration they take it upon themselves to take me out.

It is a like a collective trauma though I have only shown them what my deck could do once or twice. Granted the ending was more spectacular for me and more terrifying for them at times. With that being said they never forget that if my deck is not taken cared of early it does tend to trample on everyone.

And so Die roll. Doc. And all the attackers come to me.

"Consistent"

"Consistent"

by:

Virgilio F. De leon Jr.MD

I had a dream where A genie would grant me a wish and so I said." Ibalik mo yung katawan ko nung binata pa ako!"

"Yes master!" And he snapped his fingers.

There was a loud poof and I felt it...I felt it.

Walang nagbago.

"Doc In , Doc Out Presents: May Ano?"

"Doc In , Doc Out Presents: May Ano?"

by:

Virgilio F. De leon Jr.MD

"Meanwhile in a Certain Company Clinic in QC: May Ano?"

Nurse: Ano po ang reason para sa requested home visit? Kasi daw may...

"Sysmatic Viral illness"

"Midweek Magic 2019 #36: Doc the Questionable"

"Midweek Magic 2019 #36: Doc the Questionable"

by:

Virgilio F. De leon Jr.MD

Adrian plays with my self DIY Daretti deck and he asks... bakit meron nito? may mga questionable choices ka Doc.

Ram answers na ganyan talaga si Doc. Questionable ang choices. Pero maiintindihan mo din yan.

And Adrian did as he saw the interactions later.

So that is so me. Questionable in the beginning but makes sense in the end. Bwahahahah

I like putting things in decks that run too efficiently. Water it down so to speak so that when the interactions become apparent and the combo is revealed it all becomes more satisfying for me.

"Doc In , Doc Out Presents: Hmmmm"

"Doc In , Doc Out Presents: Hmmmm"

by:

Virgilio F. De leon Jr.MD

"Meanwhile in a Certain Company Clinic in QC: Hmmm"

I usually know when my duty would be an interesting one when we start with cases that go like this:

"Doc. Pakiramdam ko po humaba yung Uvula ko..."

"Midweek Magic 2019 #35: The Petitioners never stopped Petitioning"

"Midweek Magic 2019 #35: The Petitioners never stopped Petitioning"

by:

Virgilio F. De leon Jr.MD

I have always thought that I had the pieces to win with my Persistent Petitioners. I had the Scarab God at the helm as Commander to take advantage of all those creatures falling into the Graveyard for all those mills. 

It was never meant to be I guess and I kept losing despite my adjustments and near wins. So I let it rest for now but in the back of my head I always had a plan to improve it and so when I acquired an Intruder Alarm from Ram. A plan formed and like most of my plans when it comes to magic somewhat had already thought about the same thing and actually made the deck.

And that was Jus who cast an Intruder Alarm and had Persistent Petitioners tapping and untapping with the creatures that kept coming in.

It was only a matter of time before my library was gone. I wonder when I can make my own version. The pile of cards in my car seems to say that I can't. 

"Sphinx Mindbreaker: Mill Mill Mill!!!"

"Sphinx Mindbreaker: Mill Mill Mill!!!"

by:

Virgilio F. De leon Jr.MD

I can imagine this particular email arriving straight from the underworld in WoTC headquarters. Someone opens it.

Dear Wotc,

I has been a good Boi. I want new toy.

Yours Truly,

Dead Eye navigator

They pause for a couple of seconds before responding but respond they do. I guess Deadeye Navigator is a pretty big deal in those offices.

Dead Eye Navigator,

No You have not been a good Boi. But what can be the harm in a new toy right? Here you go.

Love ,

WotC

So what we have here is a 7 mana Sphinx that well uh breaks minds. All it has to do is arrive on the battlefield and an opponent literally loses it. Loses 10 cards from their library that is. 

The fact that it is a 6/6 with flying doesn't hurt too but then again this isn't why the Deadeye Navigator likes it or WoTC assumes that it likes it.

Imagine a scenario where you have already created unlimited Mana with your Deadeye Navigator and Peregrine Drake. You need to put all the mana to good use right? And on that last bounce you could soul bound the Deadeye Navigator to the Sphinx Mindbreaker and proceed with a dozen or so bounces where the Sphinx comesback. In and EDH game with 3 other opponents. It might takes less than 20 bounces depending on what stage you are in the game. All those ETB's with 10 cards per pop! If you can pull off the aforementioned  Deadeye Navigator/Peregrine Drake combo plus get the Sphinx Mindbreaker into your hand. 

Sphinx Mindbreaker is on the hefty mana cost side but EDH players just know where to put it. And they also just where their opponents libraries would go.

"The Dragons Warning"

"The Dragons Warning"

by:

Virgilio F. De leon Jr.MD

"Come and feed and know."

In her frenzied form the Light dragon known as Heejin drove her fangs into V's veins not knowing that he was thinning his skin on purpose.

"Feed and Know the power of the 1st Ones."

Heejin felt the first surge of power coursing through her body , the heat was pleasurable as her temperature soared. Is this it?"

"No. There is more." And V held her head allowing her to drink even deeper. "See into the past. The subservience of this world to all of us."

And in a moment Heejin stood at a time of smoke and ash , where the world , this world continued to burn with the ascendance of Tyrants horrible and beautiful to behold. In the distance the Red Portal known as the Breach. And pouring from it were the 1st Dragons. The parade of the Light and Darks. The Diamonds and Tigers. The Death and Creation Dragons.

"Why am I seeing this?"

"This is the power that resides in all of us? Even the humans that we have come into contact know all of this but they have no way of unlocking it."

"Why are you letting me feed on you?"

"Ah so you finally noticed that. Well the truth is I wanted you to know before I extinguish your line."

"No. The Light Dragons have brought our kind from extinction after your massacre. We have done so much to..."

And then Heejin saw it. How the Light Dragons became the Magistrates by subjugating all of the minor houses and extinguishing their balancing force. The Dark Dragons live only in name. And she knew it her heart that they deserve what awaited them.

Heejin tried to stop feeding. This Vampiric dragon form that she had taken on was not going to stop V and she struggled against the arm that was pinning her.

"Let me give you something that your line has always craved for in the centuries that we have been here. Power. All that you can get."

"No V. Heejin pleaded directly in his mind. She tried to turn into a human to escape him but V changed as well and in this form she seemed even more fragile. "Please V. No more."

"I hope that your's will be the last life I take in this world.Heejin."

Heejin closed her eyes and felt the world fading. And then all she could see was V as he stood there. No longer holding her.

She blinked once unsure of what she was feeling. She was alive. She was not exploding from the power but she felt it dissipate from her.

"Why?"

"I am not the killer that everyone thinks I am. If I had any control over myself all the others would still be alive.And so Heejin know this. I have the Rage controlled within me but her death , YuuA's death will sure awaken it. Take this to the Magistrates and know that I will not speak of this again."

Heejin nodded her head and before she could raise it V was gone.

"Underworld Rage-Hound: Down boy Down."

"Underworld Rage-Hound: Down boy Down."

by:

Virgilio F. De leon Jr.MD

One of the first things that caught my eye when they were previewing the Escape mechanic is this 3/1 for 2 mana red creature. It is a good boy.(As far as Elemental hounds go at least)  And you can't keep a good boy down. It just keeps on escaping. 

Underworld Rage-Hound is an aggressive creature that attacks each turn when able. Sure it is a bit squishy at 3/1 but death doesn't bother it all that much since it can just come back later on in the game.

Imagine this scenario , you have been running a Rakdos deck that looks at opponents hands and makes them discard or burn all their small blockers with burn spells. You can get early damage but sometimes aggro decks run out of steam and their opponents get to stabilize and aggro players who have no access to decent draw spells end up doing nothing.

Not so with the Underworld Rage-Hound and Escape. All of a sudden for the price of 4 mana and exiling 3 other cards from your graveyard you now have a 4/2 potential finisher. This is assuming that your burn/removal spells have taken all of your opponents blockers and your discarders have wiped their hands of any future blockers.

Another benefit of Escape is that you more confident of Mass Sweeping even if it destroys your own creatures. The upside is that you can still access your creatures via Escape and if you play it right your opponents would not. A Bojuka bog might ruin your day but it might very well ruin your opponents day as well. Always makes sure that it is the later.

"Doc In , Doc Out Presents: Wala po."

"Doc In , Doc Out Presents: Wala po."

by:

Virgilio F. De leon Jr.MD

"Meanwhile in a certain Company Clinic in QC: Wala po."

Me: May hika po ba kayo?

Patient: Ako po? Wala. Kapag may sakit lang po ako na ganito.

Me: So bale may hika nga po?

Patient: Wala po talaga. Kapag nagkakasakit lang ako na ganito po pumipito kapag humihinga ako.

Me: So may hika nga po.

Patient: Wala po....

Me: Maam. Meron po ha. Pagpasok mo pa lang naririnig ko na. Kailan po ang huling atake ng hika?

Patient: Last month po. Nagpunta po ako ng pulmo.

Me: Binigyan po ng pang puff?

Patient: Meron po.

Me: Oh ayan Maam ha may hika po.

"Midweek Magic 2019 #34: Let me help you....Counter ko muna yan"

"Midweek Magic 2019 #34: Let me help you....Counter ko muna yan"

by:

Virgilio F. De leon Jr.MD

Ram was being his constraining self once again and he was spreading all of his controlling self , happy in the knowledge that he was able to play a Humility and it was disabling all the creature based strategies on the board. It was a great thing that I was able to flip my Nicol Bolas before he dropped the pesky enchantment

At this time Jus was saying that he was in favor for my Bolas to get to 12 Loyalty counters so we can get rid of the Humility that Ram had on the battlefield but then hosed me down when I was trying to cast my own Omniscience.

Sometimes it is great to be recognized as a true threat even when you are desperately trying to take care of one other problem. Ah the life of an Archenemy. Until Next Year Jus.

"Holding"

"Holding" 

by:

Virgilio F. De leon Jr.MD

I

Let me shoot down your arguments

Come , Come take my hand

All I have is this name

and the place where I land.

II

Let's not force the issue

but let's not let go

How can I make this decision?

You are all that I know

III

You and your darkness and fear

You and your uncertainties made real

I find it better than my monotony

Of me just living in the unreal

Optum. Bldg N. Quezon City. December 31 , 2019 11:38pm

"Bukas na lang ulit."

"Bukas na lang ulit."

Ni:

Virgilio F. De leon Jr.MD

Minsan naiisip ko. Nakakatawa itong ginagawa ko sa sarili ko eh. Nakaupo ako dito na parang tanga. Nagaabang sa isang tao na malay ko ba kung kailan uuwi. May tawag daw sa ganito. Kapag pangit stalker , kapag guwapo , Matiyaga. Di ko lang sigurado kung ano ako dun sa dalawa. Kung dumaan yung taong yun sana eh matanong ko din sa kanya.

"Alam mo iho naawa ako sa iyo kaya papayuhan na lang kita ha. 3 ang labasan ni July galing sa klase niya. Kadalasan naglalakad lang iyon kasama ang mga kaibigan niya. Mga 4:30 andiyan na yun."

Napatingin ako sa Ale dun sa tindahan. "Salamat po. Di po si July ang iniintay ko. Yung kaibigan po niya si June."

"Si June? Aba eh wala ka rin palang taste sa babae ano iho?" Ang sabi nung ale at lumabas ng tindahan para lalo akong kausapin."

Nakinig naman ako kasi ok na din yun na pampalipas oras habang iniintay ko si June.

"Ganito yan iho , Si July , matangkad , mapayat , mestiza , mayaman na pamilya. Minsan nga lang may pagkatanga pero sa mga nakikita ko gusto niyo naman ng ganun di ba?"

"Kaya nga po si June yung iniintay ko." Di ko masabi na iniintay ko si June kasi pinapasingil nung tatay ko yung utang ng nanay niya. 

"Kung sabagay chinita na yata ang gusto ngayon ng mga bata. Maliit , Chinita , may braces na medyo mataba. Ayaw niyo na yung mala diyosa ano? yung gusto niyo eh yung malapit sa mga mortal?"

"Parang ganun na nga po." Napilitan akong sumagot kahit na ayaw ko  , parang bastos naman kasi kung hindi. Desidido kasi si Nanay na malaman kung bakit araw araw akong nagaabang dito sa tindahan niya.

Pakiramdam ko hihirit pa sana siya kaso lang narinig ko na yung tawa ni June. Yung mataas na tawa niya na simula bata pa ako eh parang blackboard na ginagasgas ng kuko sa kapangitan. Pero ngayon eh senyales na makakauwi na din ako sa wakas.

"Sige po Nanay. Andiyan na sila."

Nilagay ni Nanay ang kamay niya sa balikat ko. "Wag kang tanga. Piliin mo yung isa."

Tumango na lang ako. Kunyari pipili nga ako.

"Hi! Iniintay mo ba ako?" Ito si July. Nung mga panahong nagsabog ang Diyos ng bango sa daigdig malaking porsyento ang nasalo niya. Kung may naiisip kang tao na mabango mula ulo hanggang talampakan , Si July yun."

"July, Alam mo naman siguro kung sino ang iniintay niya talaga. Ito. Bukas na lang daw ulit sabi ni Mama."Sabay abot ng sobre ng utang ng Mama niya. Ito si June. Di kagandahan sa normal na paraan. Maliit , at lalong pang nagmukhang maliit katabi ng matangkad niyang kaibigan. Morena pero nagmumukhang maitim sa tabi ni July. Ang lamang niya sa kaibigan niya? Siya ang pinakamatalino sa klase at parang sinapuso niya ang Nerd guide ,May braces na parang riles ng tren at may makakapal na salamin at bag na punong puno ng libro na parang nagpapakuba sa kanya habang naglalakad.

Malaki ang utang ng Mama niya sa Tatay ko. Di ko na masyadong tinatanong kung bakit pero nung buhay pa yung tatay niya madalas sila sa bahay namin. Kaya nga sanay na yung tenga ko sa nakakabutas tenga niyang tawa. Kadalasan ako ang dahilan kung bakit siya tumatawa ng ganun. Ngayon ganito na lang kaming dalawa. Singil. Bye. Bukas ulit. Nagumpisa na akong umalis pero tinawag ako ni June.

"August, may itatanong sana ako sa iyo."

"Ano yun?" Ano kaya ito? Parang ilang taon na kaming ganito eh ngayon lang siya nagtanong.

"Galit ka ba sa akin?"

"Sa iyo? Bakit naman?"

"Wala lang. Kasi parang ganito na lang tayong dalawa. Abot bayad. Bukas ulit. Kaya naisip ko ayaw mo lang ba akong kausap?"

"Di naman. Kaya lang pakiramdam ko kasi iba na ang mga interest mo ngayon. Baka wala na tayong paguusapan."

"Paano mo nalaman na ganun kung di mo nga ako kinakausap?"

"Ayan kinakausap naman kita ah. Labo mo."

Tumawa si June. Yung halakhak na sanay na sanay na ako pero di ko alam na hinahanap hanap ko din pala.

"Alam mo talaga kung paano ako patawanin. Bukas na lang ulit?"

"Sige." Sabay talikod para di niya makita na naaliw ako sa tawa niya.

"As the year Ends.I remember."

"As the year Ends.I remember."

by:

Virgilio F. De leon Jr.MD

An hour before the New Year , NU 107 would play their top 100 songs of the year. The air would be filled with the smell of smoke from things being cooked and from firecrackers that have been set off, as early as September that year. 

Our Dog , Scrappy whose nerves have been frayed from all the explosions would hide in the dresser in the middle of the house. I would be carrying a white cloth over my nose(My Mom insisted) as I walked all over the house , full from the food from a few minutes ago but still looking at the table for something else that was good and there were a lot of things there. 

Neighbors would keep coming borrowing things or giving more food or returning things or just to greet us a Happy New year. I would sneak over to my friends house and light fire crackers from a candle that was fixed to the street , the box of 5 stars and Super Lolo's a mere few feet away and there always seemed more to throw to the street. This year isn't over and I smile at the memories.

I find myself no longer at home. Alone. Taking care of patients at a time where I should be there with my family. Then again Mom and Dad are gone and my siblings live far from me. As the year ends I just want to remember these simple things.

Mahirap talaga kapag nasa Duty bagong mag bagong taon.

"Serpent of Yawning Depths: Blocking in the Darkness"

"Serpent of Yawning Depths: Blocking in the Darkness"

by:

Virgilio F. De leon Jr.MD

One of the big beasts that were recently spoiled for Theros Beyond this is this Angler Fish looking thing without the lantern that is actually a serpent. It is a 6/6 for 6 mana and it reads that Krakens, Leviathans, Octopuses, and Serpents you control can't be blocked except by Krakens, Leviathans, Octopuses, and Serpents.

It is a really long line of text  but  for me all I read was: 

"This is your next win condition."

For anyone who has ever run the Seafoods Deck that features the Quest for Ula's Temple and had your opponents counting until you had 3 counters on it and you could just plop down any Krakens, Leviathans, Octopuses, and Serpents that happen to be in your hand at the end of each of your endsteps.

It features sweepers such as Scourge of Fleets and that all time favorite Leviathan that makes all lands Islands and then prohibits creatures without flying or Islandwalk from attacking. Yes the Great Stormtide Leviathan with it's 8/8 and Islandwalk (Yes the guy has Islandwalk built in) floods the world/battlefield and goes to talk on you with it's massive err...Flippers.

So what abou the Serpent of Yawning Depths? Well this guy makes sure that even without the Stormtide Leviathan all of your Krakens, Leviathans, Octopuses, and Serpents can get their damage in. And usually it does not take long for this massive creatures to flatten your land loving opponents. Unless they also happen to love the Seafoods deck and are running it themselves. What are the odds of that happening?

A changeling can make a stand and block but those usually come in little sizes and only one as far as I can remember has death touch. 

I know this Serpent might not cost much but it will have a home when it comes out.

"Doc In , Doc out Presents: 1 day processing?"

"Doc In , Doc out Presents: 1 day processing?"

by:

Virgilio F. De leon Jr.MD

"Meanwhile in a certain Company Clinic in QC: 1 day processing?"

Patient: Doc matagal po pala ang treatment ng UTI.

Me: Ay opo. Kasi minsan nga pag nagrepeat ng urinalysis
pinapatuloy pa ng up to 10 days yung gamot.

Patient: Ah. Kasi po sabi ni TL one day lang daw tapos na ang UTI.

Me: Ha? Unless si Jesus yun , wala pang isang minuto ok na.Pero usually one week or more na treatment.Inom mo pa din gamot mo ha?

Patient: Yes po Doc.

#BakaibayunggamotniTL

"Midweek Magic 2019 #33: Scheming....Treachery"

"Midweek Magic 2019 #33: Scheming....Treachery"

by:

Virgilio F. De leon Jr.MD

One of the most memorable plays during our Year ender games was when I helped Ram get a card from his own deck with Scheming Symmetry. I forgot which card I actually took out from my library but Ram got a Combustible Gearhulk that he promptly aimed at my face. The Audacity! Hahahahhaha

But then again that is why it is Scheming Symmetry. So choose whom you help wisely.

It is a good thing that I reminded Ram of this fact and he decided to change the target to Adrian on the other end of the table.

"Abangers"

"Abangers"

ni:

Virgilio F. De leon Jr.MD

I

Tumitingin sa relo , ang bagal nito

nagaabang sa paglabas, kahit anino mo

Pero parang di naman ata tadhana

Na makita ko ulit ang maamo mong mukha.

II

Siguro oras na din ang nagugol

Oras na din na di mababalik

Masama na rin siguro kung umasa

Na ang sulyap ay pupunta sa halik

III

Kaya sa pagtalikod bumilis ang pulso

Tinawag mo ang pangalan ko.

Kanina ka pa ba?

Kanina ka pa ba dito?

Optum. Bldg N. Quezon City. November 30, 2019 12:56am

"The Meeting"

"The Meeting"

by:

Virgilio F. De leon Jr.MD

"Sir , would you want a muffin with that?" It took the man a couple of seconds to realize that the barista was talking to him. "No , the coffee would be just fine."

The girl at the counter was smiling at him but his mind was elsewhere. July and her pretty smile was pulling at him again and like each other time he was letting her guide his thoughts. What was it that July told him before? 

"Uy Focus."

"Yeah it sounds about right." So why can't he focus at all? Somehow hewent on automode , paid , sat down at the window facing the dance studio across the street. She would probably be in there practicing or she might be somewhere else , like a show. Locally their group has been gaining much attention but it seemed like a slow creep compared to their sister group who dominated the same field almost a decade ago.

"Promise kapag sikat na kami ililibre kita nung kape na paborito mo." It was July in his thoughts again about 2 years ago when she found out that she got accepted. 

"Sure you will." was what he remembered answering.

"Alam mo magtagalog ka nga. Marunong ka naman di ba?"

A smile spread across his face. July would always insist in talking in tagalog because she felt that she could not fully convey what she thought when they were talking in english but he did find her cute when she was talking that way.

"Ayoko nga."

"Ewan ko sa iyo.Iintayin mo pa ba ako after ng practice?"

"Not really a problem. I have tons to read and no one bothers me here."

"Promise talaga after nitong practice na ito. Punta tayo ng Tagaytay. Nakakakastress itong schedule ko eh."

"Ok. I will just be here."

The trip to Tagaytay or anywhere never really happened. It was one practice , one appearance , one show , one pictorial after another. And he was left waiting to see her smiling face , tired and apologetic. He didn't really notice when his patience ran out. When the words "it's fine" turned to dead silence.

It was probably shorter than he imagined. He decided that he wasn't waiting anymore. He was tired. He didnt blame her. It was a big break and her family needed her to earn that money. Money he could not provide if he wanted to. 

He was into his books. The hours passed as he read and wrote. She would come out of nowhere always saying sorry about the hour and he would smile at her. "It's fine. Gutom ka ba?"

It would be 2am. Sometimes a little past midnight. Or sometimes she would just go out for a little bit because they still had things to do. And he was always there. The Cafe didn't mind because he always bought more things than he can eat. There was a time that he bought for two but those things would get cold so he only bought things when she would come out of the practices. 

Did he have a life outside of her? He was sure that he did but he chose to be here anyway. And July for all the times that he was there looked more and more apologetic for not being with him. He was fine until that one day that he forgot he was there at all and she texted him only after she had been brought home by one of their managers.

I guess that was the last straw for him. He didn't say anything. He just vanished. He did not know what to say in any case. He knew what he was getting himself into  , it is not like she held a gun to his head to force him to do anything. All she needed to do was smile and he was there. Till she forgot that he was. And maybe it would hurt more if he said anything. So he didn't.

And now? 2 years and her face was plastered all over the place. They were finally being recognized and were holding their own concert in a couple of days. He didn't want to be in this cafe again but his publisher told him to be here. It was about his 3rd and last book. The past two years have been kind to him as well. Local authors need to be a Palanca pet to get the big breaks that he got. He got it anyway and they were toasting him while trying to dredge his past relationship with her. Of course he didn't say anything. She did the same , at least according to his publisher. July was smart enough to realize that his busy protagonist who ignored everyone in her life and imploding in the process was her. People lapped up at the idea. And he had to explain that it was not July. That she knew her but they have not been in touch for years. 2 years since that day.

The coffee was warm in his hands as he looked at the Studio across the street and thought of her face once again.He closed his eyes. What were the odds that she was here.

"Best selling author! Congrats!" It was her voice. The soft version of her always bubbly voice. "Ganyan ka ba uminom ng kape ngayon? Nakapikit ang mata?"

It was July , her figure was more toned , her skin whiter , her hair longer but it was the same smile.

"Uy. Magsalita ka naman. Kamusta ka na?"

"Ok lang?" He asked her.

She took the chair opposite and tied her hair into a pony tail before looking at him. "Galit ka pa ba sa akin?"

"Why would I be mad at you?"

"Because of what I did 2 years ago."

"I don't think I was ever mad at you."

"Di ka galit eh nawala ka ng 2 taon? Nakablock ako sa FB mo , sa phone mo. Di ka man lang nagsabi kung nasaan ka."

"I didn't know you were looking. You were busy."

"Di gaano kabusy not to read your  book."

"I didn't know you were into books."

"I am into yours."

"Uy purong English!"

July laughed but stopped. 

"Seryoso ako. Bakit di mo na ako kinausap?"

"Bakit pa? You seem to have done well for yourself without my help. I was in the way."

"In my way?"

"Yeah. that time I thought you were always rushing , always going to me when you did not need to. Until you forgot I was here. I realized that this was going nowhere."

"Who were you to decide that?"

"I didn't decide that. You did. You forgot I was even here." He didn't need to dig up these old things so he started to leave. "Congratulations on the Concert. I heard that it sold out in 2 minutes online. I am late for a meeting."

"Tanga. Ako talaga kameeting mo ngayon."

He looked at the clock. It was 10am. She was his 10am. He was sure to have something to say to his publisher about this. 

"Since ikaw ang kameeting ko today I will honor the hour. Ano ang gusto mong gawin?"

"Wala. I want to say sorry."

"You don't have to. I did what I did 2 years ago so you don't have to say sorry to me ever again."

"Sana you gave me a chance to do so 2 years ago."

"It wouldn't matter. Things won't change. Your career would go first and me...well buti na lang at natapos na din 2 years ago."

"You know that I care about you right? That I love you."

"Ah yes. I knew that.2 years is a long time for that. And you already have that dancer guy as a boyfriend now. The network has been sure to let everyone know."

"You know that he is gay right? I asked my bosses to pair me with him so that no one bothers me on and off stage."

"A good decision. Peace of mind is short nowadays July. I honestly wish you well."

"Wait what? Yun lang sasabihin mo sa akin after two years? Nag I love you na nga ako tapos cold ka pa."

"What do you expect? I love you din?"

"Di ba?" And July looked at him with a look that he had only seen on her once. She was serious and he felt his heart aching that she was not smiling.

"I..."

And July's phone rang. It was her manager.They both knew that the hour was over. The girl took her phone. Dunked it in the coffee he was drinking.

"Di ako aalis dito nang di ka sumasagot.2 taon akong naghanap sa iyo. 2 taon akong naghintay sabihin yung mga gusto kong sabihin. Sasagutin mo ako ngayon."

"And if I say that I feel the same would things change?"

"Yes they will."

"How?"

July brought out their calendar and she flipped through her spread. It was this month. 

"Choose any day and I will spend it with you."

"I could be greedy and just mark everything you know."

"Go ahead. It took me 2 years to be able to find you. I am not waiting another second more."

"So everything with my mark is mine and mine alone? No practices? No pictorials? No nothing?"

"Yes."

He chose the next 2 weeks after their concert run.

July looked at the Calendar. "How can I not love someone as patient as you?"

"You have to keep your promise first. Oh and I will be watching you from now on too. So Behave."

"I promise to be a good girl."

"Promising and doing are two different things. Just so you know I won't hold it against you if you change your mind."

"Baliw. No way I am changing my mind. You are mine now."

July Smiled. And he cannot help but smile himself.

"My 5 most hated MTG cards"

"My 5 most hated MTG cards"

by:

Virgilio F. De leon Jr.MD

Today's 5 most hated cards comes from me , The Plaguelord of the North ,  The Infect Specialist of Team Virulence.

"All will be One." 

And here are the cards that have made my life miserable in the span of decades of playing magic.

1) Traumatize

"Nung panahon na puro Goblins pa lang ang alam ko na gawin may nakalaban ako sa Filbars na na Traumatize ako. Traumatizing yung experience. Kahit na 2 life na lang siya na Mill out ako!"

2) Propaganda

"Kahit ngayon dahil kaunti lang ang playing time ko gusto ko na mas maraming games. Kapag nakakakita ako ng Propaganda na pampabagal ng attack or damage sinisira ko kaagad eh."

3) Knowledge pool

"Ang kamay mo ay kamay ko. Ang spell na kinast mo eh mamimili ka ng....Damn. Ang gulo! Tapos sasama pa si Teferi...Sir Bawal na yan."

4) Brine Elemental + Stasis = Tie for #2

"Sa lahat siguro ng creature ito ang pinapatay ko kapag nakita ko na agad. Ok lang maraming creature tokens or malalaking Eldrazi. Pero pag nakita ko ito. Tepok. Sawang sawa na ako sa kakalock. Ang gusto ko lang na lock eh si Psylocke."

"Gusto ko lang naman maglaro ng magic pero ang sakit pa rin sa damdamin na di na nag untap yung mga permanente mo tapos hinihintay mo na lang mafigure out nung Stasis player ang win con niya."

And ang most Hated cards ng Infect player?

Tie ulit! For #1

5) Solemnity At Melira , Sylvok Outcast.

Wala nang sisira pa sa araw ng Infect player kundi makita ang mga ito sa Battlefield. Buti na lang may access sa Green spells at Black Spells usually ang Infect player pero ito at ito lang ang pampasira ng araw talaga.

"Elspeth , Sun's Nemesis : Sun Gods Beware."

"Elspeth , Sun's Nemesis : Sun Gods Beware."

by:

Virgilio F. De leon Jr.MD

We all knew that she would come back at some point and with the death of the main White Planeswalker in Gideon Jura , Elspeth coming back was inevitable as the sun rising.

So things are bad again in Theros as the boundary between the underworld and the world of the living seem like thin veil and the souls are leaking back. One of these is Elspeth.

And her new card features the new Mechanic Escape. A mechanic that let's you use a particular Planeswalkers or Creature from your own graveyard. For a cost. Let us look at how the new Elspeth now.

Elspeth , Sun's Nemesis is out for revenge against that Sun God Heliod. Costing at 4 mana she has 3 different abilities. All requiring her to lose Loyalty counters from her 5 initial ones. In essence , Elspeth does not care if she dies again for as long as she achieves her goals. 

Her -1 gives up to 2 target creatures to have a +2/+1.  And follows na aggressive slant. If you have been attacking with 1/1's or 2/2's and you managed to drop Elspeth , Sun's Nemesis on turn 4 then you are one step closer to beating your opponent with this aggressive stat pump.

So what if Elspeth arrives and you have no creatures to give the stat pump to? No worries because she can create two 1/1 White Human Soldier tokens with her -2 second ability. 

But what if you are running low on life before Elspeth enters the battlefield because your opponents more aggressive creatures and strategies? Well Elspeth , Sun's Nemesis also has an answer for that in the form of a 5 life point increase via her -3 ability.

Sure if you use this ability , an opponent might be tempted to finish off this white planeswalker and send her back to the underworld. And they would have made a big mistake.

And so on to the Escape Mechanic. Elspeth , Sun's Nemesis for the cost of 4 colorless an 2 White mana( 2 more than her initial cost) and the removal of 3 cards from your graveyard can comeback on your side of the board to give you stat pumps , soldiers and life. 

She can stabilize your board state again and again for as long as you have mana and 3 cards to pay from your graveyard. Athreos exacts a heavy toll after all if you want to keep seeing Elspeth again and again. Or at least that is what I assume. This might be something else otherwise but I rather like the idea of paying that Ferry man something for something. 

"Doc In , Doc Out Presents: Ano daw?"

"Doc In , Doc Out Presents: Ano daw?"

by:

Virgilio F. De leon Jr.MD

"Meanwhile in certain Company Clinic in QC: Ano daw?"

Chief Complaint: Sour Throught?(Maasim na pagiisip?)
Soar Throught?( Lumilipad na pagiisip?)

Actual Chief complaint: Sore Throat.

#ifyoucanthinkyoucanthrought

"Midweek Magic 2019 #32: KFC Year End Gaming."

"Midweek Magic 2019 #32: KFC Year End Gaming."

by:

Virgilio F. De leon Jr.MD

I remember that at the beginning of this year we started in KFC. We played the first games there and I think now that we have been at the end that we would also play there. 

And it was almost back to our old regular numbers. Jus and Ram were there early. I was third to arrive in Eton but first in KFC as the other 2 made their usual NG visit before it transferred. Joining us for the night and doing some ninja moves of his own was Adrian. And when Adrian was able to play 2 games it was Janry who showed up and replaced him in the 4 man table. 

My friend ST also showed up but not to play. Mainly to hang out with us. 

All in all it was 5 or 6 rounds of bonding and treachery. As well as generally catching up with each other and looking at what the future of this game that we all love. Many fears but many hopes as well.

I am thankful to have played one more game in Eton Centris with everyone this year. Looking forward to new games with everyone in the new year.

"Midweek Magic #33: Scheming....Treachery"

When I helped Ram get a card from his own deck with Scheming Symmetry and he got a Combustible Gearhulk that he promptly aimed at my face. Hahahahhaha

"That Sinking Feeling"

"That Sinking Feeling"

by:

Virgilio F. De leon Jr.MD

I

One more door closes on my day

And I ask why is it this way?

When you try harder , work harder

And fate seems to still hold sway

II

When it feels like being swept aside

by all these waves of time

And you swim against the flow

only to find that you are dragged under

III

So I feel like I am drowning

and the air just escapes my lungs

And I am sinking , sinking further

And I see the light fading in the Loch

IV

I reach out for the light

And the current just pulls stronger

I scream their names and I try to wake

but even in reality still falling , falling.

Optum Building N, Quezon City. December 12 , 2019. 5:15am

"Making Her Smile."

"Making Her Smile."

by:

Virgilio F. De leon Jr.MD

"I always wonder kung ano yang ginagawa mong yan. Pag alis ko nakayuko ka , pagdating ko nakayuko ka pa din." July swiped his glasses which did make him look up from the laptop he was working on.

"Alam mo di naman dapat alam mo about me. Girlfriend lang dapat nakakaalam lahat." V tried to get his glasses back.

"Ah ganun?Ayaw mo pala akong girlfriend ha." The girl with the braces tried to bite the arm that was trying to reach for the glasses."

"Seryoso. Wala akong makita. Ang ganda mo na naman."

"Itatapon ko talaga ito." The girl was quick but the boy surprised her with a speed that she did not expect from him. He always looked tired even at the best of times.

"Maingat ka nga. Muntik ka nang tumama sa salamin oh." July looked at him standing between the glass and her. He got his glasses. A little more and with the force she was backing away she could have hurt herself."

"Thanks ha. Gusto mong kumain ng late dinner? Treat ko."

V looked at the clock at the far end of the cafe. It was 3am.

"Late na late na dinner...Sobrang agang agahan." And they both laughed. "Pero gusto mo na lang bang magrest? Kasi call in na naman mamayang 7am di ba?"

July sighed after being reminded but she did love her job. Being on stage , being adored by fans but there was something that she simply could not do without.

"Ganito na lang. Bilhan kita ng tinapay. Painit ko na para may kakainin ka sa kotse." V turned around to lock his laptop and go to the counter when he felt her hug him from behind.

"Alam mong di ako makakalakad kapag ganyan ka." He could feel her smile spread on his back even though he could not see it. It seemed so easy to make her smile. 

"Bakit laging ang bait mo sa akin?"

"Sexual predator kasi ako. Gusto ko kasi ipakilala mo ako sa mga kasama mo sa dance group niyo." V used his most deadpan voice but July laughed at the joke.

"Baliw. Bilhan mo na ako ng Corned beef pandesal. Gutom na ako."

"Ito na nga eh."

"3 cards that I regret selling: Cards ko Para Kay Meralco."

"3 cards that I regret selling: Cards ko Para Kay Meralco."

by:

Virgilio F. De leon Jr.MD

There is nothing more painful than a magic player parting with cards that mean a lot to them. There have been times that bills or other emergencies take more importance than the aforementioned cards. In my case , it was our Electricity bill and while I can wait for my salary at that time we were facing disconnection and so there I went to Caloocan and our friend Alvin was generous enough to take the cards from my hands so that I can pay our electricity bill.

And the cards are these 3:

1) Foil Dismember - During my run to be the Plaguelord of the North (Where you count the number of Infect wins against per standard tournament as a side quest and accumulate it for a price at the end of the season.) I opened a pack while having dinner with my teammates who never failed to cheer me on. It was sweet to have this card in my Infect decks until I eventually needed to sell it.

2) Foil Inkmoth Nexus - While we were still dating my then girlfriend who eventually became my wife bought me this card and I have been proud running it in my decks as it symbolized a deeper bond between us. She understood my love for the game and was supportive of it till to this day. 

3) Set of Verdant Catacombs - Originally owned by Rod Tolentino of the band Subscapular , I had treasured these fetch lands and they provided the much needed filtering to accelerate my Mono Green Infect Assault deck. I got it at a great price during the time and though I can still afford it now selling this set of lands still pains me to this day.Not only has it increased in value , this lands were owned by someone I admired in the local music scene.

My friends and I often tell stories of how we had to sell certain cards. I console myself with this question that my wife often asks me , "Nagbebenta ka pa ba ng cards ngayon?" which I often answer with "Never again."

"Ashiok, Nightmare Muse: Inspiring Terror."

"Ashiok, Nightmare Muse: Inspiring Terror."

by:

Virgilio F. De leon Jr.MD

So what exactly does a Nightmare Muse inspire? I can tell you want thing it doesn't , they don't give you dreams about cooing babies and cute puppies. Check out the Theros trailer for more Ghoulish children action where Ashiok shows Elspeth a truly terrifying thing.

At 5 mana , 3 colorless and Dimir colors Ashiok, Nightmare Muse enters the battlefield with 5 loyalty counters. And I do feel that this planeswalker is really on the sadistic side.

Check out Ashiok, Nightmare Muse's first ability that creates a 2/3 blue and black Nightmare creature token with "Whenever this creature attacks or blocks, each opponent exiles the top two cards of their library."...Ashiok makes mini Nemesis of Reason's!!! All it needs is to step forward and an opponent is "Inspired" to madness by losing 2 cards from their library! This is actually worse than the Nemesis of Reason as the card is exiled, unlike the Milling where an opponent can still use cards from their graveyard for Delve and reanimation. 

And want to see another cruel thing?Ashiok, Nightmare Muse's 2nd ability. -3: Return target nonland permanent to its owner's hand, then that player exiles a card from their hand.

That's just returning a permanent to their hand how cruel is that? The bounce helps you of course but some players prefer to be able to recast their own permanents for their ETB effects. And this is where the potential danger of this ability comes in. If they only have a 2 or 3 cards in hand , they will be forced to exile something that they were holding on to for future plans like a combo piece , mass removal or counter. If they only have no hand and non-land gets bounced by this ability of Ashiok when it might as well read as "Exile target non-land permanent."

And believe me there are already plenty of existing Milling/Discarding/Exiling decks with Ashiok as the main star. What is one more version to add in this mix right?

And in the long run this ultimate ability will be the end of an opponent.-7: You may cast up to three face-up cards your opponents own from exile without paying their mana costs.

Ashiok, Nightmare Muse merely needs to survive 3 turns for this ability to be activated and assuming that there are very good permanents or spells in that Exile zone. Like a Blightsteel Colossus ,  Omniscience and Rivers of Tears for example.While EDH opponents are forced to reestablish their boards you can take your time and pick them off one by one. Well you do get the idea. Ashiok truly inspires one's nightmares.

"Doc In , Doc Out Presents:Ah wala po? "

"Doc In , Doc Out Presents:Ah wala po? "

by:

Virgilio F. De leon Jr.MD

Agent: Doc gusto ko pong makuha yung APE result ko.
Me: Sure. Ano pong apelyido?
Agent: Repolyo po (Di tunay na apelyido)
Me: (Looks at files and saw that results were only from Rizal to Roxas , brought out all files and showed it to Agent.) Sir ito lang po yung mga R na andito.
Agent: So wala pong Repolyo?
Me: Simula RI lang po.
Agent: R E?
Me: Paki follow up na lang po kung naiforward na nila kasi wala pa.
Agent: Ah wala pa.
Me: Yun nga po.

Parang yung "Sarado" meme lang eh...

"Midweek Magic 2019 #31: Alela Slips Through"

"Midweek Magic 2019 #31: Alela Slips Through"

by:

Virgilio F. De leon Jr.MD

Games have been too far in between for the last couple of the weeks these past two months but it was a good Wednesday when I met up with Ram and Chez in KFC Eton Centris. 

I was glad for the games.It was Alela and Muldrotha in the end when Ram decided to eliminate Chez early in the game. I managed to survive all the damage I took because I was able to pull off my favorite land combo from Muldrotha but I found that it was total shame that I was not able to put in the Field of the Dead that I have brought recently for all those zombies. Ahuhuhu

So any way I was able to sacrifice all my lands to my Zuran Orb and getting them all back by sacrificing my Worldshaper to my Viscera Seer to get all those lands back. I have done this for 2 turns and was so caught up with all the things going on that I forgot to check on Alela. 

After casting spells and I was done to my last 5 lands Ram nervously(was not apparent during that time) at all the cards that had been in my graveyard. I did not do the same but I should have.

So I played something again and I cannot recall what , from sleepiness or just giddiness from pulling off this favorite move in two successive turns. More than 80 life seems like a huge enough cushion after all. So I passed the turn to Ram who drew a card and attacked with Alela who at this time was adorned by all sorts of enchantments and equipments that made her a 16/16 monstrosity. A 16/16 FLYING monstrosity that I forgot to check as I thought that my ground forces would be able to block her. But she just went through and I already sustained enough damage from her to succumb to Commander damage costing me the game.

We were laughing our asses off. Ram also showed me the card he looked at in my graveyard that I could have cast the previous turn if only I paid a little bit more attention. It was a Corrupted Conscious that I specifically put in for situations such as this. I could have gotten Alela , attacked Ram with it for 16 infect damage and won. Instead I let her slip past and she killed me instead. Mahirap talaga kapag kinakalawang sa paglalaro. Hahahahah