True Meaning of Love (from one of my old notebooks)

If its because of his eyes or his lips or his great body, it's not love...it's LUST.

If its because of his intelligence or insight about life, it't not love...it's ADMIRATION.

If its because of he cries every time you try to leave, it's not love...it's PITY.

If its because he makes you forget to study and sleep, it's not love...it's INFATUATION.

Love is when you do not know why you seem to be attraacted to a person. Love has it's reason...And that reason is unknown...

--Anonymous

My Eulogy for Lolo Ybar

Don’t you find it amazing how death can bring together so many people? Hundreds of individuals that form part of a memory or hold a special place in the heart of a single person come from all over to pay tribute to somebody they hold dear. This day it had to be Ybar’s.

Nothing is as certain as death and taxes, they say. But despite that certainty, that inevitability, when the day finally comes one can never seem to be ready for it. Right now I do not rejoice because he is in a better place. I mourn because he will be missed.

My Lolo who used to jog every morning, practice in his own gym, have his own aviary…My Lolo who enjoyed reading the papers everyday to the point that when he could no longer do it himself wanted the news read out to him. My Lolo who liked boxing, wrestling, and his “cervesa”.

He was the king of his household. Our Lola saw to it that he was. Even after she was gone, their children saw to it that he was never deprived of that pampering . He also ran his town (now a city) with an iron fist. But tough as he was, he was also a very religious man. And without a doubt, he was a good man—a man who lived by his principles. To those of you who knew him, I need not expound on what that meant.

As I roamed through his house in Palanas, I found myself staring at the plaques on the wall. At first glance you can barely mind it coz they look so old and rustic, but when you find time to decipher what is written beneath you’ll find the words “HERO” and “APPRECIATION”. I knew my Lolo was a good & esteemed man but I never knew it was to the point of being deemed as a hero by the nation. After all his good qualities, in the end, it was HUMILITY that became his lasting virtue. That makes him the greatest man I ever have ever known.

Ours is a big family. Numerous as we are may we not forget where we came from and may we find happiness and contentment in where we are going. Lolo Ybar sure did. May his legacy inspire us and his memory remain with us.

He was a good man, a very good man—and good men need not be forgotten.

We love you, Lo…always have, and always will…

Songs that become a part of you...

"Far Away"

This time, This place
Misused, Mistakes
Too long, Too late
Who was I to make you wait
Just one chance
Just one breath
Just in case there's just one left
'Cause you know,
you know, you know

[CHORUS]
That I love you
I have loved you all along
And I miss you
Been far away for far too long
I keep dreaming you'll be with me
and you'll never go
Stop breathing if
I don't see you anymore

On my knees, I'll ask
Last chance for one last dance
'Cause with you, I'd withstand
All of hell to hold your hand
I'd give it all
I'd give for us
Give anything but I won't give up
'Cause you know,
you know, you know

[CHORUS]

So far away
Been far away for far too long
So far away
Been far away for far too long
But you know, you know, you know

I wanted
I wanted you to stay
'Cause I needed
I need to hear you say
That I love you
I have loved you all along
And I forgive you
For being away for far too long
So keep breathing
'Cause I'm not leaving you anymore
Believe it
Hold on to me and, never let me go
Keep breathing
'Cause I'm not leaving you anymore
Believe it
Hold on to me and, never let me go
Keep breathing
Hold on to me and, never let me go
Keep breathing
Hold on to me and, never let me go

What is the past tense of "blowjob"?

One day, like most intellectually stimulating days that I have when I am around comm. coaches, this interesting question popped up in my head.

I remember one time in training, an agent asked me what the past tense of troubleshoot was. Coming from a tech account, I was quite taken aback by her question because I wasn’t sure what the correct answer was. Umm…troubleshooted? That was my initial response since that was a term I was so used to hearing on the floor before. As far as I can remember, the past tense of troubleshoot was never discussed in any of my English classes from the elementary until college. Troubleshot? But it sounded weird. So well, I told my agent that my bet was troubleshooted but I had to get back to them with the “sure” answer. I am a communication coach not a freakin dictionary.

So anyway, I googled it. Google, by the way, is not only a tech support representative’s best friend, but a comm. coach's ally as well. The correct answer: Troubleshot. BUT there has been great debate on which witch wished which wicked wish. Troubleshooted is also acceptable but most grammarians think that “troubleshot” is the best way to go. Understandable since it is a compound…verb? Hahahaha…admittedly, I am good in English but I cannot explain the technical aspects of it really well. Please do not think that I am a bigheaded snob just because I say I am good in English, mind you, a lot of people say they are good even if they aren’t. I just say that because I have the bragging rights. I may not have been a grammar teacher for 6 years but I sure as hell speak better English than some (not most) do--private joke.

And back to my question: What is the past tense of “blowjob”? Think of your answer before you continue reading this entry. And while you are thinking of your answer let me tell you what the others’ answers were. Well, two comm. coaches (no names will be mentioned for privacy and protection of our credibility—haha) answered “Blewjob”? But ofcourse that was said in jest since we pretty much had absolutely no idea what the answer was. A trainer answered the same thing. Another answer ofcourse was the –ed as in: Blowjobbed?

I know your answer is close if not the abovementioned and I know that you know you are wrong and silly for thinking it. Don’t worry I won’t keep you in suspense any longer. We didn’t get the answer off the internet, well, for documentation purposes I got the verification from the internet and amazingly that answer was right.

Isang hamak (at maangas) na QA ang nagbigay ng kaisa-isang simple at tamang sagot, mind you, sa isang tanong na hindi man lang masagot-sagot ng mga comm. coaches at ng CCT trainers. Nosebleed! Tissue, please! Nag Tagalog si Jacki!

When I asked him the question he just looked me and said (not verbatim): “Chong, anu ka ba? Walang past tense ang “blowjob” kasi NOUN siya.”

For example:

She gave him a blowjob.

She will perform a blowjob.

It was as simple as that. Simple yet brilliant. So my advice is, take marijuana. Don’t panic, it’s organic. It will do you more good than harm, that is, if you want to experience the brains, the sensational mediocrity to be able to answer questions as baffling as this.

For all the assholes who've hurt me in the past...

"Apologize" by Timbaland feat. One Republic


I'm holding on your rope,
Got me ten feet off the ground
I'm hearin what you say but I just can't make a sound
You tell me that you need me
Then you go and cut me down, but wait
You tell me that you're sorry
Didn't think I'd turn around, and say...

It's too late to apologize, it's too late
I said it's too late to apologize, it's too late

I'd take another chance, take a fall
Take a shot for you
And I need you like a heart needs a beat
But it's nothin new - yeah yeah
I loved you with a fire red-
Now it's turning blue, and you say...
"Sorry" like the angel heaven let me think was you
But I'm afraid...

It's too late to apologize, it's too late
I said it's too late to apologize, it's too late

It's too late to apologize, it's too late
I said it's too late to apologize, it's too late
It's too late to apologize, yeah
I said it's too late to apologize, yeah-
I'm holdin on your rope, got me ten feet off the ground...


I heard this song in our Training and Quality Group Christmas party last night. It momentarily took me to a different dimension. Only me, the music, and my cigarette. One of those perfect moments in your life. I wanted to share the song with you and the title was the easiest way to catch attention. hehe

But well, to all the people who've hurt me in the past? Thank you. Pain and angst have always fuelled my creativity. If it didn't hurt too much I'd take it everyday...

Embarrassing moments...Spilling the beans

In training once, we were asked what our most embarrassing moments were. I would never forget the answer of one of our classmates. She said it was when her jock of a basketball player crush approached her and she farted real loud in front of him. Hahaha…I would never want to be in her shoes even if you pay me. Hehehe

Mine isn’t quite as degrading as that but I have noticed that it almost always has to do with Brownman Revival. Yep, the reggae band.

I had wanted to write about this before but I just didn’t feel like doing so. I was never in a hurry because I know it was something I wouldn’t soon forget. So here goes…

Last summer, we went to Siquijor. The group had a gig in Dumaguete at the time but we didn’t watch coz I’m not really a huge fan of the band. My heart belongs to Enchi. So well, there I was with my family and Angeli on board the fast craft. It was almost time for the boat to leave and we just sat at the front since our seats were already taken (as if it was a movie house. The idiots). While we were sitting there we didn’t notice that there was a guy standing in front of us and looking at his ticket. Then he said, “Excuse me, eto po yung seat namen.” I took a second look at him and realized it was Dino, the vocalist, less the shades. Haha I remember a few years back, Bem2x would always want to introduce me to Dino but I would always decline because I might make a fool out of myself. But well, no introductions were necessary because I definitely did a pretty good job of embarrassing myself a few years later, on that day.

We apologized, immediately got up and told the steward that our seats were taken as well and he arranged for it. By then the boat was starting to leave and my brother’s girlfriend, Petite, was not there yet! My mother, being the panicky-assertive/aggressive woman that she is, went to the steward and told them not to leave yet while trying to contact my brother who was waiting for Petite at the pier. But they put their foot down and told my mom they couldn’t do anything about it because the coastguard needed them to leave. It was one of those rare moments of Filipino punctuality that was uncalled for. By then my mom was already in tears and shouting my name ON THE BOAT, FOR EVERY ONE TO HEAR, including the Brownman Revival. Ghad! Just thinking about it now makes me cringe.

Fast forward.

My brother and his girlfriend just took the next trip. My mother was already almost over her earlier bout of hysteria, and I was really itching to get their autograph. Not that I didn’t have the opportunity before but because I was really proud of my LONELY PLANET PHILIPPINES book and Januarie, the percussionist, looked a bit lost trying to figure out the Siquijor map and directions that were given to them by Sanda perhaps. So I decided to show a bit of goodwill (and brag about my P1300 book!) and help the band out by seemingly asking them to autograph my book and putting a bookmark on Siquijor at the same time, hoping they’d get to check it out and the book be of help to them. Angeli didn’t want me to get their autograph but sorry, babe, it wouldn’t have stopped me. When will we ever travel together with a popular band again? What are the odds? And I thought I was doing them a favor too because my book wasn’t returned till the end of the trip, fully autographed, and used. =)

Picture? Nah, I wouldn’t go that far. Sorry, Ching! It was already embarrassing enough without having proof for it. I think we all had a great time while we were in Siquijor.

Why did I remember that day? Because last night I made a fool of myself again! Although, it was only with Jao, the cute and friendly visayan bassist. Here goes…

We watched Enchi perform again last night in Xaimaca. It was fantastic. I love Enchi and whenever I hear them play all my worries seem to dissipate. Their music takes me to a whole different dimension where only peace, happiness, and good times prevail. And their good friends too. Not full of themselves, so down to earth. I just love them.

So anyways, after their performance we went out back to our table. A little while later Jao passed by and I stood up to greet him. I shook his hand and we chatted for a bit and I ended up saying something really lame and stupid like, “Oi, musta? Blah…blah…blah…Mutukar mo ron?” (Tagalog translation: “Tutugtog ba kayo mamaya?”) waduhpak??? Brownman Revival? Hello? Friday nights? Regulars??? But I was able to redeem myself a bit by saying immediately afterwards: “Lagmit noh? Tukar jud mo! Hehehe” (Malamang noh? Tutugtog talaga kayo) We just laughed it off and he went to set up his stuff and I went back to having a good time.

Right now I’m really homesick. Bem2x, Weed, Part, Dodong, Raul, and even the Beavers made me miss home so much. Made me think about what I’m doing here when home, though such a small city, holds a lot of people close to my heart. Home is overflowing with good memories.

Xaimaca will never be Hayahay. Brownman (no offense you guys are a great band) will never be Enchi. Manila will never be Dumaguete. But life will always be what you make of it. Cherish you memories, savor the moments, because in the end everything can be forgotten but the regrets, if any, will remain.

I am making different memories now. I am savoring brand new moments. I am living a whole new lifestyle. I have made a new chapter of my life but my past will always be a part of me. That is what drives me, that is what makes me me. Because no matter what happens, home will always be home and it will always be there to catch me when I fall…or embarrass myself again. *wink*

EARTHQUAKE!

November 28, 2007

It’s almost 3 in the morning and I can’t get back to sleep. I’ve been watching “Ghost Whisperer” for days now, when I get home from work anyway, and since people have been telling me to write I decided to set aside my dvd addiction and do this on a whim.

There was a really big earthquake the other day. We were at the office doing our monits and all of a sudden I saw my monitor wobbling. When I looked at the floor it was shaking as well. Then I looked at Mindy and Mindy was looking at Harry and then we realized: This was it. All three of us stood up and saw that the rest of the agents on the floor were standing up as well. The whole building was actually swaying!

Then suddenly, just like in the movies, somebody screamed! Or come to think about it, I think it was actually “somebodyS”. It didn’t seem hilarious at that time and all I could think of was the earthquake what-to-do’s I’ve seen in the Discovery Channel. Mindy panicked and wanted us all to go down so she literally dragged me across the floor while I was trying to call my partner. I thought about what Angeli used to say: “Mga 100 na lang na termite pipirma jan sa building niyo guguho na talaga yan!” (Our building is one, if not THE, oldest buildings in Makati, by the way). It was funny before but at that particular moment it seemed like a really sick joke.

So there I was, being dragged by Mindy across the floor when all of a sudden, to my great disbelief, I saw Godzilla outside the Insular Building! Man what a sight! I almost fainted because I have this great fear of geckos and even the teensy-weensy harmless ones at home makes me break down and lose composure, all the more a gazillion foot lizard!

Anyway, since we couldn’t take the elevator we unanimously decided to go down the stairs. What the heck is 7 flights of steps now, isn’t it? But poor Mindy =( And as if Godzilla wasn’t enough, at the other side of the building we saw something zoom before our eyes. It came out of nowhere, probably from the skies. Then, we heard a defeaning crash and clank of metal. I ran to look out the window…lo and behold, it was Megatron, in all his glory. What really caught my eye was my beloved Optimus Prime. He was everything I imagined him to be: tall, lean, metallic, and oozing with sex appeal. As expected, Megatron and himself were doing a mega-macho showdown at Valero drive and we had to go down the building before it completely collapsed on us. By the time we got down, the Otobot and the Decepticon were already jousting in Salcedo park, obliviously crashing cars (but not trees) along the way.

The earthquake had already stopped by then but Mindy still had to relax her nerves. When I looked around there were surprisingly a lot of people at the parking lot looking up at something and then we heard it, a great roaring sound that was something I’ve never heard before. We all went to see what all the commotion was about, being the tsismosas and tsismosos that we were. Ha! Optimus Prime and Megatron were momentarily forgotten because by then a ginormous gorilla was beating its chest and waving wildly at the top of PBCom Tower. It was none other than the great King Kong. I would’ve expected him to look groomed and all black but no, he was a bit brown with gold highlights. Bench Fix maybe. I heard they’ve been giving away discounts since the Glorietta bombing incident.

The people were starting to get back into the building and since we had a ton of workload we grudgingly had to go back as well, leaving King Kong still waving and roaring at the PBCom tower, Megatron and Prime duelling at Salcedo Park , and Godzilla wreaking havoc hopefully at PeopleSupport. Hahaha.

Poor Mindy had to walk all the way back up to the 8th floor. If I could carry her I would but alas, we all know what would happen if I did, even on a surge of adrenaline rush. When we got to our stations it was pretty much back to normal. We sat down, put on our headsets, turned on the volume, and typed away.

So I’ll try to sleep now. But that was a day I certainly won’t forget.

My Heart is a Whore

November 14, 2007

I just turned 27 yesterday, November 13^th and nobody was late in greeting me, don’t worry. All of you were on time and I thank you all for remembering.

I had a great day. Last year was my worst birthday but this year is definitely on top of the charts. I rode a lot of taxi cabs yesterday. Did you know I like riding taxi cabs? They’re like cheap chauffeurs for hire but every so often you just get to be unlucky and get tortured by riding in a stinky one. Some might call it karma, I call it tough luck.

While my taxi was breezing through the bustling city streets (sheesh! this is beginning to sound more like a novel than a blog to me, hehe) and reading the constant text messages that were popping up in/on (coz for sure it’s not AT!) my cellphones, a thought popped up in my head: my heart is an emotional harlot. Please discontinue reading this if your sole definition of a whore is someone who engages in sexual acts for money. Thank you.

In Bisaya, we have this term: “burikat”. It sounds disgusting and its meaning equally is. “Burikat akong kasing-kasing” in English is “My Heart is a Whore.”

In my 27 years of living I have loved, been hurt, and have loved some more. I used to be (well, admittedly part of me still is) angst-ridden, scared of getting hurt, cynical...but despite being all these, I’ve never found it hard not to love. And when I love, I give my whole self, no holds barred because for me, that is the only way it should be done. That is the only way to savor it and THAT is why when I get hurt my world turns into complete ruins and I have only to rely on time to reattach the shards back to where it used to be.

I am not talking only about “in a relationships”, I am also applying this to “friends” and “activity partners”. Right at this moment this corny old disco song crossed my mind but amazingly I just realized it holds some depth to it: Friends they come and friends they go. Nothing really matters forever.

Baby Joseph asked me once why I tend to be aloof or anti-social. I simply told him that I don’t want to be attached because I easily get hurt. We would all part ways anyway, sooner or later. We would all only become mere trinkets of our past. But ofcourse, at that moment in time my reply was not as profound as this.

And Joseph did leave, without much ado. I missed him ever since.

But for all it’s worth I will not regret opening up to them. They became one of the best people I have ever met, closest friends I could ever have, and they gave me the greatest memories I could ever cherish.

I read once that “Each person that you meet knows something that you don’t. Learn from them.” I admittedly have had a lot of relationships in the past. But I did learn from each one of them and that has molded me into the person I have become: The best person I can be for you. These are among the rare instances that whoring can be a good thing. hehe.

I am 27. I am terrified of old age. God knows if I reach 60 I might just very well hold my breath and count to a hundred. I never want to become a liability. But I also know I still have a lot to live for.

My family, my friends, and my dreams are what keep me going. Thank you all for sharing my life with me. Thank you for remembering me.

Go forth and multiply.

I thought this phrase was intended for men alone, now why do mice and roaches always want to bask in reflected glory? Do us a favor will you and STOP FLATTERING YOURSELVES! We humans have enough worries as it is.

But how something as small as you be so smart at the same time totally eludes me. They say dolphins are pretty intellectual creatures but I think they forgot to put rats in the equation. Is it because they experiment on you critters all the time that you might’ve developed some superior form of intelligence that is completely beyond us? Intelligence far from those developed by dolphins and elephants?

I mean, we can’t even mention your kind at home for fear of being struck by your wrath. We give you ridiculous codenames like: R-A-T (assuming you guys don’t know how to spell) or M-O-U-S-E. The latest codename that you go by with is “Mickey”. We have to change your codename as often as we change toothbrushes because we get this sick feeling that you can eventually decode the darn codesnames! That is how drastic this battle has become.

You are my nemesis and I yours. I declare that much.

My secret weapon? Although, before I say this, I certainly hope you don’t have friendster accounts as well. So here goes, my secret weapon that will become not so secret anymore…Baygon flypaper, together with this expensive glueboard especially designed to trap mice and a dash of ketchup flavored Piknik as bait that you seemingly find completely irresistible. Bwahahahahaha…But wait! There’s more!

You think that was expensive? Check this out: I’ve recently discovered this plug-in pest repellant that might very well become my next best friend--next to Golda and my iPOD, that is. What you do is just plug it in and with just so much as a teeny-weeny blinking light it will ward off nuisance mice in a jiffy. Amazing? For real! The price is certainly not so amazing but what with all that I’ve spent buying Baygon flypaper I might as well be their stockholder. So I will swallow my pride and shell out my cash next payday to buy that hi-tech pest control with a 1 year warranty, cross my fingers, plug it in, and rest all my faith in that tiny electric box.

I lay down my cards and you lay down yours.

Either you get annihilated or leave us be, Mickey.

The battle has just begun.

Who is Miss Minchin?

September 19, 2007

Why the heck do I seem like the only person who doesn’t know Miss Freakin Minchin??? Or more specifically, what she looks like? Ghad!

This is what happened…

One day at the office our boss, who is real tall, VERY pretty, smart, with a voice that’s well modulated, English skills to die for, Diliman grad, and well she’s just perfect! Anyway, this one time she wore a white long-sleeved blouse to work, matched with a brown pencil skirt, heels, she had her hair in a bun, and specs (meaning spectacles) on. Whenever somebody would see her they’d jokingly say right away “Miss Minchin?” and then they’d laugh amongst themselves, my boss included. I say amongst themselves because I didn’t get it. I didn’t laugh with them. “Who the heck is Miss Minchin?”, I thought. Why did I seem to be the only one who didn’t know her? Is this some secret club thing that I wasn’t invited to? A part of an initiation rite? Is this like the “Hello, Garci” thing that I wasn’t aware of not until I went to my bestfriend’s house months after the incident—NOTE: Months. Then I couldn’t help it any longer, since we were on a meeting that time and I didn’t have access to Google I did the most horrible thing one could do in situations like these. I didn’t act like Jay Visto at that moment because at that moment I did something that I’m regretting up until now: I asked.

Yes, I felt that my brain was greatly reduced in size at that moment. All the forces in the world couldn’t seem to stop me from a grave bout of embarrassment. “Who is Miss Minchin?” I asked.

Dead silence…and then it came—“You don’t know who Miss Minchin is? You must’ve had a poor childhood!”. Even the manager’s looked at me in a mix of disbelief and pity when they found out I didn’t know who Miss Minchin was. Eventually, somebody took the liberty of enlightening me with regard to, the apparently world renowned, Miss Minchin’s identity. “It’s the head mistress from Sara ang Munting Princesa.” Whaaat? I mean, I knew there was a headmistress but how the heck could everybody know how she looked like? All I can remember is that the head mistress always wore a long black dress but that was from Sara the Little Princess or Princess Sara something. I had rented a VHS tape of that before. The little girl was cute, now HER face I can remember! But the head mistress? WTF?@#%

To redeem myself and prove them wrong, that I am not the only person who doesn’t know what Miss Minchin looks like, I ask my housemates -- ALL three of them, and they give me the answer I dread the most: Yes. Ofcourse! Why would I be the only person in the world who doesn’t know Miss Minchin?! My god, Jacki! I can't believe you! But seriously, I mean, from what I gathered she is not Miss Congeniality. She is not Paris Hilton, nor Angelina Jolie, nor Helen Keller, or Princess Diana, or Mother-freakin-Theresa. She is just some Miss Freakin Minchin for crying out loud!!!

They say it used to be shown when we were in the elementary years, like after school. What did I do after school at those times? I ask myself. I remember playing with my classmates after school and when I watch tv I remember HBO, Discovery Channel, and CNN.

Who among you DON’T KNOW Miss Minchin? Please be my friends. Be on my side. I beg you to help me redeem myself.

This is a call to all of my friends out there. Forget Miss Minchin ever existed. She is a nobody.

P.S. Poor as it may sound I did NOT have a poor childhood, excuse me. *wink* ...and I know Batibot!!!

Something to "blog" about

August 23, 2007

All week last week we had wanted to eat sinigang. In the onslaught of the storms, alas! We weren’t able to get the ingredients for it, thus, leaving our cravings unsatisfied. When Friday came I took it upon myself to venture out in the storm from work to Shopwise in order to be able to get the stuff needed for the recipe (based on Kuya’s instructions ofcourse. If you must know I was never a cook to begin with. If a “green thumb” was for plants, as the opposite, I’d say I have a “purple thumb” when it comes to cooking—my siblings can attest to that. Haha).

So here I was chopping up all my vegetables & thawing the pork ready to take on the challenge of cooking my very first pork sinigang—EVER. I put on my trusty apron, set the pot on the stove, uttered a little chant to the void and readied myself for the point of no return. I turned on the ignition and…nothing happened. I flicked it again…and again…and again. Then it dawned upon me: We had just ran out of gas. Oh goody.

That was when everything started to go wrong.

I picked up the phone and there wasn’t any dialtone. Pen, my housemate, had to go to the Laundry shop across the street, amidst the rain, just to call up the gas company. Now here’s the kicker: they couldn’t deliver gas until the next day since they were already booked for the whole day. Bring it on mamon!

I couldn’t believe that was happening. My precious vegetables couldn’t one more day! And it was raining, the perfect time for a hot, steaming, bowl of chili pork sinigang. Suddenly, Nikki had what seemed at first like a not-so-feasible idea but which then turned out to be a brilliant one; Why not cook it using the rice cooker?

Not to be deterred I set forth with the task I was set out to do. I filled the rice cooker pot with water, plugged in the rice cooker, and waited for the water to boil. Miraculously (for me anyway) it did! And the rest followed.

Now this is the part when everything starts to go my way—bwahahaha…

It was as if I had been doing this all the time and that totally amused me. Ofcourse, I will not mention in this entry the ingredients I used to make my perfect sinigang. If you’re interested IM me.

When everything was all set I called everybody to the table for the much awaited pork sinigang concoction, save for Angeli who was still at work. Vinchy, our 6^th housemate (private joke), was also there to grace us with his presence.

Bottomline, it was a success. They told me we could already open a sinigangan in our place. Hehe. But what was priceless were their expressions while they ate it. Which got me to thinking, this might be the reason why some people like, if not love, cooking. They derive their satisfaction from the amazing reactions of the people who get to be a part of the wonder they create.

The best reaction though was that from Angeli, which is one that I will in no time soon forget. She said, “Oh my god, ang sarap!” (NOTE: Without bias ito :). But it was the facial expression that made me mighty proud of myself.

I am, admittedly, a terrible chef. I am a disgrace when it comes to cooking. I can burn boiled water per se. That is my talent. But on that day, at that moment, I was a cook. I had honor. I had the right.

But I can still fairly say that I haven’t completely embraced the joys of cooking. Sorry to disappoint. I’d rather wash the dishes. I’d still rather spend on travel rather than on food. I’d rather sleep than write any more on this blog. I still have work tomorrow and I leave for Dumaguete first thing Saturday. Woopiee!

Unfortunately, I can’t play against UST at Ateneo this Sunday coz I’ll still be home, but it’s a game I don’t mind missing. I’m sorry. Goodluck, Wang, Aging and the rest of the UST Tigers (thanks for adopting me occasionally)! Goodluck, Ngew and Ruthel! Goodluck, RP Team mutant kid teammates! Kick ass!

Goodnight void.

10 years. 10,000 journeys. 100,000 words.

August 21, 2007

This weekend I am coming home to take part not only in our school’s annual Founder’s Day celebration, an event that only a Sillimanian can find significance in, but more importantly, to take part in something that I can only experience once in this lifetime: Our 10 YEARS High School Reunion. I can only come home for the weekend though since I am still new at my job and am still on the pa-impress stage, however, this is something I cannot, and I repeat—CANNOT miss for the world. No “ifs” and “buts” about it.

Reminiscing…

So cliché but it just seems like yesterday when we had a pretty interesting freshmen year experience with George Yap and ever ready Michael Yee. Mike was our class escort and if you needed something he was the guy for you: from a stapler to paper clips, to scotch tape and even an umbrella on a hot sunny day (but mind you, he was among the first ever to sport the portable umbrella—hehe). If you needed it, Mike had it in his magic bag. He could’ve given David Copperfield a run for his money (since ofcourse atong panahuna wa pa nauso si David Blaine).

When Lovely and I (note: for the first time!) skipped English class with Francis Tuting just for the heck of it (being first sectioners that was a criminal offense for us, believe me); the fact that I remember that one single time would actually mean it certainly was something for us back then. Haha. Geeks!

The time when Macky was still this cute, little english speaking kid in braces from Papua New Guinea who up until now we still kinda treat that way (hehe, love you Macky!) and speak English to even if he already knew Bisaya years ago. It makes us practice too you know. Haha

Then singing “You’re All I Need” by White Lion with Mark Marvin a.k.a. “Cousin” during the Intramurals at the gymnasium! Waaah…this is so corny! Hahaha…I can’t even believe I’m actually writing this. But in the true spirit of High School Reminiscing, I shall. I will.

Come Sophomore year it was Biology with the dreaded Mrs. Alcala. My one and only line of 7 grade in this lifetime, why? Because “Late” is my middle name and her class had to be during first period! Bummer! This was also the time when Angie transferred to our school but we became kabarkadas later on in our high school lives. Mr. Omoso, our adviser! How could I forget you and what with Gianena and Cindy conning you into letting us sing “Happy Birthday” to whomever every day of the week just to shorten the time of your “volcanic” (pertaining to saliva) discussion—Ewww!

Summer Camp: Our most awaited part of the year. When we would go to Compostela,

Cebu

and bond with other Younglifers; enjoying our faith and FREEEEEEDOM! Where I won that “It’s a Date” thingie with that chunk of hunk Cocoy (I wonder where he is now? He is not even on my friends list—haha, I wish!). Sorry Goldz, you know I won that fair and square. Bwahahahaha… I know I might have come as a great disappointment because I eventually became Camp Counselor, however, I’m now an extinct Christian, the memories, friendships gained and developed, and the camaraderie has made an impact on me which I can cherish for the rest of my life. There I realized too who my bestfriend was, and still is, and that is something I will forever be grateful for. That is something I have been blessed with and I cannot thank the void enough for Golda.

Then Junior year. Our worst year at cheering (since the mighty, mighty freshmen beat us to it) but a great school year nonetheless. Jerome, my first boyfriend, wherever you are now,

Rome

, thank you for holding my hand and for that two week, six day puppy love experience. For the sickening spit shake with Macky (Kay yours was a separate incident but it was equally gross--haha) and for teaching me to play the guitar. I’m sorry if I had made a dent on your young and fragile heart but it just got all too mushy for me. You found En2x anyway and you guys lasted for like 48 years and that was something I could never give you. I was genuinely happy for you.

Ma’am Ceriales: “When you go to a party do not full your plate. You can go back 5 times but do not full your plate. Oh, and bring your dog.”…WTF?? It wouldn’t have been the same without teachers like these now, would it?

Senior Year. The best. It was our turn to be the bullies. Mwahahahaha ]:) We ran under “The Party” banner because ofcourse, we weren’t just any party, we were THE Party.

Ehem…ehem…my famous lines: “There are 3 people in this world: People who MAKE things happen, people who WATCH things happen, and people who WONDER what happened. Let us be captains of the first group!” Toinks! But that election was admittedly not a good one. Sorry Glen, the bitch in me. =(

And how could I forget, the one who made me so happy for the most part of the year? But in exchange made me bitter for the years to come. The reason why I don’t believe in karma. My three years mourning and everything else. But your ode ends here. I’m happy we are in good terms now. You have your life, I have mine. US was aeons ago but it was an USthat I will never forget. Thank you for that experience, C2.

Enough with the mushy stuff! Yet again, I can't believe I said that! I sure hope I don't end up regretting this blog. hahaha

To proceed…

CAT and the pasaway officers (me being number one ofcourse—Budz!) and the pasaway sponsors, as well. Evita Peron in the new high school building. The Communist Party.

QUESTION: What do you get from a batch that is too “hinawayon” (Tagalog: Mga Pintasera)?

ANSWER: No volunteers for the Miss High School ! Hahaha, kai hadlok masawayan. :P

Then lastly, The Nightcrawlers—no, make it, NightSTALKERS: Chingbee, Jaclyn & Myla. Singing fruitcake at the top of their lungs in the middle of downtown Dumaguete at 4 in the morning. Sunrise swimming at the end of the airport runway. Gin pomelos, banana Qs, full moons, and golf courses. Manso ang dalan sa Dumaguete. Introduction to Marlboro Lights Menthol 101. My best therapy ever. Great friendship.

To commence, the wackiest graduation ever. Sorry but you have to see the video or hear the horror stories in order to relate. No words can describe it.

They say high school is the best time of your life. They say it’s way better than college. College is too serious. I say both of them were great on different levels but would have been better—waaay better, IF my allowance was as big as my salary right now. Hahaha…then I would just enroll and skip all my classes, reenroll, play futbol, treat all my friends all the time, climb, get drunk, and party at Hayahay. If I get tired of all those I’ll just apply in a call center. They don’t necessarily hire college grads or magna cum laudes anyway and as an added bonus, the pay is really good.

Wow, great life plan, Jacki. =)

But what matters is now and all the memories I hold dear. I look forward to the Saturday night dinner with my batchmates, my friends. You made a great impact in my high school life (ofcourse without classmates high school would’ve been too lonely for me and I would then be forced to represent me as Ms High School—now that would suck). We had a good run. I look forward to being with my barkada again, a friendship that withstood the test of time, my classmates, my teammates, maybe my teachers. You are some of the pieces of my life puzzle.

Without you, I will not be complete.

See you and maghinubog jud ta!

P.S.

Special thanks to my bestfriend and Class Valedictorian (I demand a recount!!! Hahaha) Atty. Golda for all her efforts in organizing despite her busy schedule and Senate meeting preparations (samakonsensya lang). I salute you.

"I'm about to have and affair!"

August 13, 2007

Hmmm...now where do I begin? Let's start with Saturday. Last Saturday after our tournament game at UST (a soccer game which made me think real hard about seriously retiring already what with a bunch of RP Team mutant kids as teammates! [I will write more on this some other time]) Angeli and I wanted to watch a movie, well, it wasn't just ANY movie it was "TRANSFORMERS" the movie.

Anyway, since my body was sore all over after the match and admittedly I am, without doubt or self-delusion, getting too old for this we decided to head for home. Soccer has been good to me but I might as well quit while I still have some dignity left, or don't I?

That night we decided to go to Megamall since it was only among the few places still showing Transformers. We immediately went to the upper level after dinner and that's where I met him...tall, sexy, bulging in the right places, charming, well-mannered, again sexy stud. And when I heard him speak I was even more at awe what with his grace and magnificence. He was a god.

No, He was Optimus Prime.

I don't want to sound too presumptuous though but if he had asked me out after the show I wouldn't have had a moments hesitation. He was hot! He was oooooozing with sex appeal. I regret not having gone to see the flick earlier. I'm sorry I was too busy. That movie was the best, without bias whatsoever.

Please do not be too prejudiced. I am only a mere human. I am aware that I am nothing but I belong to you now. Do what you want with me, Prime. I am your slave and you are my master, my lover.

Let me be the bolt in your nut. The rim on your wheels. The steps for your brakes. I will study mechanics for you. I will lubricate myself with your oil. I will do anything for you. Anything for love...

And this will be enough because I am feeling so demented right now. Hahahahaha.... laterz!

Everybody Lies!

If you're fond of watching DVD's (di na uso ang tv series) then you'll automatically know where I got this line from. For the DVD challenged I have no choice but to enlighten you. The line came from Dr. House, the super-smarcastic, out of this world brilliant doctor and I won't explain it anymore just watch it. Make sure you're not doing anything else when you do so coz it requires concentration and acute hearing so you can appreciate the whole episode.

Why does everybody lie? Well, I'll take a very simple example. Who in the call center industry has never lied about their salaries? If you're not from this industry you might not be interested in reading this blog although I will get to the relationships part in a bit and that might interest you. After my two month vacation my housemate's and I have tried to apply in countless call centers and have tried to get the best offer possible. We've gone to...and I don't even know where to start! Ok...let me see (and these were the information given to us by friends who have either work or have worked there) ...

...guess what? I already started writing down the companies we went to and the supposed "salaries" our friends were given there but I thought that I might get in serious trouble for disclosing those type of information so I just erased it. Sorry.

What I'm gonna do, on the other hand, is list down the companies that we actually went to (and ofcourse give my snide comments--hehe):

ACQUIRE ASIA (maybe we were just unlucky with the trainer what with her "putted it there", "very easy to you", and such statements. Ugh!)

ADVANCED CONTACT SOLUTIONS (I could not help but say it can get quite substandard there)

ASCEND (How do you sell a mousetrap to a mouse? My good friend, Karl Medina, told me that he would've answered the interviewer with a question: How can I sell a mousetrap to a mouse if the mouse couldn't understand me in the first place? The mouse would just be like, "Squeak! Squeak!" and you can just imagine the Karl Medina impersonation of that. Priceless! hahahaha...peace Karl)

CONVERGYS (we didn't apply but a friend who works there claims to get paid this much and ofcourse we know better. But if you're looking for stunted career growth and bragging rights for working in the biggest call center in the country then this is the place for you)

PEOPLESUPPORT (we've all been there and if you want to work in a company that seems content on running itself to the ground then you are most welcome to apply =)

APAC (ask Buddy)

LOGICALL -- Oh my gosh! I almost forgot you! How can we ever forget the, "...you will be receiving a call from Helen before the WEEKS ends, that is IF I pass you." Wahahaha...
NOTE TO FUTURE or PRESENT TRAINERS: If you want to power trip please make sure that when you use the English language to indulge in your futile attempts at intimidating applicants do us a favor, will you? USE IT RIGHT!

...and so our quest ends there. Right now I'm at 24/7 and they are at JPMorgan Chase and I guess we're all quite happy with our current financial situations *wink*.

But wait? There's more! I'm not quite done yet with this blog. I have to write about lying in relationships. Tsk, tsk, tsk...big no, no. Men listen in. You are the ones who do that the most anyway.

I have had like 3 friends in the past month who went through bad break-ups because their partners wanted to be single period. Statistically, that seems to be the "in" reason these days. The catch? These people didn't actually want to become single and enjoy their independence. Unless ofcourse they said they wanted to be single for just A WEEK then get into a relationship with someone else. That's bullcrap.

Why can't you people just be honest with your partners! You imbeciles! It's one thing when someone asks you how they look and even if you think they look like Miss Piggy you say, "Oh you look fabuloush" instead; it's another if you're partner asks you why you want to break up with them and you give them that excuse. I think they deserve better and know the truth, don't you?

I'm not saying don't lie. All I'm saying is don't get caught. You owe them that much. Everybody lies anyway.

Migraines and Prepositions

I'm on this website stating correct usages of prepositions and all of a sudden i'm completely lost and baffled. I knew I'd have this problem once i'd go and check these out but it was a matter of have to--if you know what I mean.

Ever since high school this preposition thingie was never easy. Apparently, 10 years later it is still as confusing as it was before. Oh when will this ordeal end??? Can't they just make a pill for this I can take so then I wouldn't have to worry about using "in" with bodies of water but "on" with small islands; "at" with places but "in" for cities, countries,etc. In tagalog, they might say "Pakshet"! In bisaya, they might say "Pisti"! I would say, "Lo-lo, Yawa".

Then I find myself going over my friendster photo captions and get more confused on whether it is kayaking ON Lake Balinsasayaw or kayaking IN Lake balinsasayaw; if its skimboarding IN Galera, or ON Galera--much worse, AT Galera! Ghad. This is by far at the top of my occupational hazards list...or is it ON the top?

Waaaaaahhhhh....help! Where is Ms. Piamonte when I need her? or Ms. Macquilan?? or Mrs. Mira ??? At this rate I certainly would settle for Ms. Seriales's opinion--hahaha, no way!

I have great faith. Someday I will master this and I will surely brag about it. For now, lemme just humble myself and get back to this conundrum.

Marriage Sucks

Why do people get married anyway? can't they just sustain their relationships without it? Or maybe my question would have to be: Why do they marry at such an early age?? Like if you really want to get married why not do it when you're like 40 and you've lived your life just about as much as you could and you're ready to get tied down--no, anchored down, get wrung in the neck possibly to the brink of suffocation, share your bed, not to mention other things, forever and make decisions with half a brain (the other half belonging to your partner. and well, considering the long standing reputation of men women can make decisions with half a brain plus a pea sized one, if you get my drift. hahahaha)

I know my handful of married friends might get offended by this blog entry. It's a good thing they are too busy with their married lives though to have time enough to take a peak at my blogs. I certainly hope so *fingers crossed* hehe.

I guess im writing this coz i was just browsing through my friends' profiles, like what most of us do just to update ourselves with the happenings of people's lives, the latest gossip, blah...blah...blah...(you check out my profile too if you want to get in on some of the latest news. go figure ;P) And well, i came across Aisha's profile. She IS already married. It shocked me. I called up Kuya immediately. He said he told me that already a long time ago and my reaction was exactly the same: "WTF??!@#% Is she out of her mind??" And guess what? A couple of minutes ago I didnt even remember having reacted that way. I was in denial at this time. Tsk, Tsk, Tsk. But her hubby seems like a nice guy and Kuya reassured me he wasnt some maniacal, serial killer type. He has a decent job and is a good person. Is that supposed to calm me down?

Last week my kabarkada Glenna anounced that she too is gonna get married. I was actually genuinely happy for her since from the very beginning marriage was what she had always wanted; to be able to raise kids and have a loving husband by her side. To have a family of her own. Again, i am happy for her but it doesnt alter the fact that marriage is still a little too suicidal a thought for me.

In our training class, out of the 22 trainees (there being 4 guys, excluding Toni ofcourse) 3 of our guys were already married and they werent even close to 30 yet! And 4 of the girls were either married or is going to be. The rest, on the other hand, were either taken or gay--haha. I mean, it is quite common for kids these days to get married coz they get their girlfriends pregnant but getting married because they just want to get married period? The logic totally eludes me.

But as a friend, I wish you all married or to be married folks the best of luck on your desired sentence. Hopefully, someday i can find some solid justification in that like in my quest for ethereal beliefs. The important thing here is that we live our lives the way we want to and as much as possible we make decisions we wont regret, right?

Shot.

CHANGES

March 2, 2007

Choosing a title is like choosing a brandname: it's hard (although the former might be a wee bit easier). It has to be perfect (for O.C. me anyway). Did you know that a brandname like V12 or Fluidsurf costs like 20k to file at the SEC? I think that's what Kuya said anyway.

So here it is, another limited edition blog as per request (madugay napud ang sunod lagmit Ching :)...i dub this blog to be about changes. The inevitable and what so is commonly known as the only thing constant in this world.

This is a new chapter in my life. I was temporarily lost. Lost to the point of giving up my job and coming home. Whenever i feel lost i seek solace in home. If you dont know me that well just by reading a couple of my blogs you'll know that i've fallen hard for Dumaguete. Believe me im not being biased. Its beautiful there, and i grew up in Los Baños so i know im not being partial about it. I have been to a couple of places and i know in Dumaguete its kakaiba. Oh and FYI, i dont work in tourism. I am in the call center bandwagon. hehe

I remember my first blog entry was LOST. That was like years ago. I admit i can be angst ridden. The artist in me? Which got lost somewhere along the lines of dribbling, mountaineering and skimboarding...but it resurrects itself every now and then. I love this song "Everything" by Lifehouse, dont you? =)

But most pieces that are lost are eventually found. It doesnt have to be by someone familiar. It can be found by anyone. A puzzle can fit anywhere else, not necessarily in the pieces on the same frame. Shattered glass can find its fit in oblivion.

If i can compare myself to any thing id choose a mirror. I reflect what is shown to me. Mirrors can get broken and in a perfect world, it can be mended back to the way it was before.

I had a good run. But all races have their finish lines. And then another race begins.

I was lost. Now im found. Living, Loving and Saved. Looking forward to this and Puerto Princessa (specifically Coron) so that i can complete my list of places to go here and move on to further exploration. So exciting.

P.S. World Cup South Africa 2010, we're still on ofcourse!

Sharing Dumaguete...

On numerous occassions here when asked where i am from and i answer "Dumaguete" astonishingly there is a follow-up question that comes with it: "Saan yun?". For Dumagueteños, i know the feeling: WTF?! Ka botol pud!

Before, I used to get quite insulted by this and eventually pity these people who dont know where one of the most beautiful cities in the Philippines lie. I had never thought it possible that there are actually Filipinos who have no idea that Dumaguete exists and it is the Capital of Negros Oriental (now Oriental Negros so people wont be confused, but how can you confuse the people who dont know it in the first place? Let's just stick to the basics first) I had to tell them that it was near Cebu or in the same island as where Bacolod is--sheesh!. It was beyond me that a Filipino couldnt have heard of DUMAGUETE. It was demeaning, i had thought. Absurd! I mean, if you know where other places in the world are why not get to know your country too.? I thought it was a failure on the part of their school curriculum.

Thing is, its a lot like travelling. I would want to see as much of my country as i can before i travel somewhere else. My unwritten vow with our motherland. But right now, after having brought some of my officemates there i feel a sense of renewed pride and something else, one which i never expected to feel pertaining to my city--giddyness.

Not many people here KNOW where Dumaguete is and what beauty it has stored within. I am from this city and I have experienced its beauty and grandeur. I feel giddy because i know what it holds and they dont even know it exists...

Mike, Dolendi and Aien thanks for spending that much and allowing me to take you there. Thanks for the call-ins and thanks for the trust. Hope you had a blast and wish there could've been more time for you to experience more. That was just the tip of the iceberg...

The Barkada: Kay, Lourds, Macky, Angie, Sheldon -- im sorry we werent able to meet. it was just a whirlwind of events. next time i come home its gonna be a little less hectic (i hope!) see you at the barkada xmas party!

Enchi & Innex -- sorry wa na ko kalantaw ninyo. In magbaso rata sunod. Bem, salamat sa pangumusta. mingaw pud ko ninyo. I-kiss rako ni Xtian Vaughn... =) pramis magpabalo nako sunod! Parts, pramis najud na matay sa airport rata nagkita! maygani. =)

Teammates -- you had a tournament then. it was good to see Maui and the girls at the "Kabayuan". I miss soccer so much. Coy2 sorry wa ko katext. T'bamz, belated happy birthday! Cathy regards bunso. Doodle and the rest studies first. Thel, im sooo proud of you. I knew it'd happen to you someday. Make Dumaguete proud! It's a good thing Ngew is here but Ngew im so sorry wa jud ta nagkita pa. Busy-busyhan. Dula ra niya ta. Swear! To the soccer kids, wish i could play with you guys again someday. Be good always!

Cuernos -- see you guys sa MFPI Mountaineering Festival next year. Let's show em what we've got! Tita P, apil napud ka under Cuernos! hehe...kiss Baby Orrin for me!

My family, new year pabuto ra niya ta. Sorry sa party ni Lolo i wasnt too visible. Blame it on the sleepyhead.

And well, am i gonna die soon? This is sounding like a last goodbye. But we'll that' s me. Live life to the fullest coz you'll never know when its gonna end. Do what you want to do. Get what you set your eyes on. You might not always get what you want but at least you can say you've tried. No regrets.

For the late Coach Quiro

I never expected i'd ever use the term "I should've seen it coming..." But i never thought i would also lose someone as close as Coach Quiro this early.

Coach I'm sorry I wasnt there for you. I'm sorry I wasnt able to find you a job soon enough. I'm sorry I wasnt able to hook you up with an officemate of mine at all. I'm sorry I was busy when you wanted us to meet and wanted to speak to me about something important. I'm sorry I was asleep when you wanted us to meet again at the office for your application. I'm sorry i wasnt able to reply right away to some of your text messages. I'm sorry I declined going to Spider's bday celebration because i was shy. I'm sorry i wasnt there when you just plain needed someone.

I'm sorry I just was never there at all.

I've had very few regrets in my life coz i totally hate -- no, abhor! the word. Unfortunately, not "being there" for you was and always will be among the regrets of my life. Because as they say, "In life there are no rewinds, only plays"...in your case, stops.

As a non-believer I don't take death that easily. My work and attendance was greatly affected during that time. When i heard the news i was just stunned and so shocked. Never in a million years would i have expected you to do it. Never. You were NOT the type. I even thought that you didnt have a worry in the world coz you were always such a clown, joking around even during practice. WHO WOULD'VE THOUGHT???

And the question remains...WHY? For love??? Love what is left when the feeling of being in love fades away...Now all that is left is your corpse and your memory. Russell R. Quiroquiro: A great soccer player, A great coach, and a great friend to us.

If i had any last words it would have to be: PAK YU KOTS! You didnt have to do it. But in some twisted way i admire you because in life that is the hardest thing to do and you did it. You looked death in the face and you werent the least bit scared to do so.

Wherever you are i hope you didnt regret anything. It's alright, i'm hoping that i'll eventually get over the fact that you left me with a big one.

We'll miss you.

I sang at Mayrics

August 10, 2006...On the stage where Ian Tayao, Reg Rubio, Chito Miranda, Jamir Garcia, and Kathy Taylor sang... ... I sang there too.

I know it might sound cheesy (go Queso!) or so highschoolish but you know how you make this list of things you wanna do in life? Well, this was one of em. I mean, i didnt know that i ever wanted to do it or if i could but when we were there and was offered free beer who in their right mind would say NO to that? I admit that i have been told on more than one occassion that i had some loose screws or better yet been called autistic by my teammates (which i'd take as a term of endearment) but hey, i couldnt let an opportunity like that pass together with a couple of beers ofcourse *wink* Just so i could look back and tell my grandkids that "I sang there once..." Yeah right!

...to Aien, Mike, Diana (Dolendi!) and Sheryl thank you for all the support (as if!) and for simply sharing that moment with me (hahaha - we had a blast and sorry i got wasted and comatose afterwards)

...to Fanny Serrano - next time you do my hair and make-up (pwede ba, someone more updated noh like say Salon de Ken? Duh?!) Skin Botanicals, Dumaguete i course you for all the bad hair months you gave me and i hope you get bankrupt.

...to Mall of Asia for my outfit (confabulate!)

...to the FX who brought us there and gave us the correct change

...and ofcourse to Mayrics for the booze and for giving me a check mark on my things to do list!

This will always be my favorite bar in Manila (coz in Dumaguete ofcourse, its Hayahay -- Sandy naa nako porsyento ani for promotion, wehehehe ;)

Nothing beats Enchi

August 5, 2006

Haay...rest day nanaman. In Dumaguete its Reggae Wednesday, here id honestly like to believe it can be a great Reggae Restday.

Admittedly my favorite bar of all time (and it was the first bar that i've wanted to visit waay before i got here) is Mayrics and i love being able to see Queso every last wednesday of the month, Saydie--idol! (last thurs we went to the elims of Musiklaban and pakshet! Chicosci! Gwapo!!!) but well, i miss Enchi a lot and to pacify my longing i go to Xaymaca. But alas, i encounter Session Road, which (no offense to the fans) i didnt even know who they were not until my partner told me they sang the song "Itanong mo sa akin..." whatever. The last time Astrah, Ludwig and I went to watch Brownman Revival there we had a good time but in Hayahay we would've had a blast. Haay...No place like home, never a place like home.

I will be coming home on the 22nd for a week short vacation. I will go drink with my friends at El Amigos, dance at Hayahay, climb Talinis, play soccer, dive in Apo, skim in Agan-an, eat chicken at DFC, listen to songs in my pc, sleep at my mom's room (hehe), ride on Kuya's motorbike, drive my beat up car, visit my relatives and eat Mama Din2x's cooking! all else i missed to list down i'll try to pack in a week. Impossible but wishful thinking has never done me harm ;)

Up! UP! AND AWAAAAAAY!!!!

God is Italian

Every 12 years Italy wins the world cup.

This is the 12th year and they won again.

Ever since high school my bestfriend and I have rooted for Juventus and then Italy. We loved del Piero coz he was so handsome and played so well—even till now he impresses us still (but honestly more with his skill on the field rather than on his looks—bullsh*t!;) and we remain loyal to our roots, ofcourse. I guess for soccer we all have our reasons why we cheer for specific teams.

Sadly, here in Manila people aren’t so into soccer unlike us back home. They root for England because everybody knows Beckham, they root for France because why would they root for Italy after all when Zidane is in France?? (well, he is dang good! and, I rest my case, Zidane is the best, even at headbutts—ooohhh, that was low! ;p), they root for Brazil because they are well known...but most of them lack the passion, and the understanding of the game—no pun intended. Coz well, the hard truth is that they like basketball more. You will find bigger crowd volume on a UAAP Basketball finals game than you would on a Bush concert…can you actually believe that??

I just wish we could share the same passion we have for soccer to the underpriviledged. Then they will understand why i am willing to lose my job over the biggest sporting event in the world.

It only happens every four years anyway....with 32 BILLION people from all over watching it at the same time.

To all the true-blue Italy fans thanks so much for all your support. Soccer is not just a game for us. It may be just a game to most of you but for us the greatest sport in the world is our lifestyle.

STEREOTYPING

**Mountaineers…the just out of bed look (with the matching stench—hahaha. Mga damak! No pun intended. That’s just the way things are;)

For the top: North Face (could be authentic or not, they couldn’t tell the difference anyway), Fluidsurf, Shirts issued by previous climbs or events, Quicksilver na Ukay2x (sagdi rag kuspaw na kaayo basta kai branded!). Sa mga girls, cute Bob Marley tees, racerbacks, or spaghetti.

For the bottom: Anything quick dry preferably Pitman, Fluidsurf, V12, and especially for the girls (or gays) Baye and Lakambini.

And let us not forget the beads and ofcourse tsinelas forever ang footwear. For the upperclass—Merell, Salomon, or Northface trek shoes …Dreadlocks are a plus factor.

Ganja? Please, Cuernos is now officially a drug free organization. Sorry nalang mga users—we’re CLEAN!! Let me just take this opportunity to bring to light the common misconception that during climbs magpasawak and mga tawo. THAT IS NOT TRUE. Well, a selected few maybe, but generally, that is not the in thing for us. Yosi yes, and a little social drinking wouldn’t hurt. But Marijuana? No, thank you.


**Beachlovers…mga pa-cool ug reggae pud (these days, reggae is the universal music)

Boardshorts syempre!!!—definitely could not do without, bahalag maghukas! Any shirt will do but flowered ones are an added bonus, considered unisex. For the girls, cute bikini tops securely fastened para dili makahubo. Sa mga tiyan-conscious, wear that underneath spaghetti staps, sleeveless or god forbid, baby or not—shirts. Ayaw pud.

Accessories: beads gyapon and magsuroy2x downtown gamotor ug gabit-bit skimboard. Wag ideny!!! Kita gani kos silliman galakaw2x gadalag board! Asa dagay to siya muskim—boulevard??!! ;p


**Artists…kani!! :)

The weirder the wardrobe the better. But since im stereotyping hand painted prints on shirts and jeans suffice. Batik jammies and a great number of beads coiled on the wrist/s. Long straight hair on either gender, mga kulong ug buhok baata nalang or the normal boycut and merely be an artist at heart. Slippers as always and specs (spectacles) can be added for the full effect, be it smoked or colored transparent. Oh, and the bag…I almost forgot. Get one of those woven sling bags for the finishing touch. And viola! You get the artist look. Trust me.

It is to be noted though that most of the really good artists that I have gotten to know through the years barely fit the profile. They look normal actually. It might just either be the hair or the character that gives them off. Coz conversation-wise, they do have unique perspectives on things and they are more often than not, intellectuals. They have been that way since their alpha. Katong mga college pa or later na nakadiscover sa artist in them are not genuine. Pirated na sila and just trying to fit in. Sa ma igo lang.


**Soccer Players—hehehe…

Sayon raman kaayo ni. Pag magjersey na gani you can be quite certain soccer player najud na kai funny dagway mag-jersey then dili soccer player. Murag flip actually. Its kind of like the you have no right thing. But if you have a boyfriend that’s a player and your not, that can be arranged. :) Oh and bisag baye, don’t forget to look at the “bag-tax” coz that’s what gives them away. Bisan pa ug magpajaporms ug magpasiksi pero lantawa ra ng mga bagtak di ba kaingon jud kag: Soccer player jud ni, sure ko!!! :)


**Basketball players or Fanatics (sorry, mubo ra ni coz im not too fond of the sport and at my age I’m still not interested in grasping its concept)

Basta mag hi-cut basketball shoes na gani, certified fan or player na na siya.


**Metrosexuals

This isn’t gonna take long. All they have are branded everythings and anythings, from the top to the bottom. Sleek look culminated by flashing wheels. Well manicured hands and much as they hate to admit it, they have actually tried a footspa and scheduling their next appointment yet.


**Rockers

Anything black. Boots to match.


**Hip-Hoppers

Anything baggy. Rubber shoes to match.


**The Nerdy Type (Note: If by reading this and you realize you fit the profile, please do not hesitate to pic a look from those given above. Its okay. Better late than never)

Let us start with the top: Polo shirt buttoned to the last hole. Breast pocked with AT LEAST, two pens (the other one for if the first ceases to function accordingly). In-shirt, definitely! Pants that come close to retro, sa binisaya—king-king. Or pants that gets narrower from top to bottom. But in fairness, these sort can have the cleanest looks. Can be obsessive-compulsive.

Through the years though they seem to have slowly realized that the polo shirt thingie is what gives them off so beware, most are now shirt wearing individuals without the big backpacks. They have opted for smaller ones or none at all, just a pen and notebook walking among us…searching for their next victim…ha ha ha—farout na to.


--END OF TRANSMISSION--

LOST

After the fun of elementary and the laughter in high school and the glory days in college…after having applied to all the job openings in your field and eventually those not in your field…after having gotten over the anxiety of that first summons and nerve wracking interview…when all of life’s regrets seem to pile up and you repeat that interview over and over again in your head, wondering how you could have ever answered something so stupid and mundane as “my great weakness is that I have trouble with punctuality”(Note: That was just an example)…while lying in your bed temporarily having forgotten that you have that social life to get back to before you exit the (wonderful to some and not so wonderful to many) world of the unemployed.

And after having worked for a few years—Yes, surprisingly, work can still be found in the Philippines!… despite what has unconsciously been inculcated in our minds since time in memorial, it is quite a fallacy that work cannot be found in this graftly corrupted country (I am well aware of the fact that there is no such word as “graftly” but this is my blog and I can very well create my own lingo if I want to. Thank you). Those that cannot find work are those that do not try hard enough, in harsher terms: the losers that give up. Its as simple as that, trust me. But mind you I did not say high-paying (in your standards), I only said work. Nursing students need not apply.

But let me not deviate from my theme… :) this is not about employment or unemployment, I’ll worry about the latter when I resign. This about the what nows. You work not necessarily your ass off, but yes, you work and try to find dignity and importance in whatever it is you do…counting the number of subordinates you have as the years go by while finding some distorted form of self-worth by doing so. With your pay you buy most of the things you either couldn’t afford or had to really save up for when you were on allowance slash charity. You might kick yourself eventually and regret having wasted so much money on that impulse buy, but hey? Its my money. I don’t have a family to support so what the heck! Spend! Spend! Spend!

The single and employed are the backbone of this dwindling economy.

So here goes the big question—WHAT NOW?? Think about it. I’ll continue this later.