Emo Post: Looking Back at 2009

I wanted to write only the positive things that happened in my life this 2009, but I thought, the negative incidents also taught me lessons, which made me a little mature. (I think).

Anyway, first with the things I want to remember in random…

FIRST PLANE RIDE. This year, I was able to ride the plane for the first time. Yes, I used to envy my brothers, who are both seamen, for having the opportunity to travel in different countries. So, when I was younger I used to always dream of riding a plane a get out of Metro Manila (or Luzon) at least.

I was happy when I booked my first plane ride to Cebu. Although our scheduled flight was in September, I was already excited about it as early as March. Then, I think He saw how excited I was that He did something so I could have my first plane experience earlier—I was assigned to cover the Goma Cup in Boracay! Oh, yes, He made it more special because the venue was at an exclusive resort. I experienced the unabused/unpolluted Boracay at Fairways and Bluewater.

It was also through this assignment I saw the kindness of talent manager Douglas Quijano, who passed away this year.

MORE BONDING WITH FRIENDS. I think this year I had the most active social life in my entire life. I met new people through bloggers events, hung out with old friends a lot, and yes… A LOT OF BASAGAN NIGHTS!

I’d like to take this opportunity to thank my very close friends, Meann and Glen, for being there with me in just one phone call on my lowest day this year. Thank you for staying up with me until 4:00 a.m., for all the advice, and for agreeing with me that I deserve a more better person.

Also, thank you for Rose, my badminton buddy, who had made me realize a lot of things about relationships. Kelan na tayo ulit mag-badminton?

Same goes to my officemates who went to my birthday basagan. Maraming salamat.

TRYING TO BE HEALTHY. Like last year, I also tried to become healthy and lose weight this year, my lifetime goal. Although I was more successful last year, because of the ‘Biggest Loser Challege” with officemates, I still managed no to go over my weight prior to that contest—thanks to my rubber shoes which tolerated my “katamaran” in jogging and badminton sessions.

SURVIVOR AKO! Oh, yes, since its first season, I’ve been very vocal about how I wanted to be part of the show. So on its second season, I challenged myself and went with my former officemate Omar to SM North EDSA to audition.

I passed the first level, but got nervous on the second level. Sayang.

CEBU-CEBU. My second trip outside Luzon was not as exciting as my trip to Boracay, mainly because I tried to say goodbye to a person who was with me during the trip. However, I got weak when that person asked me to work things out, only to find out later on that that person would be leaving me anyway. (parang mamaya pa to dapat)

Nevertheless, I still managed to enjoy my one-day trip to the Queen City of the South—went to its historical spots, took pictures of its beautiful sceneries, and experience a nightlife through beer and pulutan.

MORE PRODUCTIVE. I guess with the stress I experienced in the past months, I could say that I have been more productive this year. Yes, I also secretly whine a lot about work but I easily forget about it once I attend an event or presscons, which I really enjoy about my job.

Also, thank you to my editors/bosses for including me to this year’s honor roll.

MORE MOVIES, TV SERIES, AND BOOKS. Watching a movie almost every weekend, watching TV series on my PSP inside the train, and Twilight series (and other books)—I needed these as my “distraction.”

GADGETS. First it was Ace, then, Bumblebee. I looked at my savings this year and realized that I spent a lot have these “precious” gadgets (for someone who earns an average salary a month) Although someone criticized me for buying these things, well, at least Ace and Bumblebee were more cooperative than you.

These were the major things that I want to remember about 2009. Of course, there were still “small incidents” that happened this year, which would leave a mark on my memory. (I think kasama na dito ang magiging New Year celebration ko sa Vigan)

For the negative incidents, I guess I would just enumerate the major ones to avoid remembering these events.

Libel case. Ondoy, worst flood experience. Break up. Tampuhan with close people, and Taghirap days.

In 2010, like I’ve said in Facebook, I did not ask anything specific from Him when I went to church this Sunday. Instead, I just whispered, “Surprise me!” But I want more “career surprises.” Of course, I also asked for enough strength and wisdom so I could face these “surprises” next year.

*making this entry made me realized, 2009 was not a bad year after all. Malas ko lang because the negative vibes came later this year, mas fresh pa. Di bale, these would soon be covered with positive thoughts in 2010.

HAPPY NEW YEAR AND MAY YOU HAVE A VERY POSITIVE 2010!

By the way, hope everyone gets the message of this song for the years to come.

Social Life: Christmas Shopping (First Batch)

I’ve been planning to buy gifts for Christmas since two weeks ago. But I always ended up canceling it because it’s either I was too lazy to go out or I had to finish something work-related.

Yesterday, I was supposed to go again in the morning, but my cousin gave us a last-minute invitation to our niece’s simple wedding in Fairview so I canceled it again. I did not have a chance to go this morning because I had to do my laundry, which I was supposed to do yesterday.

Anyway, in the afternoon I got bored so despite feeling sick, I took a shower and went to Divisoria to finally buy small gifts for my close friends and office friends. I was shocked to literally see what they call “hindi mahulugan ng karayom” scene in Recto street, which was between Tutuban Mall and 168 mall.

I thought I’d be able to make my way to 168 mall so I still tried walking despite the heat, the smell of sweat and all the negative stuff you could think about Divisoria on a Christmas season.

When I got in the middle of Recto street, I already thought of Wowowee stampede, as in! We did not move for about 15 minutes. We were just waiting for people ahead of us to move forward, which did not happen, obviously, for the next couple of minutes. This time I gave up and turned back to Dagupan, where I took a jeepney going to Tayuman. Then, I decided to just go to Robinsons Manila and use the gift certificates given by our company to buy gifts for my godsons.

A bag full of gifts for my four godsons.
Thanks to Summit for the GC

I also gave in to my long-time plan—buy a new pair of Sanuk sandals. See, I’ve been checking out this store everytime I see one at the mall, but always ended up buying nothing because I thought it’s too pricey. Earlier, however, I thought I deserve a new pair because of what happened in the past few days, weeks, and months—meaning I was depressed. Aha-ha!

I think this is not a good sign. You see, I also went to SM San Lazaro last night to buy a Christmas gift but I end up buying clothes for myself! Hays… Hope next weekend I won’t see something for myself. I have to remind myself to stick to my list. Avoid going to shops where I want to buy something like clothes, shoes, and books! No more “me” budget!

My "pamasko." As a kid, I always look forward to first week
of November and December because that's when my parents
buy me new clothes for my birthday and Christmas.
Thanks, Trixie, for the P300-discount card from Sanuk.

* * * * * *

Since I've ran out of "me" budget, I'm hoping that "Santa" will grant my other wishes for Christmas. Here's my list:

1. an external hard drive for more downloads. kahit 250 GB lang.

2. another pair of Sanuk, either June Bug or yung parang flats lang ang dating.
3. new pair of jeans, i want to change my old jeans. oh, by the way, the photo above shows my first official skinny jeans. pashnea, kelan ba babalik ang straight jeans?! pwede rin samahan ng mga polo na pang-araw-araw.
4. an MP3 player, di ako choosy so okay na po sa akin ang iPod touch 8gb. okay din po if may recorder so i could change na my four-year-old 512mb orange creative zen nano plus
5. an LCD TV for my tatay.
6. a wireless broadband subscription.

I still have four wishes pero ibubulong ko na lang po...

Thank you!

Lovebug: "I love you, and I will always love you, but I need to move on"

Here I am again getting hooked at watching Grey's Anatomy. This episode touched my heart last night before I sleep...



Izzie Stevens's Lines:

"I’ve wished that I could see you again. I would have given anything just to see you one more time. Looking at you and knowing that I can’t touch you is hurting me."

"I love you. I will always love you. You won a piece of me. So, even though you’d be gone, you’ll never be forgotten, not by me. I’m sorry we never got our chance. I’m sorry we never got to get married or have children or grow old together—-I wanted that so much. I wanted to be your wife more than anything."

"I’m trying to let you go so that your soul can be at peace. Goodbye. I love you."

Emo Post: 26… and then what?

I’ve been asking this question since last week or two weeks before my birthday.

I’m 26, but what have I achieved already?

I’m 26. I have a decent job. It doesn’t pay much like the other people I know or (Kuya, read this) give me a lot of extra money for my savings, but so far I’m enjoying it. Still, I need to earn more!

I’m 26, and still single. I remember telling my friends when I was a kid that I’d like to have a family when I reached 25. My brothers got married when they were 26 or 27; Me, I guess, I would have to extend my deadline until I reach 30.

I’m 26, and still feel lost. I don’t know where my life is going right now. I’m still so far away from my goals!

I’m 26. But my waist hasn’t gone back to 28 yet. Hays. It really runs in the family.

I’m 26 and I still have a lot of questions in my mind… I think I should stop here.

* * * * * *

Instead of worrying about my future, I’d just look back on the happy memories that happened on my birthday week.

Well, my birthday celebration started on October 31. Something happened that prompted me to call my very close friends to have some drink and shoo away the negative vibes… on a heavy rainy night! Thanks, Gleny, Meann, Jeff for keeping me company.

Gleny, Jeff, Me, and Meann

On the day of my birthday, I stayed home and cooked pasta for my family. Yes, it was my first time to cook spaghetti on my own and I enjoyed it. Naubos naman siya, so I guess that means it’s good. Thanks, Kuya, for the desserts. (Nagbebenta nga pala ako ng ube and leche flan. hehe)

Then, at night, I went to the office to meet my Summit friends, whom I promised a Basagan Night. Gleny, Lui, Jeff, and Brenj also dropped by to get drank again with me. Super basag talaga! We stayed ‘til 2:00 a.m. at Starbucks, Cybergate 2.



The celebration didn’t stop on my birthday. Last Friday, after the Star Magic concert, I met up two of my other close friends, Alex and Jenneth. We had a great chat until 2:00 a.m. Well, Rio just dropped by to say ‘hi,’ she couldn’t stay because she needed to go home.

I think this was the best birthday celebration that I had after my seventh birthday. It actually helped in moving the heavy load I was carrying since last month. Thank you, guys!

Health and Fitness: Starting the week right

So, I had my first marathon this morning as part of my “birthday celebration.”

Running for 3k was not as easy as I thought since it’s been a while since the last time I did my weekly jog and I only had almost three hours of sleep—I went home late because Gleny’s house was in a “remote area.”

Despite that I dragged myself to bed the first time my cell phone alarmed. Surprisingly, I did not push the “snooze” button, which I usually do during weekdays. Then, I prepared my oatmeal. While waiting for it to soften the way I want it, I changed my clothes and prepared my belt bag.

After eating, I left the house at past 5:00 a.m. and walked up to Puregold Tayuman. Then, bought a Gatorade at 7-11 Tayuman before heading to Luneta, where a lot of participants were already excited for the marathon to start.

While some guest speakers, including ABS-CBN Foundation’s managing director Gina Lopez and former President Fidel Ramos, do their thing on stage located at KM0, I was busy observing other participants. I also enjoyed the smell of fresh morning air in Luneta, which I missed so much!

Excitedly waiting...

At the gunstart, everyone started… walking! The host laughed and shouted, “Tumakbo kayo! Marathon ito, hindi walkathon.” I was surrounded with group participants so it was kinda hard to pass through them because they’re all waiting for each other. Then, I saw policemen who also participated in the event and followed them.

I had to stop and walk every once in while because I felt pain on my left calf, where I have a big bruise. I felt like a loser when a group of kids passed through me! Aha-ha.

I’m not sure about my exact/official time, but based on my cellphone’s timer, I finished the 3k marathon at 22:40:XX. Not bad I guess.

What's my official time?

I stayed at the venue until the awarding ceremony was finished. Good thing I saw familiar people at ABS-CBN’s media tent, I did not get bored at least, plus, there was a tent and monoblock chair.

I took a cab to go home because I really sleepy already. And when I got home, I quickly washed my body and changed my clothes and hit my bed.

This experience felt really good for me. I want run again… I want to join more marathon next year!

Blank Certificate

Health and Fitness: Wanted running mate

No, I’m running for a government position in the coming 2010 election. BUT I’m planning to have my first official marathon before my birthday. AND I want it to do it for a cause.


SO I’m joining the Philippine International Marathon 2009: A Run for the Pasig River on November 8, 2009.

I’m still not sure how long I can run so I’m starting with the least distance, a 3k marathon. Loser! Aha-ha!



Anyway, I also decided to join because of Ms. Gina Lopez’s promise. Ms. Lopes is the managing director of ABS-CBN Foundation. She strongly pushes one of its projects Kapit Bisig para sa Ilog Pasig for the rehabilitation of the Pasig River.

She said in an interview, “I want everyone to run. I’m putting it as a statement! Kung gusto ninyo talagang malinis ang Pasig River at tatakbo kayo at maraming tatakbo, lilinisin ko talaga ’yan!”

Those who are also joining this event, hope to see you there! Piktyur-piktyur tayo! He-he.

Popcorn Moment: 500 Days of Summer

I decided to treat myself to a movie last night. And since I’ve been hearing good comments about 500 Days of Summer, I chose it as my first “single again” movie.

"People don't realize this, but loneliness is underrated."

I know it sounded like a torture seeing a romantic film coming from a breakup, but I was warned by the reviews I’ve read, “This is a story of boy meets girl. But you should know up front, this is not a love story.”

And to torture myself more, my seat turned out to beside two lovers…on both sides! Ayos! Aha-ha! Despite that I still managed to enjoy the movie. I laughed and said “ouch” a couple of times as a reaction to some of the movie's scenes without minding the couples beside me. It taught me that I shouldn’t feel negative with what happened recently. Again, to my friends, I’m not bitter naman talaga, ganun lang talaga ang dating. Aha-ha!

More importantly, this line from Tom’s little sister struck me: “Tom, I know you think she was the one, but I don't. Next time you look back, I think you should look again.” She also said something about not just looking only on the good things that happened, which I totally agree!

Anyway, I love this movie. It was related as a non-linear story but it was simple and cohesive so I didn't get lost. I should also remind myself to buy a p-DVD copy of this movie.

For better movie review, I would like to share SPOT.ph’s 500 Days of Summer: Boy Meets Girl.

"While the storytelling isn’t linear (jumping from Day #410, for example, to Day #1), the plot is cohesive enough that you won’t get confused. The film’s music plays a big part, not only because The Smiths happen to be one of the things that bring Tom and Summer together, but also because the songs in the background help convey their emotions. It adds to the movie’s overall beauty, which also manages to show a quietly elegant side of Los Angeles that is rarely seen on the silver screen.

"In some ways, you could say that the movie is a love story, complete with a color-coordinated, choreographed song-and-dance number bordering on cheesy. But it also shows that even when love, in reality, doesn’t always match your expectations, it might still end up surprising you."

READ MORE.

Current Events: Kaya Natin ’To

Enough of sad post (’cause that man think I’m thinking negative thoughts about him, his work, and his new relationship DAW. DUH! The fez!).

Let’s go back to reality.

On December 5, there will be a huge fundraising concert called Kaya Natin ’To for the typhoon victims. Spearheaded by singer-songwriter Ogie Alcasid, big names in local music industry will work together in the said event for the benefit of our fellow Pinoys who were greatly affected by typhoons Ondoy and Pepeng.

In connection to this, Direk Dante Nico Garcia is currently working on the music video of Kaya Natin ’To theme song, where 50 local music artists will share their talent. Aside from this, he also needs at least a thousand of photos of Pinoys who engaged in relief operations and other activities helping the victims. Also, photos of those Pinoys all over the world doing the Kaya Natin ’To hand sign— "Kanang kamao sa kaliwang dibdib at ang kaliwang braso ay naka akbay sa isang kaibigan.”

Those who are living abroad, Direk Dante prefers to have your photo taken at a known tourist spot or landmark of the country.

Send you photos to isda_revolution@yahoo.com or info@pep.ph on or before Oct 27, 2009.

Kaya Natin ’To!

On other note, I hope the relief goods will soon be delivered to those who really need it. Shame on those hoarders! Hindi na naawa!

Lovebug: Go and get your armour, I never meant to start a war...

After almost two years…

I failed again. But unlike the past, I was ready for it. I easily accepted the fact that he and I could not walk the same path together anymore.

In the past weeks, after our recent out-of-town trip, I already knew that anytime soon one of us would be leaving—-I was already telling my close friends how I wanted to get out but I chose to stay for a while as he promised that there’s still a way to work things out.

When he sent that text message, I was not surprised. I already sensed that. What surprised me were his reasons, how he put all the blame on me without thinking the mistakes he had done to make our situation worse.

He told me I was controlling. I said no, you just didn’t cooperate or participate. He told me I was pressuring him for being expressive of my feelings. I said, "You started it. I asked you a few time about it, too, before I gave my answer. And now, you’re pressured about it?"

The break up phone conversation made me learn more about him—-things that I didn’t know or refused to know or accept while we’re still together. Thanks for the friends who made me realize these things again.

I said, “I deserve someone better.” He replied, “How can you deserve someone better if you’re not willing to listen and change.” (And his big ego talked again) Again, I told him, “In case you didn’t notice, I tried to listen and change. You just had so many requests and I couldn’t do all of those things in one snap. (Besides, I wanted a lot of changes from you but I didn’t nag about it because I have accepted you for who you are). Let’s just stop arguing. I deserve someone better. Stay happy as I feel lighter now that we’ve separated.” He answered back, “Let’s just see, time will tell us if were really meant for each other. If not we deserve someone else to love us.”

I deleted his messages. I wanted to reply and stress "I DESERVE SOMEONE BETTER so stop saying 'maybe in time.'" But it was useless to talk to someone whose ego has grown too much that it already covered his ears to hear other people’s opinion and his brain to understand things.

Thank you. Thank you for the new lessons that I’ve learned about relationships. Surprisingly, this did not make me cry (no matter how I tried to release the negative vibes). In just one badminton session and Rockband night, I easily accepted that another man has passed by on my life.

Social Life: All strings attached...

My high school friend got married with her long-time ex-boyfriend last Saturday.

O, di ba, Tagalog kung Tagalog!

The wedding was sort of a reunion with her, whom I haven’t seen for a long time and only talked with her through phone calls and text messages. It was also a chance for me to see my elementary and high school classmate, whose mother has become close to our barkada.

with my high school friend.

My friend only had one or two months preparation for her wedding. It was very personalized and very Filipino, from the invitation to their wedding seats. Also, it wasn’t the usual wedding I have attended because it was kinda stressful for me, as a guest, although I did not have personal participation on it.

After hearing my friend’s story, I felt how stressed she was (mentally and emotionally) during the preparation. I went to her new home, which was at the groom’s house in Malabon the night before the wedding and they were still preparing a lot of stuff—songs that would be used on the reception, seat plan, seat numbers, etc. It was almost 4:00 a.m. already when I stopped cutting numbers for the seats because my back ached already, while my friend was still re-typing the seat plan. And you know, during that time, she hasn’t prepared herself yet for the 9:00 wedding! In fact, I told her several times, “Hoy, matulog ka na nga! Gusto mo ba makita sa photos ang pagka-stress mo sa preparation?!”

She looked pretty pa rin kahit walang tulog!

There were slight changes even on the church ceremony. It was my first time to see the priest calling the parents of both parties, and all the godparents (or principal sponsors) to gather around the bride and the groom to witness the “I do” part. I also didn’t notice the part when the candles would be lighted, the cord and the veil (tama ba) would be put on the bride and the groom because they were done while the priests were telling the godparents about their part in their marriage.

Nagkahiyaan pa!

Meanwhile, the reception was almost similar to Judy Ann and Ryan’s wedding (but my friend insisted that she thought of it even before the celeb couple announced their wedding). It was, again, my first time to attend a wedding reception that has “Hep Hep Horray” and “Trip to Jerusalem” games.

Anyway, I didn’t wait for the “throwing of the bouquet” moment because I was already feeling tired and wanted to lie on my bed to get some sleep so I went home right after the “put the garter higher on her legs” thing. (Yes, I don't know where the "throwing" moment happened because the bridesmaid didn't have the bouquet during that time.)

Despite all the Hagardo Versosa moments, my friend looked very happy with the turned out of her one-month wedding preparation. It showed me that a wedding need not a very long preparation when the couple really wants it… and when the parent/s wanted it to happen ASAP. He-he!

Keng and Teng, just married...

Last thing, is it a must for a bride to shave “down there” on the eve of her wedding? Just asking. LOL