THINGS THAT LINGER ON MY MIND

Start: December 1, 2010
12:21am

• I think I’ll be having sore eyes on my right eye
• I just woke up 11:00pm and been wondering what time I’ll be going to bed later.
• I’m wishing that our company will be given a Christmas bonus
• I’m still thinking if I’ll blog “What if I won the lottery?”
• My late dinner was my favorite “Puchero” with soy sauce and chili paste
• I voted for U-kiss by the request of Aika
• I’m getting excited for Christmas. 25 days to go.
• I’m excited to go to Enchanted Kingdom with Aika.
• I got almost all my salary spent this last long weekend. Darn.
• I’m excited for our exchange gift. Draw lots will be later.
• I’m supposed to watch Miami Ink, but the episode was a replay.
• This blog is supposed to be “funfacts about me”
• I received a notification from Aika, she commented on my wallpost saying “what posh place?”
• I want a Maldita pants and Polo shirt for Christmas.
• I am limiting my Christmas gift list. No sufficient budget.
• I am wondering if I will not receive my Christmas Bonus, where will I get the aguinaldos of my inaanakssss?
• I’m wearing a white shirt and a black jersey pajama. Huh?
• I’m the only one awake in our house.
• My abdomen is in pain when every time I cough or sneeze.
• I’m excited and nervous in the upcoming Belen-Making Competition here in Clark. We just confirmed our entry yesterday.
• I want to keep the planner from Starbucks, which is supposed to be for Pam. I want to make it my “short-memory journal”
• I’m wondering what should I wear later at the office.
• Only Ma’am Beng noticed my Auburn-dyed hair.
• I have a feeling that I will be having a very Merry Christmas.
• I’m thinking if I’ll eat the pretzel sticks on the fridge.
• I got Carbonara for snack. Thanks to Kuya Carlo.
• I’m posting this shoutout in Facebook “Today is a gift, that’s why it’s called present”.
• I want to be skinny.

End: 12:40pm

A DATE TO REMEMBER

Me and my Mom at Baguio City. sorry, we don't
have much pictures taken at our date.

It’s my mom’s birthday last Saturday. Prior to that day, I promised her to give her my first big-time gift, because it’s her first birthday that I already have my job. I decided to treat her for a date.

It’s lunch time when we dyed our hair auburn. After that, I took my lunch and got ready for our date.

Our date began with a window shopping for her dress to be worn in a wedding. We didn’t find the perfect dress for her. That’s why we headed to a watch store to look for a watch. Luckily, she found a watch that she wants for a gift. Then there it is, I just bought the watch to give her as a gift.

After the gift-giving, we went to a Japanese fast food to eat. We ordered California maki, onion rings and sort of a Japanese wraps. After our snack, we headed to a coffee shop. There, we had a quality time. That was my first time that I disclosed my love life to her (do I have one?haha), while she also shared her past life and their love story to me.

True enough, relationships strengthen when more information are exchanged in both parties. In our case, since it’s our first time to bond and share stories of what we are going through, I must say that we became closer. Happy Birthday Mom! I love you.

A LETTER FOR A PERSON I BADLY MISS

Rhyss (Sorry for stealing this photo from your FB account)

Rhyss/ Tahks,

Hi, how are you doing? I hope everything is fine out there. I wrote this letter to you for two main reasons: first is to say how much I love you, and second is to say how much I miss you and want to be with you.

Our History

Elementary

I remember the first time I saw you, that was back at our pre-elementary graduation practice at our school before. You are at the other branch of our school, so that was the first time I saw you (I think you were awarded best in reading then). That time, I never had an idea that after 15 years, you will be my best friend to date.

We became classmates in 2^nd grade, but we did not had the chance to talk that much because I was seated at the first row while you were seated at the third or fourth. But I always remember that you were the most industrious cleaner for Friday. You always sweep the floor with your P.E. uniform and a brown boots. Haha

We became classmates again on the 4^th grade. That’s where we had a chance to talk often, because you were elected the class president while I was elected vice president, beating Clare(my first love.haha) for 2 or 4 points. I think we also belong to the same Wednesday Cleaners group.

At the same grade, I remembered me being hated by your many admirers, because there’s a gossip lingering that you had a crush on me. This is my first time to ask this, was that true? J

It was grade 5 when we became seatmates and had a chance to exchange family backgrounds, likes, dislikes and all that. We were at the third row, second to the last, and seated in front of us were Sheena and Ray.I even invited you at Nico's christening, but you did not came. You also went to our home to help with my assignment and help me bathe joyce. Did you remember that?

It was grade 6 when I remembered that I had a crush on you. I told that to you but we became aloof to each other. Hahahaha That’s I diverted my crush to Jessica. Hahaha

High School

We were the only two to make it together in science high school from our elementary school. I think that’s one factor that made us somehow closer. I remember we told everyone in our freshman year that we were cousins. Haha And believed us! J

High school, I guess, was really fast for us. I didn’t have the means to treat you for a coffee, or even to ask you for a movie date. On the other hand, your attention was diverted to Raffy, your first boy friend (Amiel and RR were puppy love of course.haha).

But this incident in high school was the most memorable for me so far. We were about to graduate when Ma’am Mye prepared a sort of activity then. The activity was to answer this question “If 4-Galilei is in a ship, and ship is about to drown, who will you save first”. Oh gee, I can’t think of anyone else but you. But at the same time I was nervous that no one will save me first, but you stood up and said, that it is me that you’re gonna save. J

I remember my exact line then, here it is “Yung mga kaibigan parang tsokolate yan, may mga hershey’s, toblerone at iba pa, pero uuwi ka pa din sa tsoknat mo. Si Rhyss kasi siya yung pakiramdam kong iiwan ako ng lahat, pero siya yung magstay para di ako mag-isa”. I have a question to ask, if Raffy was in 4-Galilei then, would you still pick me first?haha

 Times That I Wish We Could Spend Together

You know my dad and my mom have a very well-compensated work today, I and koyang Carlo already graduated from college. I have work; in short, I’m in my golden years now. But I’m sad to the fact that here I am, enjoying my youth while my best friend seemed skipping her must-be-golden-years. The more sad fact about this one is that…kapilan tin naku panlibring kape, kapilan tin nakung panglibri kekang sine… edanaka man kayabe.

As much as I want to text you for a coffee date for weekends, for my stresses and your stresses relieved… As much as want you to have a sleep-over at our house, joining us in dinner.. As much as I want to take pictures of us two together… and as much as I want to have a one-on-one shot session with you… But I just can’t.

It’s not anyone’s fault that you flew overseas for a living. Actually I applaud you for that, and you made me proud to stand up for your family, but I just can’t help to cry over the times that I wish we were together.

Sabi ku pin, patse tinud kung lotto, bayaran ko ngan reng utang mu (nakbagan nayni!haha) tapus paulyan dana ka keni. Banta naman takman mu ing biye na alakton mu dahil ing keng pagiging mung malugud a anak kareng pengari mu. Tang biye gigimick tamumu. Tang enaka magobra.Kauli mu, ala nakang isipan. Eka migaganaka, taya kung lotto para keka.

TO MY BEST FRIEND

I wish someday you and I have the chance to catch up personally. Not just by chat or facebook. Pulisan muna ing sipun mung tutulu. Stuna ing drama.

This letter is not to pressure you to go home (actually.haha), but this is the only way that I could say how much I love you and how I much I want to be with you. That with all of the 6 billion people in this world, I’m the last person to leave you. Pakilaban dakang laban dakang patayan nimal!

Try to remember this, time will come, I will see you again, hug you so tight, I’ll kiss you on the cheek and say “ATLAST”. Let’s dream together for that day ok? Have a good day.

Love and Always

Paul/ Poops



WHEN THE FIRE BURNS AGAIN

"I lit a candle almost 6 months ago in my work, I invested a lot to keep that fire burning in the candle"

Perhaps, this is my most exhausting week in my work so far. Our company celebrated its 9th foundation week. The first three days was spent for exhibit at a nearby mall, while the two remaining days were the intramurals.

Months ago, I posted something here in this blog about my advisory class. That they and I were at the depenetration stage (it's when relationships starts to break down)of interaction becuase we rarely see each other than before. But this week, I had chance to interact and had some quality time with them once more.

Meet my advisory class: 4-Alpha

Team Captain Kc aiming for a spike

Team Feati before their first match

Sorry team, I don't have any knowledge in basketball, so I might as well yell for you instead.haha

Warm-up: Nelson

Warm-up: Kim

Warm-up: Raymart and Jeric

Warm-up: Kc, Marc, and Nelson

Intramurals 2010 badminton players, where I became their umpire.

Bear with me for this drama... I was still at the badminton match (km away from the basketball match, where most of my team are playing), when it is already time for lunch. Good thing, badminton matches end up so early. In the basketball gym, my team players are already tired and probably hungry at that time,still, they waited for me, Jeric and Tars to arrive for us to eat all-together. :-)

Lunch time. My team prepared a table covered with banan leaves, they had packed lunch which we all shared together.

Our ever supportive kuya Mon and kuya dennis joined us at our feast. :-)



We end up 3rd in Basketball, I think 5th over-all, but we had a party like we won first :)




Victory Party at Kim's place

 Though this week perhaps is the most exhausting in my work so far, I wouldn't trade it for any week that I had in my whole work expirience. Sleepless nights, nightly shot sessions and all that.

Being accountable for 24 students that are almost the same age that I am is not that easy. Most of the time, I conform with their behaviors and lifestyles.

Here's what I learned from them: showing  little support, concern , and accountability for a certain group will result for a feeling of respect that you want and  that you truly deserve.

When I just thought that the fire that I lit on a candle was on the brink of getting lost, in an instance, it burns once more.

THE SILVER CELEBRATION

It's my Mom and Dad's silver wedding anniversary. We don't have the means to celebrate it at a church, with a reception of close family and friends. That's why we decided to have a family vacation in the city of pines, Baguio City, Benguet.

Here's what happened 25 years after their "once upon a time".

Mom and Dad @25th

left to right. Kuya Carlo, Ate Nova, Joyce, Nico. I and ate Christy are missing in action. We only commuted because our van cannot accommodate us anymore.



At the Groto, first 10 steps.. Perhaps 100 steps up? Dad didn't have the chance to go up with us because he fears that his knee would ache again.



A flower which I don't know the name. It was taken beside the stairs going up to the Groto.

Me and Mom, few steps away from the Groto.

Me at Burnham Park. We all rode the same boat. but after few minutes, Mom, Dad, and ate Nova left for coffee.

2nd day: taken at the Philippine Military Academy.

Taken at Wright Park: Below is a horse-riding park, where Nico rode a horse for 30 minutes. He fell from the horse, luckily, the horse didn't get injured. joke! haha. Above the stairs is The Mansion.



Taken at The Mansion, the Philippines President's offical residence in Baguio. Look at Nico (in blue), we didn't even wore a smile in this wacky photo. It is because before this photo was taken, he fell from the horse and almost got lost. So bear with him.haha!



Strawberries of La Trinidad's strawberry farm

Strwberry farm@La trinidad Benguet

Day3: Taken at Baguio Cathedral

Still at Baguio Cathedral.The four fruits of this silver celebration. Me, Nico, Kuya Carlo and Joyce. :)

The vacation was indeed a blast. More than just a quality time, this trip was a remembrance and proof that Mom and Dad didn't just build a house and a family, thus, they created a home with happy family members.

I don't actually know what they've been through the 25 long years together, but I can say that so far, they've done a good job. Me and my brother finished college, and all of us were raised well.

Their story is still far from its "happily ever after", but certainly, with their geniune love for each other, plus 4 children raised well, their fairytale will always be something worth celebrating.

AN UNUSUAL VISITOR

This blog is supposed to be long. But I can't concentrate while my brother is at the back watching the television, because I can't Concentrate!

Anyway, It's holiday today, and it's tantamount to rest day. After eating our lunch, Me and my brothers played volleyball in our front yard. Since it's about to rain, we decided to go inside the house.

While I'm watching the television, an unfamiliar noise in the backyard lingered. I became curious and checked it out. It's our village security guard talking to my brothers.

He (security guard) caught an owl. Since my father breeds birds, good thing we have a spare cage for the poor owl's temporary home.

The owl's right eye is bleeding. According to the security guard, he caught the owl while it was beaten and about to be killed by four crows.

here are the photos of the owl:

I have a guess that this owl is a Philippine Hawk Owl



My youngest brother, Nico, requested that we keep the owl as our pet. My dad partly agreed, but he also suggested that we must surrender it to authorities.

I am not a pet lover, but I'm an enthusiast of animals, a part of me wishes the owl to stay on the cage, while the other part wishes for the captive to be set free.

I don't know if my opinion has bearing to my dad, but because of a documentary, I recommended to him that after the owl recovered we'll set him/her free.

Why does this incident significant to me?

Kuwago ng Pahiyas (Owl of Pahiyas), so far, is my favorite documentary. It's by Howie Severino.

Click the following links to see the real message of this blog (now I'm too lazy).

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PAAuALgY9o8

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=L0gmteXj6Oo

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Q8_L8bBVRdY

This day is unusual, not because of the holiday, but because of our unusual visitor. Now, you decide for us. Should we let our visitor go? or make him/her stay for good?

A SATURDAY ON A FRIDAY NIGHT

How crazy it is to call Saturday a Friday Night?

It was short-noticed that Dianne and Ivy will be leaving the country to be a flight attendant in Saudi Arabia, that’s why Joanna gathered us all to have send-off party for the two.

I have a peer group named “The Saturdays”. It is spearheaded by my former highs school classmates Joanna, Calvin and Dianne. The group also consists of Ivy (Cousin of Joanna), and Tj (A close buddy of Calvin). Some occasional members are Joanna’s big brothers Tan and Jim.

We called our group The Saturdays becuse we always spend our Saturdays together. May it be on Whythaus (beer house), The Mansion (club), or even at Joanna’s house. That was before when we (I, Dianne and Ivy) graduated.

Recently, we didn’t have the chance to do our Saturday routines because of schedule conflict. I’m busy with my work, while most are busy with their studies.

PARTY TIME

The meeting time was around 8-9pm. I have work until 5pm that day, that’s why I planned to go home first, refresh myself, and then go to our meeting place which is Whythaus.

Suddenly, I invited Ma’am Chris (our school nurse) for a cup of coffee. She agreed and luckily, she got her salary and gave me a treat. While in the coffee shop, we’d a quality time, we shared stories, opinions, and jokes as well. That was passed 7pm when I decided not to go home and wait for The Saturdays until meeting time.

That was pass 10pm when I arrived at our meeting place. There I saw The Saturdays again. Oh, I miss them a lot.

We began to order our drinks and food. It was Red Horse (Extra Strong Beer) for me and Tj, while Gilbey’s Premium Strength for the ladies. We ordered pork barbecue, which happens to be Joanna’s favorite. After couple of hours, Calvin arrived from school. He drank the remaining beer and then we left the place.

The original plan is that after drinking in Whythaus, we will be heading to Sax (club). But we didn’t saw any trace of people or even cars parked there, so we headed back to the highway without knowing where to go.

We were surprised to see ourselves entering Clark. Wait, are they already going to bring me home? Then all of a sudden, Calvin proposed Subic as our next stop. We are almost at the toll gate when Joanna saw a u-turn slot; she drove back to the highway, and again, we didn’t have a place to go.

Exhausted from work and having a bad stomach condition, I initiated to stop this misadventure, so I told Joanna to just bring me home and declare this party over. Before going home, we stopped by a convenience store so that I can treat them with ice cream. It’s my first time to treat them with the money of own.

After the ice cream treat, they drove me back home. Since I have a Jose Cuervo Premium at home, I decided to give them shots before they leave.

Dianne and Calvin

Tj with Mr. Cuervo

that's Me!!

Ivy

shot shot shot shot

Calvin with Mr. Cuervo

Joanna

With two shots of tequila each (4 for Calvin?), a grasp full of humor, and two friends leaving the country, we had no choice but to feel the fun while we still have it, especially when we are still complete in the group.

Priceless it is to reunite with old buddies, updating on what changes each of them went through, and sharing their plans for the future. In soon-to-be-more-rare-get-together ocassions like this, indeed, this night deserves to be called a Saturday on a Friday night.