2012 In A Nutshell

Wow! Time really flies so fast! It feels like we just celebrated a new year and here we are now, about to welcome another year. I just can't believe a year has already passed!

Looking back to the days and months of 2012, I must admit, it had been tough on me. I was unemployed at the beginning of the year, I hardly can find a job and the expenses were ongoing. Our house was sold to a developer, we needed to relocate from Mandaluyong to Parañaque. Can you just imagine leaving the place you grew up with your entire life, saying goodbye to your friends, relatives, the environment. Oh wow, I don't even know how I was able to adapt to our new home! Towards almost third quarter and the end of 2012, I suffered from different kinds of pain --physical pain, toothache, and emotional trauma after my bag was stolen away from me. Geez, I lost my cards, IDs, iPhone, camera, etc. A lot money flew just like that!

But hey, let's not focus on the negative things. I am a firm believer that there is a balance for everything. If I experienced all those awful things, there were also awesome ones. Lots of it actually.

Career. I started working again as a Company Nurse sometime in May. Lucky to have been working with the people I used to work with. In October, I engaged myself with a small-type of business. Glad that so far, it prospers way higher than what I envisioned. Don't call me businessman but an entrepreneur!

Hobbies. In March, I kept my passion burning. I began writing again and share it online through this blogsite. I was able to make my own version of Calamansi muffin. You could ask me for the recipe. I tried to become adventurous and try different things like playing billiards, basketball, wall-climbing and ziplining. I am looking forward for more active activities to the coming year.

Travels. In January, I was able to visit Vigan, where I met some of our relatives. In August, I went back to Singapore for a holiday. That was the first out-of-the-country trip of our family. Then I was able to go back for the third time in Boracay, where I also enjoyed the company of my college friends sometime in September. Of course there were other trips to nearby places like Laguna, Antipolo, Tagaytay, et al.

Love. It's always there throughout the year. Still no romantic love but I have abundant love from my family, friends, God. To feel you are accepted, appreciated, and blessed, that's more than enough love. I couldn't ask for more.

So to you, 2012, I want to thank you. Thanks for all the changes, travels, learnings, and experiences whether good or bad. There were ups and downs, pains and joys, but look at me, I am standing still no matter what. I don't know what's gonna happen this 2013 but whatever it might and could be, I know it will be an even more exciting and a better year.

Cheers to 2013 and may we all have a prosperous and harmonious brand new year ahead!

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Secret Santa

It’s that time of the year when it isn’t our birthday, yet, we receive surprise gifts and wonderful presents. Sure, it’s Christmastime!

In the spirit of gift-giving, my officemates and I organized our very first Kris Kringle. We did not plan to make it extravagant. Just simple enough to celebrate the season.

The categories per week were the following, with the gifts I received from my Secret Santa:

Week 1: something that describes your Santa Baby -- a dark chocolate bar (am i bittersweet?)
Week 2: something boxed-up -- a box of Nesvita
Week 3: something random & weird -- a concealer
Week 4: something annoying yet funny -- an eyeliner
Week 5: something Christmassy -- candy cane
Grand: something your Santa Baby likes -- to unwrap on Christmas Day + the gifts I got from
my workmates

Too bad my Secret Santa revealed that I was her Santa Baby the day before the first gift-giving. Supposedly, revelation is done at the end or during the last gift-giving day. I admit, it reduced the amount of excitement, but the enthusiasm never faded away. Each week, I was looking forward to the gifts my “Secret Santa” prepared and wrapped for me.

As a token of appreciation for all the gifts that Secret Santa gave, Santa Baby then returns the generosity of Secret Santa by giving a "thank you gift."

I know that this was our practice long before when we were still studying. But no matter how many times we do it, it is still fun and exciting -- from overthinking who's our Secret Santa, to what gift to buy, to how to wrap it. It's always fun! At the end of the whole gift-giving thingy, we learned that it feels good to give, whether it's small or big, expensive or cheap. It's the thought that matters! Now we know why Santa Claus loves giving presents!

Speaking of him, thanks to the real-life Santa Claus (officemates) for coming early to town! These gifts make me feel like a kiddo guessing what's inside!

Have yourself a merry little Christmas!

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Real-life Halloween

Sorry for my late posting. I know it’s almost end of November yet I would like to share this experience I will never forget. October 30, 2012. It was an awesome day in the office because we threw an event and it was called “Halloween Fair,” in which I dressed up like Russell (from the movie, Up). Sad to admit, but that very day, it ended so awful. I first encountered riding a jeepney with a bad guy. By bad guy, I mean a person with an evil mind and doing things illegally to survive. I was a victim. My bag was stolen from me -- my iphone, wallet, Ids, cards, and other stuff with sentimental value, included. My hands were shaking. I cannot move my feet. I wanted to shout but no voice was coming out. All I knew was to immobilize. I should not make an action to retrieve my bag. I might just put my life in danger.

When I got home, I called the banks to put my cards on hold. Then it dawned on me. I lost almost everything important to me. What’s worst was that I even saw the face of the bad guy. I get goose bumps everytime I remember his appearance. I guess I still have trauma up to this writing!

The thought of them roaming around among us scares me. I feel sad that they exist. I feel bad that they are moving freely outside. I’m afraid that others could be their next victim – it could be you, our friends, family, relatives, or any of us. I may sound unforgiving but I want justice of what he did to me. I hope one day I see him again... behind bars!

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A Little Pain, A Life To Gain

Our company, in partnership with Philippine National Red Cross, conducted a Blood Letting Program onsite. We were able to obtain 24 blood bags, which I am certain, could help save lives.

While my blood was being withdrawn from my system, I spoke with the Red Cross Volunteer and she mentioned that "-ber" months are mostly the time when only a few people share their blood. I hereby knock to your generous heart, to please be with me on this humanitarian and compassionate legacy. Donate your precious blood. Especially now that Christmas is yet to come. This would be the best Christmas present you could ever offer. Remember the saying, "It's better to give than to receive."

Voluntarily, the donor has to submit himself to undergo blood screening. The purpose of this is to determine the blood type, weight, blood pressure, and the donor's medical history & personal lifestyle. It is not true that if you have tattoos or piercings, you can no longer donate your blood. This is a common misconception among the people. If you get inked or had your piercings for more than a year, then you can still donate blood. There is a doctor to assess if you are qualified or not. Usually, the one who is "clean & healthy" passes the screening. The qualified donor will then be asked to lie down and there, a needle will be inserted. Once the bloodbag is filled with 450 ml of blood, a needle will be withdrawn. A successful donor will be instructed to remain still on bed for about 10 minutes before getting up. The whole procedure takes for about 30 minutes.

A donor's card will be given to all successful donors. Should you need blood in the future (knock on wood), you can come to Red Cross and ask for assistance. They will provide you the blood you need until you get well.

I hope this entry touched your heart and I'm looking forward to see more people supporting this drive in donating their blood. Yes, I know we inflict pain. I myself have fear of needles and the idea of being punctured. But what is a little pain, if life is we are saving. As long as I can give, this will be my lifetime advocacy. I hope you too!

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Eyes, Eyes, Baby

This is probably and will be the shortest among my entries. I am going to be precise and brief, since I know all of us were reminded many times to TAKE CARE OF OUR EYES. Unless you want to not see the things around you and be blinded of the beauty of the surroundings.

We need our eyes. And if you love them enough, you will take care of them. Go, pay a visit to your ophthalmologist, EENT, and/or optometrist. Have them checked regularly. As a general rule, consider your eyes as your "baby."

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Thumbs Up in Boracay

Over a week ago, my college friends and I went to Boracay. It was not our first time in that island; we all have been there separately with different groups. The only thing that’s first was I am (or we are) going to the beach with the BrainTrain Group, which later I will explain why we were labelled with that name. To make it more exciting this time, I prepared a list of better things to do, to try, to capture, to taste when we reach our place of holiday. By the end of our short vacation, only a few materialized.

First Day. The first day was one of the most memorable on this trip. WHY? That’s because for once, we felt like a VIP. The pilot waited for us. We were paged several times and immediately after we board, the plane took off. That garnered a non-stop laughs among us.

Second Day. No much activity as we planned. We were offered several times to try this-and-that but we declined because we already experienced most of the activities, like the ATV, zorb, helmet diving, etc. September is considered an off-peak season in the island so the prices are far cheaper than the rate when it is summer. Except we tried Parao to enjoy the beautiful beach of Boracay, the strong winds, the waves, the pristine saltwater splashing on our face, and the magnificent sunset. That was truly enjoyable!

Third Day. Everyone woke up late, but not Lara and myself. We walked by the beach, gazed upon the natural scenery, took our photos, and... let me just say “cook something exciting.” Since we did not let our time to engage with some “fun under the sun” activities, we were nowhere to be found but either in our hotel room, in a restaurant, or in a bar. Sure we were pigging out, drinking alcohol, resting, tweeting, and instagraming. That’s the whole point of our vacation, not to mention, to party every minute of every day.

“Happy Hour” starts at 4pm onwards. This is the time we always took advantage of the drinks which are sold at 50% off or buy 1, take 1. Our favourite was BrainTrain, which is made up of 10 alcoholic drinks combined into one mixture, best served with cherries. This is good to share and I swear, would be impossible if you don’t feel tipsy at all. During that time, at least when we were in Boracay, we were the only group that orders BrainTrain, hence, the bartender branded us as BrainTrain Group.

Darkness started to set in. We got hungry and wanted to eat in an all-you-can-eat buffet. We headed to Astoria and availed of our complimentary dinner. There was another story about this and yes, it was related to what I “cooked” earlier this day. Sorry, but I’d rather not reveal it. To give you a hint, among our group, I bagged the Best Story and Best Director. For Best Actor it was Adrian; Jessan for Best Actress.

It was our last night so might as well enjoy the remaining hours in the island. Party! Party! Dance! Dance! Even on the dance floor I remember the Strawberry Firework dance steps by Mykhel and the “Kasambahay” dance moves by Jean that we practiced in our hotel. No exaggerations, but that night was crazy fun!

Fourth Day. It’s our last and final day in the island. We started to feel nostalgic. But must bring the most of it! We bought some gastronomic delights and pasalubongs. Lounge by the shore, watch the beach, and bask under the sun while drinking the best shake in Boracay. That feeling was priceless! Over all, the experience was a thumbs-up! Just before we leave, we promised that we will still going back and perhaps, drink BrainTrain without sharing. I’m crossing my fingers, come next year, we could go back there all together.

I cannot share the nitsy-bitsy details of this trip. I am sharing only the highlights. As they say, “what happens in Boracay, stays in the island.”

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Pain, Pain, Go Away!

Pain. It is defined as the unpleasant sensation caused by a lot of factors. It comes in many ways -- physical, emotional, spiritual, mental, intellectual, or psychological. No one can ever know as to when/where we will experience it or why do we have to suffer from it. Worst, we can never avoid them. Pain is part of everyone's life. And we know that when we speak of life, we do not know all the answers.

But I am sure, we all hate pain. Well, unless you're a masochist! We do not want to experience toothache, body pains, heartbreaks, sore throat, or traumas, etc. Our day gets ruined when we have it. When in pain, it feels like it is legal to hurt someone. But there are no legitimate reasons for us to do so. Totally unexcused! So while the pain is about to start, find a cure, take your meds, divert your attention, call all the angels and the saints, do anything to relieve your discomfort.

You may also want to sing, "Pain, pain, go away, dont come back on the other days."

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There's Always A First Time

I have nothing much to share about my recent trip to Singapore, except it was a blast. No, it was not my first time there. I've been there with my travel buddies as a side-trip when we flew to Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia in 2010. At first I thought, I wouldn't feel the same excitement like the first time I was going there. But as the day draws near to our departure date, the excitement and enthusiasm doubled.

I personally purchased the tickets last November 11, 2011 during Cebu Pacific's seat sale, "Onse Fare." If my counting is correct, that was exactly nine (9) months before our scheduled flight. This means, we have sufficient time to save up so we have enough pocket-money to spend when we get to SG.

A month before we fly, I booked the place where we will be staying in. I did not choose the expensive 5-star hotels and opted just to stay in a cheap hotel, decent enough to accomodate us at night to sleep. Then I designed the itinerary, like what I always do everytime I go on a trip. I did a lot of researches to make sure everyone will enjoy and at the same time, to be able to visit the tourist spots.

Here comes the day of pleasures. As mentioned above, my short stay in SG was a BLAST because of the "firsts" I experienced:

1. First time to ride a cable car with the whole family. Poch and Mom usually turn their backs because they have fears of heights. 

2. First time to try the Luge and the Skyride. I hope we have similar activites in the country.

3. First time to experience a 4D ride. I already watched 4D shows a couple of times but never a ride. 

4. First time my mom celebrated her birthday outside Philippines. She's now... never mind.

5. First time to taste the Singapore ice cream. It tastes good though the flavor I chose was not as yummy as what my mom and brothers ordered. 

6. First time to shop at H&M. I swear I could stay there for like the whole day.

7. First time to watch a Fountain show. It was beautiful! 

8. First time to see the famous Merlion not spewing water into Singapore Bay. Sad but what can we do? It is under construction.

9. First time to get lost in SG but hey, that's part of travelling. 

10. First time to see Marilyn Monroe, Po the Panda, Frankenstein, Betty Boop, Shrek and Fiona -- all of them are "in character." 

11. First time to try Galactica Battleship, both the Human & the Cylon. They were test-driving them when I first visited Universal Studios Singapore.

12. First time to fight with robots through the 4D Transformers Ride. This is one of the best rides!

13. First time to taste Famous Amos cookies & Garrett popcorn. Someone please bring them here so we could more often experience Singapore cookies & Chicago tradition, respectively.

14. First time to dine at No Signboard Seafood. You wouldn't remember your name after eating their dishes. It's like Dampa counterpart.

15. First time to meet Tita Peggy, my mom's bff since I wasn't still brought to life. 

Above all, because it was my first out-of-the-country trip with my family. Blessed to have experienced it in SG. Not all family could travel all together!

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Birthday Blues

Last Sunday, July 15 to be exact, I turned 25. Please say I don't look my age! Lol. We started celebrating my birthday as early as Saturday. In our world, we call it "birthday salubong" which was always a drinking session with lots of barchows. The following day, my real birthday, mom prepared all the sinfully delicious dishes for our invited relatives. The theme was supposed to be "Dangerous at 25" but since we are 5 July-celebrants in the family, we decided to celebrate it at one time, making it "A Dangerous Party." There were isaw and chicharon bulaklak (pork intestines), chicken skins, morcon, sisig, and many more. The dessert was an ice cream and the rule: you have to eat it immediately after having lunch. That way, the cholesterol intake will get saturated inside the body. I wonder who among our family felt secretly dizzy. Thank God no one was rushed to the hospital! Lol. While waiting for merienda, we ate bags of chips with dips. It was just frustrating that others can't stay any longer as they have other commitments so they left early. But it can't ruin my day! We then craved for something sweet. CAKE! The celebration continued to a coffee-and-cake night. That was also fun! Two days after, I brought my favorite mom's version of palabok and sumpia in the office. It was a simple birthday treat yet I'm glad my workmates liked it.

I would like to thank all the people who made my special day "special." I appreciate all the gifts, greetings and wishes left and right -- from text messages to sending me tweets and the messages posted on my Facebook. My silver year became memorable because I was (and still am) remembered, loved, and appreciated. Sharing with you now the pact I made each year. I will be a better version of myself because:

I am already 25... and still looking FAB! Kidding aside, because I am a year older, definitely I will be wiser. 

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Entrusting the Trusted Friend

Gone are the days when I frequently receive an invite to attend a debut party of a friend. That's totally sooo college! Not too long years after I graduated, I figured, I often get invited still, but this time to witness a baptism.

To be a part of a Christening is something I truly appreciate, especially when I was picked to be the child's godparent. Here I admit, when someone asked me to be their child's "ninong", I feel honored and happy.

To be chosen means the parents trust me. They saw something in me to the point that they are entrusting me to guide, discipline, and love their children similar to the way they do. That's more than enough proof that our friendship does not exist only inside the classroom or bounded within the school year. It is a sign of true friendship taking into the "serious" next level and that hoping to last for a lifetime!

A big thanks to my many "kumpares" and "kumares" for the TRUST they are offering to me. Newest additions to the list are Rachele, Kaye & Gian. I can't promise anything just yet but definitely, I will try my best to be, or better yet, I will be a good role model to these kids and support their proud parents in raising them up. Again, THANK YOU!

P.S.: Ninong Ludwig is gone during Christmastime! =)

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Morning Sickness

Probably, you already heard about "morning sickness" as it is most often associated to pregnancy. But this is not about dizziness or vomiting or cravings, etc. This is about the "don't-talk-to-me" feeling the moment I open my eyes after a night's sleep.

I seriously think I need to write something about this so that people would understand me and the other kids who also feel irritated immediately after getting up. No, we do not woke up at the wrong side of the bed (though it happens from time to time), neither we are mad at anyone. We just want some quiet time alone. A short, precious time to think, to plan our day, to contemplate on things which we can't do the very moment we step out of the house. We just want to let our thoughts wander without any conscious directions before we face the stressful life outside the peaceful home.

While we are enjoying the fleeting minutes of zero conversation, you may do your own thing. Just do not speak with us, especially if it's about questioning, sermons, and instructions. Anyhow, we wont talk, which makes it impolite on our part.

It's just too good to be true that there are people, my brother is a good example, who can be so alive, energetic and bubbly at the wee hours of the day. He can talk, sing, throw jokes, laugh and all that, and I envy him for that. How I wish I could do the same!

So again, I appeal to the many, please understand and spare a lot of patience to our weird morning sickness. We do not want and mean to be rude. Just ignore us. We'll be the one to initiate a conversation whenever we feel like we are ready. We can't help it, we were born that way!

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Blessed To Be Busy

These past few days I got preoccupied by work. Yes, I'm back to working again as a Company Nurse. I just started last May 2, and I confess here, it's hard to get back to that "grind" after a long months off. I spend 9 hours in the office, at times, I even extend my shift. I allot 4 hours for my travel time and sleep for about 6 hours every night. The remaining hours in a 24-hour day were engaged for my personal activities like working out, tweeting, malling, watching, lounge around, etc.

Of course, there are things I miss doing, like blogging, going out-of-town or flying for another country for pleasure, and a whole lot more. I may not be able to do the stuff I religiously do, still I feel blessed. Blessed to be busy, and I regret nothing from all of it. The challenge to most of us now, instead of complaining because of exhaustion at work or tired of the routinary life, turn it into a positive one and be thankful for all the gifts we are receiving from up above.

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Idiopathic Loneliness

"If it's a broken part, replace it.
If it's a broken arm then brace it.
If it's a broken heart then face it."

Those are the lines from one of my favorite songs, "Details In Fabric" by Jason Mraz and James Morrison. Based on the song lyrics, which they meant figuratively, there is always a way to manage the cause of our sadness. Easier said than done, right? Mind you, what's harder to do is to deal loneliness brought about by an unknown cause. I call it "idiopathic loneliness."

Lucky are the people who feel sad for a reason. It sounds odd but that's the truth. Way better than feeling unhappy for no apparent reason. That's really tough to handle!

There are times I wonder, why do I feel I'm at my lowest point of my life when in fact, nothing's wrong going on around me and that everything's perfectly fine. "Emo" as they say, short for emotional. Errr, I hate that feeling, no cure to that! Unlike if you know the cause or the problem, it is much easier to make a move or even find a solution.

I don't know. Even old Mr. Webster could never define. It could be the weather, perhaps our hormones, etc. But whatever the cause of our unhappiness, let us not forget that at the end of the day, we all get tired and lonely. So grieve... struggle... cry. It's okay not to be okay, as long as we find means to get back to our happy lives -- in our own terms, in our own way.

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Tweet Responsibly

Years ago, I created my Twitter account. At first I was curious why most of my friends were into it, then eventually I got myself hooked into "tweeting" after signing up.

The upsides. No remorse, the micro-blogging site is very interesting. It had been an outlet to express my thoughts and feelings, share my ideas and concepts, connect my assumptions and beliefs, showcase my values and practices, etc. I also find it challenging because in order to tweet, it has to fit in to a 140 (or less) alpha-numeric characters. Though I must admit, sometimes, it's not enough for me to share what is going on around me. Well, that is the challenge. My vocabulary has improved, I began to creatively write again, and I started to be an optimistic person -- these are the changes that Twitter has influenced me. It goes to show that when you follow the right person, you will benefit to having a better, fun, positive disposition in life.

The downsides. Unfortunately, we all have our own points of view. My "like this" and "love that" could be "hate it" to others. The fun for me is an embarrassment for my readers. Then here comes the birth of the haters and the bashers. The followers are using the social media to criticize and judge other people. Sometimes, their tweets are below the belt. I also read some "innuendoes" or indirect tweets indicating criticism or disapproval, hence, Twitter war is common nowadays.

The bottomline. First, learn to understand the other people's tweet. As a follower, you do not know all the things going on and so are the reasons behind every tweet. Respect is the key. Second, if you disagree or want to express your disapprroval, tweet in a nice way. No need to fight.

To all of us on Twitter, let us tweet responsibly. Make use of this site to build bridges, not burn. We are here to connect, and not to disconnect. Keep in mind that once you share private jokes, comments, and opinions online, you are making it available for public consumption.

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Sunday Slowdown

After a long, busy week, everyone is always looking forward to spending a stress-free weekend, especially Sunday. To be honest, I know no one hates this day -- a day when one is entitled to just sit back, lounge around, and allow not to do a single thing, except hearing a mass.

While other families opt to go on an out-of-town trip, or choose to just spend quality time at home watching their favorite shows, or decide to gad around the malls, visiting a spa or a massage parlor is one thing a family may include to be part of their Sunday activity. In an hour or so, one may temporarily bring all concerns away and leave most worries behind. It will be fleeting yet surely a great way to relax and bond among the members of the family.

Regardless if you are a student, an employee, a mother, or whoever you are in the world we live in, you need a day-off. Drop your pen. Remove your apron. Play your favorite music. Sing your heart out. Dance the day away. Forget about your diet and your figure. Don't mind the chores. Pamper yourself. Enjoy the day. Do at least one of these for once. Nothing is wrong in taking a break. People, from different walks of life, deserve a Sunday slowdown.

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Keep the Passion Burnin'

Remember your childhood years, when you unconsciously keep on repeating things that you love doing? For some it may be drawing, others like cooking or baking, then there’s a bookworm who spends much time reading. These are just concrete examples of hidden passion. At such a young age, there is this strong desire of which one enjoys doing.

Unfortunately, not all children were given equal chances to pursue what they are passionate about. Due to unavoidable circumstances, one cannot be able to enhance his/her innate ability. But mind you, somewhere, somewhen, someday, that natural skill will come out unexpectedly.

It will never be too late to start doing your passion again. In my case, I am a frustrated writer. Creative writing was my secret pastime when I was younger. It was my way of expressing my thoughts and delivering my feelings. This may also be the reason why I signed up on a micro-blogging site, Twitter. I just cannot believe that though many years have passed, I still love composing essays.

I would like to thank a good friend, Eric Capacia, who encouraged me to write again. Now that I’m starting to blog, expect more entries from me. Like his advice to me, I would like to end my very first entry with the exact words he has told me, “do whatever makes you happy and keep the passion burnin’.”

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