Gary's Return

With each passing second, the chilling winds from the north becomes harsher and more frigid than before as December slips away on to January; quite unusual for a tropical country like ours. Obviously, for every phenomenon, there’s always a scientific explanation, no matter how perplexing the event is. Let’s face a fact here, the climate’s changing because of the melting ice caps in the Arctic and the ever-increasing global temperature. But how about this for instance: a walking encyclopedia that has returned from the States suddenly sends you a text message and invites you to a one-day bonding session in a graveyard? One of the strangest phenomena in my life since Jayvee’s sudden transformation from stout to stick! Hehehe! Well, so much for metaphors, the point is that my friend since nursery has returned to wreak havoc once more! Yes indeed, Gary is back with that same know-it-all attitude and that sneer that has always spelled mischief and wit in every conversation. Today was actually gonna be a dreadfully boring day, if it weren’t for Gary’s presence. Thank God! So basically, we were supposed to meet up in XS at around 3pm with Gary, JA, Zeig, Niccolo and Nichel. From there, we will head off all the way to Heritage Memorial Park, somewhere along C-5 and Fort Bonifacio, just to give Gary a chance to pay his last respects to our dear classmate, Mark. Early on at 2:30, I managed to arrive at XS without spying anybody at all there (what a drag!), so dad dropped me off and went back home. Meanwhile, my instincts told me that a freak like Gary most probably hangout at Ash Creek, that’s why I took a short walk to that place and along the way, I spotted a tall yet slim guy wearing a fisherman’s hat with a typical F4 haircut. As I veered right to get a closer look, the guy suddenly looked at me, those same Korean-like features that are of nobody else’s besides, GARY! See what three years have done to this freak? Hahaha! After that, we had a chat at Starbucks and waited for JA and his battalion to come to us, and they did! (Thanks for helping me add 3 more stickers to the Starbucks planner thingy) Around 3:30, we carpooled in JA’s car and sped off to Heritage Park. The weather was fine and sunny, not to mention it was kinda chilly (duh!) As the car went along EDSA, Gary shared with us some info about Raymond (who has been earning $20.00 per hour in Microsoft as a junior applicant programmer) and some of his experiences in the States, including about his dormmates; I really laughed my pants off upon hearing it from him! Haha! The first one was a faggot who actually thought a first that Gary didn’t know how to speak English (cuz Gary wanted to play a prank on him), and was so depressed since he had nobody to talk to in the dormitory so he cries every night and even calls up his mom just to say how bad he felt. Soon after, Gary revealed the truth to the guy and the latter got pissed so he got even by inviting his boyfriend to the dorm room every night to have anals as Gary slept. The second was a street punk who got into college miraculously and he somehow influenced Gary in selling crack and weed, but of course he turned away from it in the end, without first getting some cash! Hehehe! The last guy was merely an abusive, good-for-nothing jerk who constantly slapped his girlfriend; yet it had always been Gary to the rescue without inflicting violence. He also emphasized the true beauty of the Philippine’s countryside as compared to that in the States. As he said so himself, “The city life is fine, ok dun, pero ang pangit sa countryside! Mas OK dito, at least close to nature diba? Doon, kahit may deer and a few tumbleweeds, God, it sucked!” Going back to the trip, the gang and I arrived at the cemetery around 4:30 due to misdirection and slight traffic. Haha! The whole place was a meadow of finely trimmed grass, riddled with small inconspicuous tombstones, but as a whole, it was a beautiful place; yet of course, sadness shrouds that very aspect. Mark’s grave was simple yet elegant, and it is designated by a peaceful creek nearby with the winds caressing its flow. Soon, we did some sightseeing around the place and posed within the newly constructed pagoda: the place was creepy in a way but hey, the building was very Chinese! :P Around 6pm in the evening, we left the memorial park and headed for dinner in a restaurant near my house. Apparently, Gary made that huge mistake by trusting his younger brother, Gerard, that the prices for the viands were affordable with discount, since he has connections there. But unfortunately, out of courtesy (since kilala ako ng may-ari and bawal daw magbackout ng reservation), we ate there and we ordered only rice and some chicken, how embarrassing! I mean, the waiters were looking at us and they’re wondering how the heck are these kids gonna pay for their meal? Perhaps they’ve gotten accustomed to seeing parents and older guys pay big money for set meals, etc, but five teenagers was another thing, something new! Fast-forwarding, after eating, Lester and Oli dropped by the resto to catch up with us as we headed for Dencio’s to have a real decent dinner together hahaha! Oh by the way, Gary took care of our so-called meal back in the Chinese resto. Arriving at Dencio’s we waited for Ervin, Raffy and Karl to join us for the dinner and as they appeared by the stairs, all were surprised to see the new Gary in his “Amazing FACE” spoof t-shirt and that peculiar hair-do of his hahaha! Later on, Foody and Benny followed afterwards and drank some beer with Raffy.. first time ah! Haha! The night culminated with all ten of us going to Powerplay in Ortigas for some games of CS for maybe 3-4 hours! We’re a bunch of addicts!!! Hahaha! Oh well, for old times’ sake. J Indeed, this day somehow marked the forthcoming of a prosperous and harmonious new year for my beloved friends and I; yet still we must all push through as life goes on in college and in our families. Gary really made this day special for all of us; and for once, I feel assured that his trip back here to the Philippines truly meant something on his part. High 4-D for life and Happy New Year! :)

Walkin' in MY Winter Wonderland...

Just a day to go and the most awaited day of the month will come to pass. Christmas indeed is everyone's favorite season of the year; no doubt it is a perfect time for family get-togethers and celebrations everywhere. Personally, I am looking forward to a pleasant holiday season, and yes, events are going well as expected. So far my daily affairs since the start of my vacation have come and gone smoothly- I am somewhat enjoying my semi-sedentary routines at home, reading the books that Greys gave me, while sitting my ass off in front of the computer downloading some new songs (possibly jazzed up Christmas songs) and turning on the speaker to full blast for some good music. Hahaha! Aside from those, I have also gotten the chance to frolic with my cousins over at their houses, since we were bound to pay them a visit anyhow. Sometimes, when I feel that bumming around was the last thing I would resort to do, dad would simply tap into my mind and ask my sis and I to go with him for a nice trip to the malls. In addition, gifts from my relatives and friends continuously pour in, and I am truly grateful for each and every present that I have received from them. Christmas is truly around the corner, but one thing is for certain, the feeling is no longer the same. As a student, I am constantly bothered by requirements that are due after the vacation, yet it is merely nothing compared to problems faced by other unfortunate individuals. Let's face a fact here, our childhood memories and days of Christmas are obviously numbered, well, although not entirely, but sometimes, as an adult, one would feel that the spirit of Christmas, that same spirit of joy and anticipation no longer exists or has left us to our deepest thoughts of everyday ordeals, etc. Perhaps we have outgrown and discarded that persistent hopeful disposition of an innocent child has always possessed, or maybe perhaps it is MISTAKABLY outgrown by most of us adults. Even in the face of such harsh realities in life, one should never let go of the child within; their nature serves as our guide to becoming more faithful and believing to the true meaning of Christmas. Many view that this season of hope is their one-way ticket out from their miseries in life, but let's not forget that there is never an easy way out, there is always a simpler way out. It could be achieved by asking grace from the Lord and giving one's best shot at anything. Simple, no? :P I'll leave it at that in the meantime, I can only hope that I may be enlightened to find a solution for my future problems hahaha!. For now, let's enjoy the holidays with clear hearts and minds that are bound for the love and service of others.. MERRY CHRISTMAS TO ALL AND GOD BLESS! =)

Going...Going...Gone?

The much-awaited Christmas vacation is drawing near, but the burden of the ever-increasing load of school work still haunts all of us. For the past few weeks, we have been working nonstop just to catch along with the pace of our various subjects. Clearly, the profs are also trying to keep up in accomplishing all the necessary lessons in order to smoothly proceed to the prelims by next year. Personally, I am quite pleased that my class is nearing the completion of everything required, yet I feel somewhat depressed over my recent performance in class. Although I can never be too sure about the final outcome of my quizzes in some subjects, my instincts whisper out precepts of impending failure if I keep this up. I do not know what has gotten into me recently, but I seem to be thinking and acting so differently from before. Is my sanity slipping away? Or am I just allowing my mind to drift away for so long, and reality has become the surreal aspect of my world. Only recently we've had our monthly examination in biochemistry. The questions were kinda tough, and yes, I believe that those could be answered properly if and only if they've given us sufficient time. Who would have thought that were only granted an hour to finish the entire test! So as the test came to an end, I ended up moping about and worrying of the possible results. Damn it, the thought of failing has now found a place in my mind and it is simply hard to take away. I can't let that ruin my Christmas, no chance in hell. So much for academics, I've received news from my profs that I am handpicked by the whole Faculty of Pharmacy department to represent in the "Pautakan" contest to be held, according to Monica, in February next year. Now that's something I don't hear everyday, hahaha! Still, I will have to cope up with many agenda for next week, including the coinciding monthly of my biochem lec and the battle of the wits on Monday. Geez, what a drag! Oh well, that's really life, but of course, I am acknowledging the help and support of my classmates who were there to guide me throughout. You know who you guys are. ;) Anywayz, got to cut it from here; the assembly line of assignments awaits me. Ciao and God bless! Merry Christmas to all!

Off With A Bad Start :(

That's right, school has finally resumed its course after a month of sleeping and RnR; though it wasn't as warm and exciting as I had in mind, well not until yesterday that is. But before I narrate about what had happened, let me discuss about the subjects and schedule designated for my class. As expected, the second semester subjects of this year are meant to fill in where our lessons from where the previous semester had left off. Along with it came new concepts that obviously require the application of the bits and pieces we've learnt from the past few months. So far, yes, the subjects seem interesting enough: Biochemistry, Quantitative Chemistry, Physics, English, Literature and Sociology. However, alongside the subjects, we were entrenched in a very awkward schedule. Imagine this, you have to wake up at around 5am everyday (except Friday since classes start at 9am) just to catch up with your class, which begins at 7am, and not to mention that we are bound to be dismissed at 7pm every Thursday. Damn. Enough of the schedule proper; let's talk about the profs. First of all, I'm glad to say that our class had been spared from the wrath of the terror profs in any of the major subjects. Instead, we were assigned with some of the finest and youngest professors in their respective fields. I guess luck had been with us all along, even when our intuition told us that we were bound to get don't-fuck-with-me type of teachers, like the Physics prof who got pissed with Hya for merely commenting on the time limit during our exam in botany. Thankfully our profs right now were as angelic as hell. (whoa!) Secondly, let me describe them one by one: a.) Ms.Irene dela Cruz of Biochem. is a cool prof who could actually relate with us all, while delivering a clear and comprehensive lesson with full clarity. She indeed tries to make things simpler for the class. b.) Ms. Gabona of our Quanti. Chem. is also another pleasing figure who is really enthusiastic in teaching the subject matter. The way I see it, she seems like the next Wynda Benito (my high school math teacher) c.) Ms. Lilia Firme, our Literature and English professor is no doubt one of the "immortals" given her age and all. But no offense to that, although I would have to admit that her mind and philosophy is actively on the go, and that is indeed a good thing for my class. Just what we need, a tinge of wisdom from a person like her. She looks like a kind prof, unworthy of taunts and disrespect; yet, some of us just can't help making fun of her voice, pronunciation and posture.. gosh, I really wonder why pick on an old innocent lady, right? d.) Ms. Helenida Onal, our Sociology/ Theology prof is another interesting individual. As she approached the table, she gave us an impression which commanded respect. At first I thought that she was one prof not to be messed around with because of her intimidating visage and her noticeable tone which hinted that of sarcasm, but when pleasantries were exchanged between her and the class, we found her to possess a gentle personality in her own way. Humor of course never ran out from her, but I doubt if some of her remarks could be accepted without question from some members of the class, especially those of different races. e.) Ms. Gisella Lebron, our all-time favorite prof.! Who would expect that she would actually become our chem and physics lab instructor? Praise the Lord! So there you have it, some profs we've encountered so far, although I have disregarded some of course. Anyway, I am now going to talk about my own experiences. The first day was in fact a day worth reliving- being able to see your friends again after a long vacation truly brings such gladness to one's heart. Yes, especially when the heart is really longing for a special someone. Tonks and I got along pretty well for the first two days, yet sometime in between we had our certain misunderstandings, but in the end we were able to patch it all up and go on again; yet, I cannot remove the doubt that she is in deep thought about something yesterday. I insisted in knowing, but I'd rather find out for myself. At first I was really pondering over what was bothering her and she just said that I can't help her in that ordeal, until she suddenly mentioned about an itch. From there I knew that something was amiss, although I know for a fact that she's telling the truth, there is one big itch! Later on that afternoon, everything simply blew into my face during our Physics period when I had declined to lend her the money to pay for the purchase of our book. She was furious and tried to ignore me all the way to the time when I had alighted from the train. Despite the fact that I knew I had the money then to lend her for the book's payment, I instinctively chose not to, because of typical reasons such as saving, etc. It was then I felt so lousy for doing so. How could I have overlooked, or even disregarded the fact that she's in dire need of money that time? Why the hell did I simply refuse and deny?? What has happened to sacrificing for one's friends? Selfishness and perhaps indifference got the best of me that day, and how painful it is for me to think that the damage is already done. As she rebuked me, shame wrapped me to the point where I could say no more, but only to listen to what she had to say. It was then I realized that I have only grasped the essence of taking, and not giving, nor have I shown full appreciation of the things that others have done for me; thus, she declared that she would not seek out my help any longer for what I just did. Those words singed through my heart and I was dumbfounded. Indeed, for once I felt like a real fool to have done such a thing; therefore, I am wholeheartedly willing to discard my attitude and turn over a new leaf for Tonks. Apologies, I know, are insufficient to make up for my faults of the past; if only I would be given another chance to prove myself, something that I could truly accomplish without having to lie and bluff about in the end. This time I will make sure that my contributions are done sincerely and selflessly. Once again, I am really sorry for what I've done. Let me get another chance to become the friend that you once had trusted so dearly.

The End Sires a New Beginning

Days turned into weeks. Weeks turned almost into a month as I lingered about in the comfort of my own house. Frankly speaking, everything had been quite monotonous. As I have awoken from my sleep from the previous night, I thought of nothing else but to enkindle the wanderlust within me. What could be a better solution to the persisting boredom, but to get out there and enjoy a day with one's buddies. With a stroke of luck, the car would have been easily in my grasp; yet, sometimes, the world would turn against me and give me the finger, and I'm left with no choice but to enjoy the simple pleasures at home. As expected, school days are drawing closer as this week reaches the end my vacation and the start of the second semester. Of course, I had to maximize to at least make the most of the precious minutes left of my month-long break. Spending the whole day in front of the tube or the computer was too commonplace an activity for me; yet, I could always enjoy a lively and decent conversation with Tonks over the phone from time to time; and although there were many hindrances that came in our way to keep in touch, I made it a point to find any ways possible to talk with Tonks. :) Thoughts have been running across my mind for these few days; most likely these are manifestations of my expectations and insights for the future. More often than not, they were about my friends, academic challenges tthat yet to befall me and many others. Despite the possibility of shortcomings, I had assured myself that problems could be rationally resolved, or as much as possible, be avoided at all costs. However, who is to blame when a shitload of badluck should arise and take it's course on me? As a friend of mine had once said: "No man is a virgin, life screws everyone." For now, I would really want to tread along life and forego my pessimism about my life at all costs, because I firmly believe that amidst the misfortunes that may occur, hope, reconciliation and peace are just nearby, awaiting those who are willing to make things better for everyone. I wish the best of luck to everyone in the second semester and God bless you all.

The Bittersweet Days...

An endless procession of days and nights went by as I longed for the company of friends and loved ones. Well what can you expect from a guy like me who is bummed at home for almost three weeks without seeing my buddies, especially to those I've held so dear to my heart; although I have had the chance to stroll around in malls and shop with my parents, I merely felt that I am not at all satisfied. I am dying to be with my friends- from both high school and college. Of course, the badminton sessions that I am having with Harris and the other guys (JJ, Nic and Jeremy) was another thing. Yes, as each day passed, I have never given up hope that one of these days, within the duration of this semestral break, I would grasp the opportunity to be able to meet up with my friends, even if it is only a short roadtrip around Metro Manila, or a simple gathering in the park, it will serve. Yesterday was just another day at home, and as expected, my best friends for the day were none other than the computer, mp3 player, and the book my nose is currently stuck to. So there, I spent the entire day doing nothing but treading up the ladder of vanity as I took selfshots and did nothing with them in the end..weird? Bored? Not entirely. I was chatting with Tonks (one my closest buddies in UST) about anything under the sun. I really enjoyed her company even when I had a bad start in the morning with my sister and mom (don't ask ><) She really never fails to enliven a conversation, which is one of her most admirable traits. Seeing that we're on the edge of dying out of boredom, we planned to have chat over the line sometime later. As evening approached, I sought the opportunity to speak to her personally over the phone, ensuring first that the coast was clear for a conversation, meaning to say that the potential for interruptions from my sister is negligible. Just then dad asked me to accompany him to SM Mega to buy some construction and repair materials for our shower room (the heavy sliding door is dangerously going off its track and there is a major leak in the pipes). Knowing that the chances of having a clean and meaningful talk with Tonks is slimming down for every minute that I remain outside, so I insisted my dad that we search for parts at lightspeed. Around 930pm, we were able to get everything and when I anticipated the trip home, I eventually informed Tonks that we are heading for my grandparents' house to discuss about the agenda that had taken place a while ago (my cousin's wedding). Disheartened by that, I immediately told Tonks about it, and of course, she too felt the same way, but what can I do? It was a family affair, it would be so embarrassing to refuse. It would seem as though I wasn't part of the family, if that's the case.The talk between the old ones lasted for around an hour and a half, although it excites me to listen and talk about my cousin's love life and post-wedding plans, the rest of the conversation landed on the topic of distant relatives totally unknown to me! I just wondered how could these old folks of mine persist up until 11pm to talk about this and that, while they could actually settle it the following morning in the reception?! Sheesh! So, I dozed off, hoping that when I wake up in 30mins or so, the talk would be over and we're going straight home, because it would be asking too much of Tonks to wait for me that long. But I was wrong, the talk was prolonged to another 30mins. Crap! :( While going home, I could feel that Tonks was so willing to grill me once we get in touch for making her wait too long a time. Yes, I realized that I was inconsiderate of her time, I apologized but she disregarded what I had to say and left the chat, weary and disappointed about me. Regret and shame embraced me as I went to bed, feeling so cold and insecure throughout the night. I should have declined my dad's request, but what kind of a personality will I project to my dad in the end? Saturday night ended gloomily for me, and Sunday followed as the bright morning sun greeted warmth into my face, but not enough to invigorate me. Throughout the whole wedding, I was appointed the inofficial cameraman as took a bunch of pics for some relatives while at the same time, had shots of for my own. The reception took place soon after in the Makati Shangrila Hotel in the same ballroom where my friend, Ginger, had her prestigious debut in the form of a Viennese ball. Overall, the day was alright, but of course I went home while bearing a troubled look and feel... Good day. Sorry sis :(

Wasted 'till the End of the Century...

For those who have been anticipating a new entry from me for the past few weeks, well, fat chance for all of us since the days before were as hectic as one could imagine! The preliminary period started off fairly, and as expected, new lessons and countless requirements had begun to plague our peaceful lives once again. The subjects were the same as usual. Organic chemistry, due to the constraint in time, it became a little more difficult for me to handle with all the unnecessary assignments, plays and programs we need to take care of. Despite all that, I was able to manage them anyhow and get on with passing the quizzes. Nevertheless, our profs introduced more concepts and reactions that we are to familiarize and understand, which fortunately, I have been able to do so with my overloaded mind. Literature posed no problem at the very early stages of the preliminary period, until good old Sir Marasigan announced that we are to perform any of Shakespeare's plays within a time allotment of 30-45 minutes. At the displeasure of the others, sir was showing off that sadistic grin of his, while I rubbed my hands and was overjoyed to hear of his proposal. Immediately, I was able to suggest to the group that we take up the quitessential story of young love, as portrayed by none other than Romeo and Juliet. For days and nights, I prepared and even took time to polish the shortened and simplified version of the script; and just when the day of our performance drew near, Millenia struck the country like a blitzkrieg from hell. Thus, our plans of practicing and preparing were ruined before our very eyes. Seeing that things were going poorly for both groups (and after raising so much commotion and arguments within the class), sir simply asked for a memoir instead..something which can be done by either an individual or by a group of people. We eventually agreed, and went to work once we got home. My partner and I enjoyed doing the memoir. It was really a piece of cake, not to mention a nostalgic and heartwarming task. Hahaha! For this week alone, the professors bombarded us with countless requirements, in preparation for the finals exams that will take place next week. I mean, what the heck? The students lack freaking sleep and R and R! The profs were obviously expecting that their students could actually accomplish tons of assignments, projects and review sessions for upcoming quizzes and rehearsals for specific presentations at their own convenience! What's up with these old peeps? Haven't they ever heard of chilling out and taking it easily for once? Sheesh! What nerds! Their proposed action simply creates an impression upon our college- that we are a bunch of antisocial and eccentric workaholics who are too engrossed with school work! Also, the fact that UST had been able to squester the crown from Ateneo as reigning champion of the 69th season in the UAAP was indeed a do-or-die matter for many Thomasians; but as for the Faculty of Pharmacy, sad to say, we were simply too preoccupied and too geeky to celebrate, unwind and savor the victory that has been bestowed upon our university.. Fun? What's that?! *scratches head* Oohhh, I think I will have to research on that subject!!! ><