Not so Keen with 2013

Pesky Mayans. Why couldn’t have they been right? Why couldn’t it all end in 2012? It was such a great year that the following had so much to live up to. It didn’t. 2013 was the worst year I had ever lived through. No contest. Usually, I give out 10 best moments that I experienced throughout the year. Last year, I doubt I could even think of five.

Let’s see. You think you’d get a slow start since nothing really happens on January. But no. See, after my birthday, it was decided that I’m destined for greater things. Say, lead my team to glory. Or more realistically, my superior felt the need to take her talents to Miami, er, Ortigas. And being the heir apparent and all, I rose to the ranks and become the Nth Earl of Grantham, I mean, OIC. Great way to start the year, right? Wrong. With great power comes additional night differential. How I hated night shifts. Nothing good ever comes out of working nights. But in order to lead, one must embrace the darkness. And so I have been a creature of the night for almost a year now. I believe this is where it started to go downhill for me.

The succeeding months were a blur of misery. You’d think I’d be thankful for the opportunity, but I never make things easy. Somewhere in March, there was another change of leadership. But this time, it involved royalty. Our long-time manager, my then superior, did a Dwight Howard and transferred to another team for a chance of another ring. Or simply because we can’t afford him anymore. Either way, a new player was activated, a lady boss. Lady boss is cool. If she had come to us earlier, during our glory (bad pun) years, we could have made wonderful things happen. Alas, her arrival meant some changes, and those changes weren’t just simple tweaks.

By middle of the year, we bid farewell to that other team in our account. The Red Coats just suddenly surrendered as they weren’t making enough profits. Naturally, being the stable of the two, we can just absorb these people and carry on with our lives as if nothing happened. Yeah, we were all sipping tea and exchanging tales for at least a month before the powers that be decided to cut more losses. Good bye, mates. It was, well, interesting. Good thing these kinds of things will never ever happen to a sturdy and strong team like mine.

I’ve always loved September. September is where the magic always happen. Guess, last year’s wasn’t all that different. Except it wasn’t white magic, but horrible bad juju. Execute Order 66. Or in the words of the Great Emperor Palpatine, “Wipe them out. All of them.” Finally. We’re getting the boot. Well, some of us are. I just lost people that I’ve known for more than half a decade. Some I consider friends, some acquaintances, but both very heartbreaking. So out of that almost 300 people we started with, after the Battle of Thermopylae, only seven of us are left. And that’s how it had been since then. The icing on the cake is that this all happened under my watch. So much for a brave and fearless leader. Wait. I’m not actually The leader. Not officially anyway. But as Chandler Bing’s principle, if one accepts promotion, one is finally accepting that it is his/her official job. This is all temporary to me, all seven years of it.

So 2013, such a magical month. But I suppose I couldn’t say nothing good came out of the year. By June, my Western family came home yet again to celebrate Iya’s 80th. Such a huge event. The family also had the Anvaya Cove Experience. Beach and buffets, I think that qualifies as a win. September had its share of magic as my high school buddy Adrian tied the knot with his long-time beau, Franchelle. It was part surreal, part expected. I always knew the bastard’s going to be the first one to settle. Suffice to say, it was great seeing those guys again. Something I’m pretty sure won’t happen in the near future. What else? We celebrated Mom’s birthday at Tagaytay with a pretty awesome lunch. And October brought about the annual Bernabe Halloween Bash. Much better turn out this year, which raised the bar for next year’s. Lastly, my San Beda Red Lions got its fourth straight championship crown by November. They say it’s the sweetest, what with all the hardships the team had to endure throughout the season. I’m inclined to believe it is.

(Clockwise) Col. Sanders, Anvaya, 4-peat, IanCelle, Mom

What do you know? There are five memories that are to be cherished after all. Few more things, 2013 saw the emergence of my love for anything Oriental. Chinese, really. I don’t care much for Koreans. Anyway, anything oriental. Like while I’m writing this, there is erhu music playing in the background. And don’t get me started on Hong Kong Cinema. Look, I know I’ve been dragging this whole Hong Kong is the best place in the world for quite some time now, but it is. Deal with it. I started with a couple of martial arts films, Bruce Lee and Jackie Chan flicks mostly, and now I can probably name a good number of Hong Kong celebrities and their movies. Probably better than my knowledge of local entertainment. Some say it gives one culture when one is diverse with his world cinema. I say, they’re right. It’s an addiction, as much as I love a plate of dim sum and chopsticks.

I’ve been reading again. Surprising as it may sound, I am. Though let’s not get carried away. It’s mostly Kafka’s works, that I stay away from. Seriously, anything beyond 300 pages -- not cool. But it’s a vast improvement from just bothering with books that have pictures on them. Hey, even if I’m reading fantasy literature, the point is I’m reading. And it made me remember how much I love mythology and, more importantly, history. Now there’s a career I want to get myself into.

But the real reason why I don’t have love for 2013? It changed me. For the worse. And that is another story for another time. Just know that that change took over me, the whole of me.

Here’s your 10 words of 2013: CHANGE, DEFEAT, ISOLATION, FAMILY, FOOD, MYTHOLOGY, MISERY, ORIENTAL, TELEVISION, SURVIVAL

(--,) is currently obsessed on anything Cantonese, has been reading Riordan’s works and is very much addicted to Downton Abbey. You may notice tones in his writing concerning those three.

The 2011 T&C Media Puerto Galera Experience: Return to Transcription

Things I brought home with me from this trip:

- “Don’t Stop Believin” by Journey will never apply to me because I have been, am, and will always be a city boy. I can’t and don’t swim, ‘kay?!

- I don’t think I’ll be riding any inflatable water contraptions for the meantime. I wasn’t trying to impress. I did it because I wanted to try out things I don’t usually do. #notaprettysight

- Fruits go well with rhum. And I think I made Professor Flitwick proud. #charms

- The people I was with are some of the best individuals out there. Already knew that, but they really are. #waitingtogetpaid

- I am responsible. #OhyesIam.

- I really hate long trips. :|

- Some things are so close but still so far. #Saklap

All in all, it was an awesome, awesome weekend. And I wouldn’t mind doing it all over again. Might tweak some scenarios here and there and bring stuffs that weren’t brought, or even the reputation-changing mishap, I ain’t changin’ nothin’. Another round, all-stars? After Holy Week, yes? (—,)

March

This year just keeps getting better. January started it all, February looked good as well, March is, well, the awesomeness that is the end of the first quarter of 2009 continues. Oh, yeah! March was that awesome that I actually forgot some of the events that I attended. Seriously! So, forgive me if I did not include your party because I can’t recall I was there. LOL!

March kicked off summer season for yours truly. The family’s Zambales’ trip was one for the books. It is also in March that one of our closest friends departed to sandier pastures. There was one event worth mentioning though that I did not go to because I was invited at the last minute. Tsss.

March 4, 2009 | Krocodile Grill with Nay, Zelle, and Neng

Okay, I’m not sure if I got the date right but I know this fell on the first week of March and it was my first event this month. I also know that we have pictures from this night but Z hasn’t uploaded them yet. Catch up on what’s happening with each other. Will probably turn into a monthly thing. Thank you, Z, for the pasalubong.

March 8, 2009 | You Changed My Life

What? I enjoyed the first one, I certainly enjoyed this one too. Some days, you just hafta be nationalistic. LOL.

March 12, 2009 | Kads’ Despedids @ Yoo-Hoo

One last session with our not-so-famous friend and colleague, with his new hairdo, Kads. He’ll be gone for a year or two. Or so he says. We each have our own bets and theory on how long before we see him. I say we’re spending the coming Christmas with him. LOL! Farewell, Wingman!

March 12, 2009 | Wrestlemania VII @ Van Square Garden

Right after saying goodbye to Kads that night, I was off to one of the most awaited MeanBoys event of the year: Van’s Birthday. Although, this year, the turnout was disappointing. Probably because the invites were sent the day before and as you know, we ain’t in college anymore. [Sighs] We also celebrated Boyds’ birthday that night. The night was full of steaks, pasta, roasts, beer and Johnny Walker was out best buddy all throughout. Van has not posted the rest of the pics yet. BOO!

March 15, 2009 | Tita Gee’s Birthday @ Via Mare, Serendra

Happy Birthday to her and thanks for a lovely dinner. It marked the start of the awesome celebrations her family had and are having. Wicked!

March 17, 2009 | Dad’s Birthday

Okay, aside from Dad’s birthday, nothing special happened on this day. We didn’t even see each other. I just feel like I had to mention it. Image was from my birthday. Happy Birthday, Father!

March 21-22, 2009 | Venturas of Matutum @ Tammy’s Zambales

This is an annual thing for the Venturas It started way back in the old days with our lolos and lolas taking my titos and titas at Sual, Pangasinan. ([Sighs] because the older folks have great stories about those trips but I wasn’t able to experience them anymore as they stopped going there mid-1980s) Anyway, I think Tammy’s will be the new Sual for our generation. The service was totally excellent and definitely worth it. I, not being much of an outdoor person, had a blast. And…as I observed after…it really brought the family together. Hopefully, my generation, my cousins would be as close-knitted as our parents are before us.

March 28, 2009 | Hannah’s Graduation Reception
@ John & Yoko, Greenbelt 5

Milestone for one of my favorite persons, great food, hot patrons, family…a no-brainer successful equation. Hannah graduated from high school and is off to this college in Katipunan. But before going all serious for the future, Japanese food, being her favorite, must be served. I had yet to make a food review of the resto, but I will. Earth Hour was also that night and I bumped into Anne Kartis. Yum!

March 31, 2009 | Baconator Night @ SM Mall of Asia

To cap off the month, my dreams of experiencing Wendy’s Baconators came true. Pay day and I finally agreed to Odette and Vanessa that I will accompany them to sample Haagen-Dazs’s hyped fondue. Together with Neng, we headed to SM Mall of Asia for it to become a reality, but for some reason, we ended up splitting one Baconator into three and settled for Ice Monster after. Har!

Goodbyes and milestones were the main themes of the month that was; birthdays as well and the annual family outing…awesome! Totally awesome! I really had a hard time documenting them because as much as March being eventful for me, my slothness level equaled my activities. Not much pictures, really. March delivered, and the last days of March were special as preparations for the “Ventura Event of the Year” were underway. Special because it paved the way to the start of the second quarter of the year, a month that is occasion-stricken, a month that’ll leave me poor for at least two months or so, a month that I had always enjoyed…April. (--,)

Top Ten 2008 Summer Moments

After a fun-filled, classic, worth-mentioning, interesting, possibly the best ever, summer season, I present to you my Top Ten Summer Moments of 2008:

X. Kulasa Kada’s Graduation (March 15-16)
- My sisters from another mother finally steps into the real world by graduating from college and school. I wasn’t able to attend their respective Commencement Exercises due to conflict in my schedule but I know they’re okay with that. Bes, Ter, and Kaec, congratulations! Welcome to the real world! It sucks, you’ll love it! (Pic from Bes)

IX. Mother’s Day at Bataan (May 10-11)
- The annual family summer outing takes the number nine spot. The last two years I wasn’t able to go with them and this year I made sure that I do. I missed going out with blood relatives and catching up with my cuzs and family per se. We never did plan this trip; we just kinda went on a road trip and chanced upon a cool and new resort in the borders of Bataan and Subic. Always fun to be with family.

VIII. Chuck, Gossip Girl, One Tree Hill, Lost, Sarah Connor Chronicles and David Cook becomes an American Idol
- The wonders of online streaming and bootleg DVDs. Countless sleepless nights just to finish seasons of these magnificent superb shows. Brings me to the edge of my seat, couch, or wherever it is I’m viewing them shows. Their season finales did deliver and I was ecstatic even after the end credits rolled.

VII. Ascend Night (May 9)
- Going clubbing at Ascend one Friday night with my wingman, Kads, takes a spot at my best summer moments. Been a while since I went clubbing (last time, I think, was the summer of ‘07) so I was really excited with this one. Well, nothing changed that much. Still went home empty-handed (LOL) but our eyes were full and our ego, off the roof. Also, this instance jumpstarted another excellent collective summer moment.

VI. Swing Out Sister: Breakout Live in Manila (April 7)
- Finally seeing and watching my greatest musical influence live and in person will definitely go down in my history books as one of the best ever. Learned that they were coming to Manila around February and initially planned on taking my Ninong to this event. Due to some unavoidable circumstances, it was Carl and me who went to see the British group responsible for the hit, “Breakout.” Seeing them perform their songs was definitely worth the ticket price.

V. Boston Celtics 17th Championship Title (June 18)
- I was contemplating this last night if I should write this down as the NBA season is about to close in three days time anyways. But then again, I don’t wanna jinx it. My all-time fave NBA team (influenced by my Uncle of course), the Boston Celtics wins their 17th title against the worth Los Angeles Lakers. It was a series that was reminiscent of the glory days of the NBA as old rivalries are renewed when the Celtics squared off against the Lakers. Year of the Celts, I’ve been saying since the season started. They did not disappoint! Let’s go, Celtics!

IV. Doña Jovita Getaway (February 16-17)
- This one kicked off Timee’s 2008 summer and what a way to start this year’s sun season. Took place in February but this one definitely counts. I was with colleagues who, back then, just recently experienced some work-related transfer scares. How do they cope with it? Through swimming, karaoke, and some memorable conversations. Without a doubt, one of the best getaway, ever. Funnest moment: the Condensada and Kembang conversations.

III. The Friday Club Season One
- How can I not include this one? No one beats The Friday Club. Those were the greatest six Friday nights all-time. It all started in Ascend, and it was collectively decided that it shall be a tradition, of binge drinking, sing-our-hearts-out from karaoke, and just “tambay” moments whenever, wherever. Titles of professional drinkers were handed out to the members, which really made it each moment spent together worthwhile. Zelle, Joyce, Shai, Gem, and me completes the cast of The Friday Club. Wait till season two, more guests and twists.

II. Ultimate Offline Getaway (March 8-9)
- This one will go down in history as one, if not, the best team getaway of our careers. Two years in the making, 95% of the Offline team was present, even those who moved and were already in greener pastures, which made it even sweeter. The overnight trip at Laguna was filled with food, booze, laughter, singing, dancing, jokes, and the thing that defines us all, photo-ops. Talk about evidence, total count of images were around 900. Amidst all the hardships and issues that we face daily from our office, this night compensated for it all and surpassed our expectations. It was certainly an Offline Night to Remember.

I. Mean Boys Getaway (April 18-20)
- After two years of being released into the wild from The Den, my college buddies and I, finally, made it happen: an out-of-town trip. See, most of them are busy with their careers and their “love ones” that we hardly have time for reunions and gimiks. But after Wrestlemania XI (Van’s birthday) and some ridiculous planning, it became a reality. Well, weren’t really complete but it never mattered. Three days of beaches, food, drinks, reminiscing, and “surviving” made it extra-memorable. We decided that we’re going to do this annually, hopefully.

(.--)(.--)(--,)(--,)

There you go, my Top Ten Summer Moments of 2008. This year is at par with 2005 but still, not quite. Hehe. It almost took the cake though. Whew! Best season of the year, so far, and methinks nothing will beat some of them in the coming months. Unless, like I said in 2005, Santa gives me a better present this Christmas. (--,)

Ultimate Offline Experience

They said it was impossible, but that was until I intervened. Hah! Finally, after two long years, Offline team went out of town in an outing. After so many colleagues went ahead to greener pastures, after teammates were hastily transferred to other accounts, and after so many factors and obstacles that Offline were faced with but not once flinched nor panicked from those situations, we guys are still tight!
Planning for a trip of such magnitude is no walk in the park. I wanted everyone who knows how to chop and timestamp, or at least have an idea who Huell Howser is to be present in the outing. Hence, “Offline by Heart” getaway. For three weeks, I was planning everything: venue, food, people, the whole nine yards. Kinda took its toll on me but hey, it pushed through anyways.

The said event were supposed to happen last March 1 & 2 to give way to the Incubus concert that many of my teammates purchased tickets to. But seeing that more people wouldn’t make it on those days was another headache of mine. So, we decided to move it on the 8th and 9th, and the Incubus people compromised to it. They can always go home early, which they did. Date is set; next: venue.

This is the most important thing and is the hardest to come up with. Several factors need to be considered: price, accessibility, private or public, and the likes. Bless an old colleague, Carmi, for she has this private resort for rent. And that pretty much takes care of our venue: Villa Carmencita at Pansol, Laguna.

Next would be charging the team. Not really that much of trouble as they were more than willing to shed half a thousand for this outing. Food was more of a challenge for everyone as there are lots of considerations and really can’t set the budget for it because not everyone gave their share yet.

And so, the week leading to the outing, everyone was anxious and excited. I mean, who wouldn’t be? This is history in the making. No one achieved such feat before. That’s why I said in my initial invite that the venue doesn’t matter as long as everyone’s there--which is what happened. Yay!

March 8, 2008. The big day. I reported to office early for the outing. Three sets of people will be going there. Us, shift ending at 5pm, will be the last one. One important thing: this day also marks the last day of Carl. So the event also serves as despidida for them and Anna, whose last day is on Wednesday, March 12. Anyways, come 5:01pm, everyone’s giddy and ready, except for me as I need to finish up reports. Fine, we’re still waiting for Kads anyways. Our manager did a surprising thing, before he left, he approached me and said, “Tim, magiingat kayo dun ah. Kaw na bahala sa kanila.” Err…so they know? No surprise there. As I’ve been saying, something this big is impossible to keep from everyone. Besides, who cares, right? We planned this one, we paid for it, we’re the ones who initiated this, so we’re free to take whoever we want to. Anyway, it’s go time.

We didn’t experience traffic in the expressway so we made up for lost time and arrived at Laguna around 8:30. Almost everyone was already there. The sight was surreal for me. Seeing everyone there, everyone happy and laughing, excited about the whole thing, nice! They didn’t eat until we got there…aww! So after some picture taking that ran for 30 minutes non-stop and group hugs from people who just got out of the pool (bastards!)--it’s chow time! Not bad with the grub. We had barbecue, hotdogs, roasted chicken inasals, adobo, and cerelac rice. Everyone’s full, I’m sure.

March 8 also is the birthday of our long-time mentor, Ru, who wasn’t able to join us because her friends decided to set up a surprise party for her. Well, we hoped she was surprised because she missed one helluva event. We did call her before we ate and passed the phone around so we could pay respects and greet.

Dandan started the “party” with his “You Make Me Feel Brand New” rendition; the first of many laughable moments to his credit. Time to bring out the booze. I mixed up a friend’s concoction, Screwdriver, for everyone. Well, since we didn’t have pitchers, my measurements a little off, but it was good nonetheless. But no one replaces Happy Horse so that’s the primary drink for the night.

It ain’t a party if there no singing and dancing. Unfortunately, I never planned to include myself in the dancing part. Let’s just say that it includes a Roderick Paulate song and lots of Pussycat Dolls hits. Really lost respect to lots of individuals that night. Hahaha. Here’s Emman if he was a Pussycatt doll: “Bro-Cha!” After more festivities and singing, I was surprised to see that most people retired to their quarters around 3:00 am. Only Mackoie, Claire (who just arrived), and I were the ones left with the karaoke machine. Weird, because they told me when I was planning that it’s okay even if there’re no rooms or beds for outings such as this one because hardly anyone sleeps; just party till the sun comes up. Cutscene: 3:00 am and everyone’s so peaceful. **Sigh**

I slept around 7:00 am and never really what happened from then on. I woke up to find that half of the people already left and those who are left are bugging me to go already. It’s only 11:00 am. This was probably the one who downed my spirits but the fun and experience the night before compensated more than enough to make it one of the most memorable experiences ever.

Truly, this indeed is one for the history books. It was the day that Offline Transcription & Captioning team got together, left their worries in the city, and spent time together like one big happy family.

To: Anna, Boy, Carl, Claire, Dandan, Emman, Fredz, Honee, Jacq and Ovie, Jen, Kads, Kibi, Mackoie, Mark, Met, Mico, Nyce, Odette, Patty, Roi, Ronn, Ton, Veejei

Thanks you very much, guys. Until next time.

For more photos, check out: Carl's, Honee's, Patty's, Kibi's, Met's, Ton's, and Mackoie's...

And for videos: Together Forever and Bro-Cha...

Havianas Cartunistas

Back when I was still unemployed, I often think of what I'm gonna buy with my very first paycheck. Espresso machine: this is what I was really aiming for. Then again, now that I am working, all I can afford with my earnings are those 3-in-1 coffee drinks. And I can get those for free from Mom. Next best thing: apparel--second on my "Things-I'm-Going-To-Buy-When-I-Earn." This is where flipflops comes into picture. Even before this whole "Havaianas hype" hits the Philippines, I already knew what Havaianas are. Famous Hollywood people are already into it, some, wearing it to Red Carpet affairs. Curiosity prevails over me. I have had to get me one of them slippers. Reality bites: Havianas doesn't come cheap, to some extent, really over-priced. Then again, sometimes you can get away with little indulgence.

13 paychecks later--I bought my first-ever earning investment: Havianas Cartunistas. Trust me, I would've bought it sooner, it's just that I have this whole "procrastination-when-buying-something" thing. That's a whole nuther' story. Hehehe. Anyhoo, come Summertime, buying beach footwear would be necessary. I asked a friend what she thinks will suit me. Since I can't wear them new metallic ones (for girls), I should go for the Brazil designs. I did have a hard time buying my pair though. There were no stocks of the one I chose. I've been to all "All Flip Flops" stores to no avail. So last Monday, decided to check out the newly opened "Serendra" at Fort Bonifacio. Found out that there's an "All Flip Flops" boutique there. Their store was huge with lots of designs and colors. I was torn. Sat there and tried a few. Orange or brown?! In the end, I found chemistry between the brown Havaianas Cartunistas and my feet.

Cutscene: Cashier. "Cash or charge?!" Still, they're expensive. "Why not just buy ordinary slippers?" "Do you really need to spend a fortune on a pair of slippers?" For me: NO! But that's not the point I'm making. I'm saying that this is indulgence for me. Yes, I'm stingy, but once in a while I want to invest on something I want, something I aim for.
So, no judgments please. I'm happy with my purchase. I wear it to bed at nightime when it's sleeping time. Hahaha. Really, it's nice...

--> An indulgent post from March this year

Top Ten Summer Moments of 2005

Here…as promised…are my Top Ten Summer Moments of 2005..mapa-nega or posi…they’re all memorable!! So, with no further adoOo:

10. Last day of Junior Year in School..Erwin's Bday celebration at Tapika..started y'know what!! [March 18, 2005]
9. Driving Lessons at Sucat..oh yeah!! [last week of March]
8. Certain realizations of certain personal stuff!! [all thru out summer]
7. March Twenty sumthn conversation wid a Friend..intense eh!! [March 20-sumthn]
6. Movie dates with my Friends..all of the summer movies rocks!! [all thruout summer]
5. End of the Summer everyday gimmicks with a friend!! [last 2 weeks of May and first 2 weeks of June]
4. StarWars Episode III:Revenge of the Sith movie screening/reunion with my HighSchool Kada..we were complete!! [May 20]
3. Equitable PCI Bank OJT experience..[April 18-May 28]
2. Breakfast Supersize guesting with my bestbud Cy..in their segment Atomic Bam..i look good on TV!! [April 29]
1. StarBucks West Ave..nuff said!! [April 19]

You see...Summer of 2005 was the best ever...t'was a very interesting season with lots of new experiences...I just don't see any season this year that’ll top it. Maybe Christmas…but I don't think so...unless...well, Santa brings me better present this year!!

--> Original post: June, 2005

Summer Season Finale

Okay…not really a finale..but you know what I mean. I’m sure I can’t write all the things that I need to write about summer here so just wait for the next blog. I’ll prepare it first for everyone's enjoyment!! Hehehe... Well, all I can say is…"THIS IS BY FAR THE BEST SUMMER EVER!!" in all of my 19 years of living. This summer season rocks!! Big time!! All the elements of a great and interesting summer…all happened! Whatta way to spend my last summer vacation. Why?! Maybe because, I’m gonna graduate next year..(hopefully)

Ingredients of this perfect summer: exposures, corporate environment, non-stop parties, everyday gimiks, new found personas that I possess, realizations, gotten closer with friends--these could go on and on and on! I swear I’ll write all them things...be it positive or negative…on my next blog! I am just not in the mood to reflect right now!!

Tomorrow marks the beginning of the end: classes start!! Yay! Really excited!! Alto’ my first class will be led by a certain "Darth Anselm"...euuggghhh...need all the force powers and training I mastered through the years to overcome that Sith Lord!! Hehehe…May the Force be with Me!!

It’s gonna be an interesting year!! My last school year!! My SEÑORITO year!!!!

--> This blog was posted June of 2005