Forgotten in 2011 Part II

Part II of Forgotten in 2011. As promised, I am going to indulge you with the insignificant but you’re going to read them anyway activities of mine for 2011. Let’s start with...

January: a good friend got married and I actually caught the bride’s garter. Cool, right? Had my mind was clear and I was actually there in my A-game. Unfortunately, someone decided to stay in my head and refuses to leave. Also, I threw a grand party to celebrate my 25th year of existence. It was fun. It was the first time I was able to bring together all my circles: high school kada, some of the boys, village kids and office all-stars. I gots to admit, it was a blast. By the way, it was in January that I tried to “grab a spoon.” I failed.

February: Month of the hearts. Not that I joined the festivities. Too busy fixing my own. I, however, found myself and the T&C All-Stars on the sands of Puerto Galera. Awesome, is what it was. Made a fool of myself by trying water sports. City boy here. Not to be used for water. As if I needed more awkwardness. But I found that I am a very responsible friend in this trip. And, hello, iPhone 4.

March: Third time’s a charm. Or so I hoped. Not even flashy confectioneries worked. I think it was in March that I finally started to see things clearly.

April: April was awesome. Busy month: Hannah’s Italian birthday; Mendiola Holy Week homecoming for me, Diana and Mary Grace and tour for Dinah; Nuvali tour for the Venturas courtesy of Uncle Petes and late dinner at Tagaytay during Good Friday; and T&C’s Highest of Fives, fifth year anniversary of our “beloved” account. The spoon-grabbing was absent this month.

May: The long-awaited, years-in-the-making April MeanBoys celebration finally happened. My best buds: Cyrus, Lawrence and Ralph’s joint birthday bash at Astoria Plaza. It was in this event that I realized that we weren’t that group of idiots who will always be there for each other. We are grownups now. Most of us needs to be home for their families and others have someone waiting for them. I was the only one left to spend the night with Cy and Aimee. Very sad, I know. And the happy couple would have preferred to be “alone.” Sorry, guys. Ha-ha. It did not end there. Merville celebrated its annual fiesta and the village kids had their after-party here at our clubhouse: good times. My adorable cousin Bea also had her ballet recital at Ateneo. Clubbing night at Seventh High for a Cosmo event courtesy of one of my favorite in-law, Pau. I was so totally cured of the infatuation. I thought.

June: Being that my friends are now living their own lives and I am totally “over” my predicament, I had to find something to keep myself sane. And that’s where I turned over to the geek side: comic books. My second half of 2011 was dedicated to reading and starting a small collection of comic books. I’ve always liked it but was never really this serious. Say what you want to say, but it really made me happy and kept my sanity intact. Oh, and Dallas Mavericks got their first NBA championship at the expense of Miami Heat.

July: Only three things comes to mind: the end of the Harry Potter films, NBA players visits Manila and Iya’s despedida. Iya finally had her U.S. application granted and by the end of this month, left for California to stay with Ninang Cathy and the family. The NBA visit semi-brought out the 2005 me. Then again, I think it’s already an annual thing. I’m gonna go through that every year but it won’t last very long.

August: Marked my five years working in my company. Half a decade, who would have thought? A milestone, I’m sure; but considered an achievement, on the fence. My dreams will never come to fruition if I stay here for another five years. Spicy Fingers became my favorite Happy Hour hangout in this month. And sadly, I missed this year’s VanessaPalooza because of typhoon Mina, who caused a lot of damage up north. With the departure of Iya, lots of changes in the household.

September: Ah, yes. September. The king of months. The one month I can always count on. Important people celebrating their birthdays. And it always delivers. Mom and I celebrated her birthday at Manila Ocean Park. She always wanted to go there so we finally did. Cool place. And of course, Bes’ annual birthday bash: the party of parties! The one event where we go all out and we go home with smiles on our faces. It was definitely a night to remember, and let’s just leave it at that. For months, I tried very hard to be all rational and to not open that door. After that awesome night, I turned the knob.

October: Look. I was in my very-hopeful-and-happy-but-utterly-naïve mode by this time. I laughed at my first quarter of 2011 self. I cannot believe I was that person. Here’s someone new who is more in my league. Challenging and complicated, yes; but someone who I’ll be able to relate to more. But after a few weeks and one special occasion, my pal failure comes a’knockin’ yet again. But what’s this? An actual MeanBoys nightout took place this month. AJ’s daughter, Ajee, celebrated her 2nd birthday and most of the boys were there. Nightout ensues after the party. I got lambasted by the boys for not being able to do anything when the opportunity presented itself. I told them there was nothing there. They did not buy it one bit. They just know me too well. Well, at least it got me thinking. Good thing Cy’s out of the country. And we certainly can’t forget, Back-to-back championships for my San Beda Red Lions, and I was there to witness the victory.

November: I think I finally accepted my fate of being alone and just decided to make the most out of it. I started not expecting from my friends, lessened my anger and resentment towards not having anyone, and just be awesome instead. I just realized, maybe Mom knew how I felt and planned this whole dine out in a new restaurant every weekend thing. It worked. I was actually enjoying her company and that abandonment feeling left me. Yes, expensive food is very therapeutic. Who says money can’t buy happiness? There was also this team bowling activity--that was fun. And just when I thought everything is going to be okay, the last day of this month proved otherwise.

December: Holiday season. Who doesn’t love Decembers? Fresh from the last day of November, that first-quarter me is back. It’s just the holidays. Then comes the team’s year-end party. I took point, so that the party will be awesome. That means, just like year, which really started it all, the vicious cycle will be repeating itself. But I’m not complaining. It’s just the holidays, right? The Party God made an appearance this month as his year-end party was a success. Also, I found love from my teammates. Suddenly, we ain’t this boring group of individuals anymore. We actually started going out, weekly, which I can honestly say one of the highlights of my year. They knew all along that my feelings never left me and I was just good at keeping it, and eventually it will return. Bastards! But it’s just the holidays. Oh, there are so many worthy moments for this month, but aside from the year-end, Christmas Eve and New Year’s Eve, there was one particular night that made me very happy. Still, it was just the holidays. It was nothing. And let me contradict and be truthful to myself by saying, for me, it was everything. And I’m kinda carrying that feeling as of this writing. This month, Uncle Alex and family started to move in to their new mansion, so that’s where we celebrated Christmas and New Year’s Eve this year. The Holidays are so much better this year.

How many of your precious minutes did I waste? You’re welcome. Do not fret, there’s still part three, the conclusion of my year-end review. Wait for it. But don’t hold your breath for it.

It’s not just the holidays, after all... (--,)

Coffee Mate - Inspired

Nescafe always delivers awesome advertisements. And I must say that this is by far my favorite. The 34-second video captures the simplicity and purity of a sophisticated couple. Those of you really know me will be thinking, “You hypocrite bastard. You do not believe in all this absurdity.” Quite true.

But, here’s my take on its message: young couple, enjoying each other’s company, not fully committed, living on their own, and no pesky kids around. Now that, for me, is the perfect way to live. Awesome!

Won’t hurt too if the girl in this one will be the same in my version: Solenn Heussaff! (—,)

May

Action-packed is the adjective I will use to describe May. I honestly believed that it would take a couple more months before April gets unseated as “the” month of 2009. Family-wise, April still holds that honor but on a personal level, May deserves the recognition. And...so much happened in May. That I never expected in a month that is of no importance to me that much.

May’s highlight would be this life-changing opportunity and some unforgettable events were held within the span of 31 days. The month also marked finales of my favorite TV shows, which I shall include in this list just because I consider them huge deals and also, they provided momentarily excitement. Of course, I probably forgot some minor noteworthy days but the special ones will surely be written. Here you go...

May 1, 2009 | “ME” Day

I remember Kristine telling me that for me, everyday is “ME” Day! And I of course I agree because it’s true. But there are certain days that are better than most...like this day. It was Labor Day and I decided to go ahead and avail the holiday option. Had my haircut and treated myself to Mexican lunch (amidst the swine flu scare).

May 3, 2009 | Sleeping Hitman

This day marks the first time I’ve ever watched a boxing bout. I never really appreciated boxing because I feel they’re too violent. Wrestling is different since they’re fake and scripted. Oh yeah, the fight was between Manny Pacquiao against Ricky Hatton, with Pac-Man knocking out Hitman in two rounds. Waste of time, really.

May 4, 2009 | Sbarro

Just one of them dinners after shift with Mamee and Diana. We were really hungry but we still did not finish what Sbarro had to offer. Tsk! Z’s already in the morning shift but she’s “busy” so she’s not in this one.

[Picture to follow]

May 10, 2009 | Mother’s Day

Initially, my plan was to take Mum and Iya out to lunch on some Italian restaurant. Was worried though that lots of restaurants will be full of celebrations. Good thing Mum thought that inviting my Ninong and Ninangs over for lunch is a better idea. It is. It saved me from an expensive bill and it’s always fun to have my cousins over. Happy Mother’s Day!

May 12, 2009 | Star Trek

It’s official. This day made me a Trekkie. Never really much cared for Star Trek because I felt it was too complicated as it had too many series and characters. But the latest movie, oh wow! One just has to watch it to understand. I can honestly say that Star Trek will be “the” movie of 2009. Only Transformers: Revenge of the Fallen stands a chance against the awesome Spock!

May 13, 2009 | Mangan

Yet another after shift dinner, this time though, Z is present. Starbucks Coffee after because we had coupons. Hooray for coupons.

May 13, 2009 | Kodak Easy Share C913

Okay. This is totally unexpected. Sure I wanted a new camera but I never thought of getting one. I’ve never hidden my trait of being a caveman when it comes to technology, and if my current gadget is working, why replace it? But I will never refuse a free treat! I may not know the special features or how awesome my new toy is but it takes pretty shots. Thank you to my Ninang for this magnificent gift! Woohoo!

May 15, 2009 | Special-ish

A general meeting was called by the boss to announce the latest happenings in our team. We welcomed two new additions, top performers were honored (ehem, ehem) and they announced newly promoted “Specialists” (just a fancier word for Editors). Two years and eight months and four IJAFs later, finally, overlooked no more! It would have been better though if I get to share this honor with two special individuals.

May 15, 2009 | Angels & Demons

Friday Night is Movie Night. The movie gave me a new dream job. Symbologist or physicist, you might say. I was thinking, more on the lines of being the Holy See or at least, the Camerlengo. LOL! Very cool movie. Not much historical references and some major points from the novel were left out but no one could have done it better. Action-packed and fast-paced for a controversial flick is nothing short of a miracle.

May 17, 2009 | Lola Internment and Visiting Tits’ Resting Place

Caloocan...is far but we have relatives living there and so we have obligation to visit them once in a while, especially, when one of them dies. Lola is with the Lord now and is guaranteed everlasting happiness, I’m sure. We also had the chance to visit Tits’ ashes in Our Lady of Grace Columbarium.

May 21, 2009 | New American Idol

I would not have requested for my schedule to be changed on this day had I known the conclusion of American Idol’s eighth season would be the most disappointing and shocking moment of Idol history...ever! Kris Allen pulled a major upset against the hyped and sure bet Adam Lambert. How he did that, people will never really understand. Not to take anything away from Kris, but even he was expecting and hoping for Adam to take home top honors. Do not crucify the guy. It was the voters who are to blame! Oh, well...

May 21, 2009 | RoNyce

An after shift session with my new favorite couple: Ronn and Nyce. Yes, you heard it right. After almost three years, our favorite supposedly platonic couple suddenly became not-so-platonic anymore. This may come as a shock to most people, even I had an OMFG moment when it was confirmed, but we were kinda expecting this will happen...just not this soon, right? Nevertheless, we’re all rooting for you two! Hihihi!

May 22, 2009 | Renee’s Lola’s Internment and Mendiola Tour

Most of the time, Renee’s the most annoying friend we have. But I also have the utmost respect for this bozo! Amidst all the trials he is going through, he still manages to have that sunny disposition and continuously entertain/annoy everyone with his antics. That’s why it is just proper that we pay our respects to his Lola Maria. Without her, we wouldn’t have met this idiot! Hehehe. And it just so happens that the wake took place near Mendiola, one of my favorite places ever. Together with Diana, we toured Rai around the consortium and even ate at one of our hangouts during our college days. Missed my beloved school!

May 24, 2009 | Night at the Museum II: Battle of the Smithsonian

The first movie was a success, and it will stay that way. Don’t get me wrong, the sequel is still worth the ticket price and I still say you should watch it. It introduced new characters and had much more historical reference than the former. Still, I very much enjoyed my movie experience with the first one that I probably expected too much for its sequel. One good thing I got from this: I now appreciate Amy Adams. Such an awesome red-haired woman!

May 29, 2009 | Binsent’s Homecoming at Jay-J’s, Ortigas

What’s not to love about this night? I can think of one thing but I’m not letting that spoil this wonderful session with the Mean Boys. Vinchy’s officially stationed in the metro again, so he decided to round us up to celebrate. Turn out was unexpected as lots of my college friends made it on such short notice. Felt like we are really getting old as Teri’s already in the second trimester of her pregnancy. But what really surprised us that Boyds’ new girlfriend (whose name still eludes me) is also in her second trimester and a month ahead of Teri. Okay! Shocking news it was. Long story, but it still is actually. Again, what’s not to love? There were seven of us, Mean Boys, but all-in-all we were 13. Gets?

May 30, 2009 | Bowling and T.G.I.Fridays’

A month would not be a success without an event with my beloved teammates. It’s been a while since the last time we participated in any sporting event as a team and we felt that we needed to go bowling immediately, so we did, with Diana taking Kads’ spot. Had a lousy game perhaps due to my gimik the night before, thus, giving Anthony top honors. Boo! As promised, I would bring the team to T.G.I.Fridays’ to celebrate my being special, but not to pay the whole thing. We all know the similarities of pickpockets and Fridays’: they leave your wallets empty. But we did have fun and I could not think of a better way to end May.

Wow. It’s still about May, right? I feel like I’m writing about December, being lengthy and all. But I am not complaining and I am definitely thankful for it.

Shoutout of Happy Birthdays to: Johann, T.Joey, Camille G., L.Diegs, U.Mon, Nathan, T.Josette, Butch, Karen M., N.Rey, Shaila, and Lolo Angel +

Season finales were one of the main themes of this month. My favorite shows ended and people are to wait for months to know what happens for those who chose to end their seasons with cliffhangers. Supernatural, Lost, Heroes, Chuck and Gossip Girl. Prison Break had the best ending from all of them, probably the best finale since F.R.I.E.N.D.S ended five years ago. I would have included it in the list but I have already shared my two-cents worth and because it deserves a separate entry.

Okay. I just have to mention this. This was taken from the Mean Boys’ session. Like I said, there were seven of us but our total headcount were 13. Still don’t see my point? It means everyone had plus ones and I was the only single bastard in that group! A head’s up would be nice, Vince! Big deal! Yeah, I know. I should not be bitchin about it, but one can’t help but feel something when placed into those kinds of situations. Solution: might not go out with kada anytime soon! LOL! What? You think be with someone? Please!

To conclude my April entry, I was thinking twice about May. I honestly thought it wouldn’t deliver. Hell, it more than delivered! Maybe I should be discourage myself with June too. But, June holds the annual and most social party event that I am invited to. The kind of event that one needs new threads and probably another haircut: Paulooza 2009! Can’t freaking wait! Thank you, May! (--,)

January

Start the year right. January always delivers. Yay! Fun-filled month and not one boring moment. Lots of ups and plenty of downs, but the ups and highlights trumps the downs. The negative side took its toll on us work-wise though. I feel the end is near and an uprising is at hand. Anyway, let the pictures narrate to you how my January went. I turned a year older and interesting things transpired. Woot!

January 1, 2009 | New Year Morn at Merville

January 1, 2009 | In-Between Nights

January 3, 2009 | Arfel & Len’s Wedding

January 3, 2009 | After Wedding Party with Classic ABE

January 3, 2009 | Nay-in-Law’s Despedida

January 17, 2009 | T&O’s Screwdriver Bash

January 19, 2009 | 23

January 25, 2009 | FROLICS ‘09 with High School friends

January 30, 2009 | Dinner with Friendships

January 31, 2009 | Underworld: Rise of the Lycans

Lots of people don’t like February for some reason. I don’t like the occasion it signifies but I’ve always found Februaries to be interesting, at least, for me. So, let’s hope the month of hearts won’t disappoint.

It’s the Most Wonderful Time of the Year

2008, farewell. December, probably the best and busiest month of 2008, goodbye. But before we bid ta-ta to a hell of a year, I shall relay the events of my December. I haven’t been writing anything. Believe me, there are lots of stories to tell and shan’t be narrated, but, zero-time to do so. So much parties, events, Christmas rush, even mini-sessions that if I was in a movie or a show, voiceovers wouldn’t even be an option. Writing long and separate entries would be appropriate for every worthy moment of December but it wouldn’t matter as it’s already January. So, little snippets accompanied by images will do. Oh, yeah, clicking pictures may lead you to albums. You never know!

December 5, 2008 | Don Bosco Church & The Blue Leaf
One of my college kabarkada, Law, as expected, finally signed up to be the husband of his long-time love, Teri. Solid! New office! New options. Still stuck in the old. But no worries, this event kicked off December appropriately. I knew I was in for a long and joyous ride.

December 6, 2008 | Muchos KTV
After our first comrade succumbed to the joys of marriage, it made us think, should we follow his suit and take on a more mature road in our petty lives. Hell no! Binging and singing sessions with they Boys at Metrowalk where the word “peculiar” became a household hirit.

December 7, 2008 | SM Mall of Asia, CenterStage
Fourth and final screening of Twilight the movie. Kat, it’s still a question if you’re to be invited to movie parties that involve dazzling century-old teenagers and emo-like human characters. You made it fun, in a weird sort of way.

December 13, 2008 | Miss A’s turf, Riverside Vill
In what was tagged as the “Event of the Year” for our lowly team, the First-Ever T&C Year-End Party was worthy of its hype. Expectations were increasing as the days lead up to this glorious day, and it did not disappoint. Very grateful to our bosses for making it possible to finally bring us all together just to have fun and not worry about anything related to the office. Food, food, drinks, games, more drinks, physical games, singing, singing, singing, prizes, and more drinks and singing--yep, that just about covers it all. Sorry, no embarrassing videos this time around.

December 14, 2008 | Fort Boni’s Open Grounds
This is what happens when you make around a thousand people wear red, get them all together in an open field, throw in some grub and drinks, ask The Dawn and some world music group to play, give an apple green car to some newbie, and for our part, bring 20,000 cameras…Intensity: The APS Year-End Party! Two parties in one weekend! Couldn’t get better than that. Or so I thought.

December 19, 2008 | a Veneto Pizzeria

Christmas dinner with what I consider being my 3rd family: Offline Team. Tradition, as they say, is what this night is all about. Sure, it’s only in its second year and most of the original casts are having dinner elsewhere with their new respective family/team, but it will live on. As long as there is that Offline Team that doesn’t seem to be faltering, a Veneto will have their regular customers.

December 20, 2008 | Amalia’s Restaurant
Tita Alice turns 80. Can’t believe she already lived through eight decades and is still working. And all her subjects, especially Mum, even yours truly, were there to celebrate it with her. It is in this occasion that I realized how tight-knit officemates and colleagues can be. Even if all of them are in different companies, new careers, it was like the span of 20 years was just an all-girls night out. Nothing seemed to change. No, I do not with to spend eternity in my company; I just wonder what T&C people would be like 10 years from now.

December 22, 2008 | Alabang Town Center & Festival Mall
Shopping is a skill. I turned it into my mantra that day. Only two days before Jesus celebrates his birthday and I still haven’t got one present for the lucky persons that are in my list. It’s official; Alabang malls are now my favorite shopping places. They carry everything, even things that are just useless but are cheap so one can’t help but buy. The day was a success.

December 24, 2008 | Christmas Eve
My favorite time of the year…is still my favorite time of the year. Most people are claiming that they do not feel the spirit of Christmas this year and yet malls are packed with last-minute shoppers, traffic jam is a bitch, people are humming and singing holiday tunes, the weather is evidence enough that indeed it’s Christmas. Noche Buena with the family as always. Solemn and intimate, the way Christmas Eve dinners should be.

December 25, 2008 | Ventura Christmas Reunion
Merry Christmas! For 22 years, Matutum has always held our clan gatherings and the last Christmas reunion was no different. Yep, the turnout was pretty commendable; totally unexpected but nonetheless should be thankful for. I still got major presents. Wow. I’m actually worried for next year; gots to start handing out crispy bills to the kids.

December 28, 2008 | Mamang’s 40th
No, it’s not an event that should be celebrated; it’s a day to reflect and pray for her soul. Although, massive food takeouts won’t hurt either.

December 29, 2008 | Christmas Obligation
Dad. Holiday meetup with my father. Simple lunch with Mum and doing some father-and-son basics, say, shopping for clothes. Say “Yihee, your one big happy family” and I will not hesitate to destroy you, in pieces! Fun day.

December 30, 2008 | Returning to normal
Nothing special, really. It just marks the day that my schedule and work life returns to normal. And by normal I mean reporting in regular office hours, sort of. Perfect excuse to grab breakfast and have expensive coffee with friends in the morning.

December 31, 2008 | New Year’s Eve
No way! It’s over, really? That’s it? Resting is not an option as New Year’s Eve is always extravagantly celebrated with Japanese food and expensive firecrackers in this part of Parañaque. The dawn of the new year are always fun for me as it usually leads to some social drinking with teenagers. Yes, teenagers, my cousins are still in high school. Next year would be different as my New Year drinking buddies will be in college. Oh, I have been waiting for that moment for so long. Times and moments like that, it sucks to be the oldest in your generation. Rare occurrence that the whole immediate family were together under one roof. Well, Ninang’s not here but through the wonders of technology, Torrance is like just a couple of kilometers away.

Actually, there’s more. I actually just woke up from a late house party that might, possibly, hopefully, turn into a yearly tradish. But since Binsent’s “In-Between Nights” transpired over 2009, I will not include it. But I will consider it as the perfect and fitting way to end the rollercoaster ride that is December 2008.

Lots to be thankful for. Lots of major realizations. Lots of moments to be remembered. Couple of things that should be forgotten. And all of these…just in a span of 31 days of the 12th month of the year. Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year, to me!