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? (—,)

Never Again, 2010

Temper. I had the worst temper for 2010. It was probably my angriest year yet. And I haven’t had the slightest idea why I was so upset. The little things, as in insignificant things ticked me off. I was even scared sometimes that I might do something regrettably wrong. Fortunately, I did not and kept myself sane. However, I might be looking at a heart attack if I don’t calm myself soon. Calming myself soon is making progress, especially in the last few weeks. But that’s a whole nuther story.

2010 kinda sucked for me. And there’s no one major reason. It just did. Why? Here why:

- First off, my favorite talkshow host, Conan O’Brien, and his show were controversially dropped by those evil networks.

- Missed Avatar in IMAX because that placed is cursed.

- My favorite short book, Vince’s Life, concluded really bad. Stupid ending!

- The Tagaytay birthday trip was generally fun, but the turnout wasn’t that commendable. Thank you, so-called friends.

- Most of my weekends were spent home being pathetic and miserable.

- Charley’s got a couple of scratches because of idiot drivers and the most useless and stupid transportation: motorcycles.

- My favorite American Idol finalist, ever, Didi Benami, barely made it to Top 10.

- One of the best TV shows ever, it’s in my Top 10 all-time favorite list, Legend of the Seeker, was axed after two seasons.

- Richard Gordon didn’t even accumulate a million votes and the people believed a golden (or should I say yellow) boy will do a better job of running the nation.

- Lost, the TV show, ended. It was the most exciting and saddest 2 hours of my TV life.

- Boston Celtics bowed to LA Lakers in 7 games. It was a worthy and exciting series.

- WORST MOMENT OF 2010 GOES TO: transferring to Ortigas. I think that move was the catalyst for my being upset 24/7.

There were, however, some moments that are worth mentioning, like:

- Lots of christenings this year. AJ’s daughter, Ajee and I was godfather twice to the babies of colleagues, Akee for Renee and Sebastian for Roi. They somehow trusted me enough. But the best baptism of the year, and possibly ever, goes to Lexi’s Christening. Mobile bars, swanky dinner, hot patrons--good freaking times!

- This year, I probably spent more time in front of the screen than any other year. Downloaded so many stuffs, mostly TV shows that I follow. I guess it kept me sane for most of 2010.

- By summer, the boys and I were able to go to Lucena, Quezon for the infamous Pahiyas Festival. It was my first native festival and my buddies and I really enjoyed our time there.

- I was featured in Cosmopolitan Magazine. Yay!

- My beloved Red Lions and Red Cubs won double championships in the 86th season of NCAA. The Lions made history with their 18-0 sweep of the tournament and the Cubs winning back-to-back titles. I have to say that the celebration was off the hook for this one.

- Like last year, there were still lots of parties and events that I graced my presence with. Can’t say that they’re much or less fun than the others because of my belief that a party is a party, whether it blows or not. Went to my first worship concert this year to support Hannah and I actually enjoyed them. And no, I did not burst into flames.

- She’s birthday and 2010 Holidays. These two are my favorite moments of the year.

I admit, not all bad. But I cannot fathom to put the year 2010 and the word Awesome in a sentence together. The conclusion of my lady best friend’s four-year relationship scared me because for a moment there, the 2005 emerged and that year wasn’t also good on me. But after several depressed sequences and emo situations, and with the help of a new disaster waiting to happen, I, for the first time, felt there’s really nothing more there. We are just really, really good friends and I am genuinely happy that we are. I find that I’d be more happier with this semi-new character in my life. Caution to self, though: seriously challenging.

For 2011: I have but one goal--try to be truly happy. Don’t care how or why, I just don’t want to be angry anymore. I’m tired of being upset with every thing that isn’t even important to me. Maybe study. I remember saying I will definitely go all serious about my career when I reach 25, so I tried to save in 2010 to further my studies and that one’s actually very possible.

Okay, this is a lengthy one. But I did have lots to say. After all, I don’t write anymore these days. So again, disappointed for 2010 and hoping to be not angry for 2011. Seven hours before the year ends, bring out your noisemakers, kids. It’s time to drink and be merry. (--,)

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. (--,)

Roadtrip, Anyone?

Where can one go on a full tank of gas?

- Distance from Manila to Baguio is 250 km

(I’d probably make it to Tarlac before I run out of gas)

- Distance from Manila to La Union is 259 km

(Not bad. I get to visit my relatives)

- Distance from Manila to Pagudpud is 563.15 km

(I’m better off going to Baguio)

- It will take 1:15 hours from Merville to Fairview

(I’ll visit my cousins)

- It will take 45 minutes from Merville to Bambang

(I miss my old house)

- It will take 40 minutes from Merville to Quezon City

(Now, here’s an idea)

- It will take 20 minutes from Merville to Alabang

(Still wins!)

Oh kay…forgive the ecstatic driver. I’m pretty sure that this is the first time my car felt what it’s like to have a full tank of gas. The credit goes out to my Tita who fortunately has some gas card credits left that will expire by Friday. And expensive solvents such as gasoline mustn’t go to waste, if I may so meself! Righteous!

Few months ago, I decided that for my birthday next year, I want to take a road trip. I’ll probably go to Pampanga first and stay with my relatives there, then off to Baguio for a vacation. If I have time, maybe I could go to La Union as I’ve been told I have some kins based there. Just like what Orlando Bloom’s character in Elizabethtown did. But sadly, I ain’t going anywhere. Full tank or gas light blinking dangerously, the car wouldn’t make it. Best that I could do is get the car tuned up and get all things fixed so that my road trip would be possible. Just the thought of it is exciting, right? And maybe I could take someone with me to this epic trip of mine. Or meet her somewhere ala-Kirsten Dunst in the film. Will you?

“Turn on ignition. Begin your journey and do not skip ahead.”

Doña Jovita Getaway

Very good weekend, if I say so myself. I got to go out of town with friends and colleagues. Yet again, I was invited to another event of another team, which is fine as these people I consider my friends. I’m particularly excited with this one as it’s not your typical dinner out or drinking sessions. It involves road trip, packing stuff, overnight, and swimming.

Our venue was Doña Jovita Garden Resort, situated in Calamba, Laguna (thanks to Keem). It was one of those resort-for-rent types but with lots more to offer. The place is huge and nice. Tons of things to do and plenty of available public pools. Of course, escapades like this is never complete and successful without videoke machines. Arnee, Zelle, and Shai, you gals are the best.

We stayed in this cozy cottage that’s good for 10. Cottages are meant for sleeping, but not for us. People talked about stuff, some, personal (Hehehe), until the sun rose Sunday morning. Funny thing is, everyone’s sober and yet we are surprisingly very honest with our answers and stories. Tsk tsk. Oh, some individuals would kill for the information discussed and questions answered that session. Hehehe. Let’s leave that as it is.

Then it’s time to swim. Initially, I didn’t plan to, but I brought swim gear anyway. Just in case. I’m still sick and no good comes out of swimming in the cold weather. But seeing people enjoying splashing around, what the hell. Very weird, I thought, as my colds were temporarily cured after the swim. Zelle and Arnee even checked up on me if I’m feverish or what, but no. I feel perfectly healthy.

We went up to this hill-like grotto with a big statue of the Blessed Mary situated around middle of the formation. Still psyched from the recently concluded Amazing Race, I hiked and was successful. Just don’t count the panting and seeing spots and doubles after reaching the grotto. It was worth it though, seeing the view and getting to admire it.

Time flies when you’re having fun. Like lots of us observed, no one really wants to leave nor go. People just don’t want to believe that it’s already 5:00 PM and it’s time to checkout. Probably because no one wants to go back to reality of work the next day or because the experience rejuvenates one’s soul, thus, they want to extend. But I know the reason. Even if I’m not their teammate and I’ve just met most of them, the relationships they formed and togetherness they’re so used to are just really overwhelming that you can’t help to feel that way. Of course, not to take away from my true family, but we each have our own definition and sense of relationships. Point is, we’re a team and we’ll always be one.

I admit that I’m no nature person. I won’t survive in the country for more than two weeks. I’ll get sick, trust me. I can’t survive away from the city, that’s a known fact. But, whenever I comeback from out of town trips, there’s something in me that wants to stay and for the experience to continue, especially if I’m among individuals that I care for.

Next stop: an outing with my family-slash-team. We’ve never done it before, at least, not together as a team. I know we’ll have a good time and I’m already excited.

To: Arnee, Zelle, Gemm, Shai, Marie, Sam, Iris, Enzo, Jake, Nathaniel, and of course, Keem…thanks very much! Until the next “kembang,” I’ll be waiting. Hahaha.

For pictures of this adventure: "Doña Jovita, Condensed Milk, Kembang..."