It’s All About Thyself in 2012

What a great year. If I had to rate 2012, it’d be in the top three years of my existence. Hello. Yes, the world did not end. And we all feel pretty shtoopid for even considering that the Mayans were accurate. Lying bastards. Anyway, I usually start off my yearend review with the one word that will encapsulate the whole year. This year, however, was so special and full of randomness that it’s not right to just use one adjective to describe it. So let me just say that 2012 was awesome and let’s all be at peace with it.

If you follow and keep waiting for fresh stories from moi, there is something seriously wrong with you. I don’t write anymore. Last entry I did was the 2011 review, and it’s already 2013. So let us all pretend that 2012 was that awesome that I did not find time to document every damn thing that made it all very memorable. Yes, I’m going to go with that.

The first half of the year was pretty steady. It was more of a build-up to what will be the best second half of a year ever. One thing worth mentioning is my quitting of smoking. YES, kids. I have been cigarette sober since the last days of 2011. It was a cliché resolution for 2012, but I freaking accomplished it. I said I was going to try to live all healthy and technically I did. Because I stopped abruptly, without even thinking about it, people ask how. Well, I am not ashamed to say that my intention at first was not for my own good, but to possibly impress. But after a few weeks, which turned into months, I was already doing it for myself. And it has been one of the things I’ve been proud of. Now I can run, climb stairs, taste flavors better and hug people.

Cannot really remember anything spectacular from February, but March had a moment. It was one of those moves that I was hoping to be a “game-changer.” First of all, it was never a game, and nothing changed. I invested a lot. Something I never do. But I figured, what the hell, right? Ridiculously cheesy greetings and sweet goods: Nothing. For every good intention, there is always an equally harsh frustration. Upside: I made a friend.

Months passed and it was still pretty steady. A friend went home from the states and slapped me with the cruel truth. TFTFZ mode. YES, kids. I laughed after knowing. A weird reaction, they say. But somehow I already knew but you know the power of wanting something so bad that everything else is irrelevant. What surprised me is I didn’t even know we were friends, or at least she thought of me as one. Whatevs. Granted I kind of lost a friend before we entered the BER months, everything made sense after that.

I am okay. I cannot say that enough. I am okay. September came and it was the best September ever. This one I’m sure of. Mom turned golden and instead of a party, we decided to take a trip. I’m no traveler. I like going places but I don’t enjoy trips. When will teleportation be available, nerds? Hong Kong is the best country ever. Okay, that sounded biased. It’s the only other country I’ve been to, but I had the time of my life there. Again, not going to go into details but I have decided I want to live there. I’d fit in perfectly. I had so much fun there that up to now I find myself daydreaming I was walking down the streets of Nathan and eating different kinds of strange yet heavenly dimsums. I’m no traveler but I think this trip lit up something inside me that this year I plan to visit friends across Asia. I said plan.

The Year of the Dragon

September always takes the cake and last year’s was no different. However, a close relative lost her battle with cancer by the end of the month. You can call my Tita the glue that holds the Ventura clan together. She’s also one of the best people I have ever known. And you know what they say about genuinely good people, they go ahead of everyone. The fam is still experiencing some grief until now but we’re making progress.

After Hong Kong, I don’t think I’ve ever had a boring weekend since. October ain’t different. Three-peat championship for my San Beda Red Lions. This championship may be the second sweetest in the last seven years. Don’t ask me why, it just is. More parties and events here and there all the way to November, where it held a party that was years in the making: the debut of my cousin Camille. It was a night of glamour, awesomeness and loads of Camille.

December ended just a couple of days ago but it had to be the longest, busiest but definitely fun December ever. Never-ending Christmas parties which was kicked off the company yearend party that seriously sucked. Sans for the hot DJ, that was a terrible party. Then there was the wedding of my good buddy Van and his lovely wife Choy. I swear, I have never seen a couple so happy to be married. You two should be role models for our other friends that are already hitched and those that are planning to. It was also in their pre-wedding party a couple of months ago that I started reinventing myself. Well, not so much reinventing but more like reverting back to my “real self. “

Of course, next to Hong Kong, the best part of 2012 was the homecoming of Ninang Cathy and her sons, Nicolo and Angelo, and The Return of Iya. It’s been seven years since their last trip to our islands and 10 years since Ninang and Nicolo’s last spent Christmas with the fam. A Very Bernabe Holiday is what I called the last three weeks of December. Saying goodbye to them was hard. I’m usually good with goodbyes. I always think, bah, I’ll see you later anyways. But this time was different. I have never felt the fam this close in years, possibly decades. It’s amazing how three short weeks defined a lifetime of happiness for the Bernabes. I mean that. Also, I miss Angelo very much.

A Very Bernabe Holiday

I did not get what I want last year. I got something much better: a new lease on life. Another cliché, really? It’s 3:00 am in the morning, what do you expect? I’m hardly coherent anymore. But it’s the truth. The frustrations and sighs will always be there, that I’m sure of. But I will not let it affect me anymore. I call it heart lobotomy. I’ve also taken several risks, especially with how I look. Fam and friends may not agree with my couture choices but, hey, let’s keep an open mind, shall we? For 2013, fucks will only be given to those who/that are worthy. I might sound and come off as a jerk, but what’s wrong with being one? They always get the girl and they’re rich. For 2013, I am looking out for number one and number one alone. Lowered expectations, less frustrations.

So far the joys and awesomeness of 2012 was carried over to the first few weeks of 2013. I feel significantly good and I know everything is okay. We’ll see if it will hold in the coming months as a major life-changing change is definitely coming.

Ten hashtags of 2012: #FAMILY, #FASHION, #HEALTHY, #INVESTMENT, #ITSOVER, #LOBOTOMY, #LOSINGONESFAITH, #MAJORBREAKUPS, #PARTYGOD, #TRAVEL. (--,)

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... (--,)

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. (--,)

Don’t Stop Being Awesome

I never did!

Happy New Year! Now that my obligatory greeting’s out of the way, I can go about my business of welcoming 2010 with my first hurrah.

AWESOME...is the word I was looking for last night/year when I felt like I had to write something just before the year ends. Indeed, 2009 was an awesome year and not just because I’m awesome, but like I said, there were lots to be thankful for from the year that just passed.

For 2010, I don’t know. Maybe I’ll just take 2010 one day at a time. I will not set any goals since I don’t accomplish them anyways. The Mayan Party God saw light in 2009, and he shall still rule in 2010.

Don’t stop believing... another thing I am not capable, I’m afraid, of not doing! (--,)

It was Fine, 2009

After a four-month hiatus, maybe I should write a short tribute to 2009. After all, it did bring lots of great things for me. The thing is nothing really comes to mind when I try to think of one. Was 2009 that awesome that I forgot how it passed by?

To sum it all up, 2009 was a very eventful year. Totally eventful as I’ve been into numerous events that made me more awesome than I already am. I promise to do a year-end review before I go back to my normal self after the Holidays and maybe the top 10 awesomest events and parties I’ve been to.

Wasn’t even able to write that much and I blame it all to my busyness as a Mayan Party God. LOL! That’s why I’m thankful for my Tumblr account. I kinda gave updates about me the last two months through pictures and one-liners.

Five memorable words about 2009: PARTY. CAREER. WEDDINGS. DEATHS. MOVIES. (--,)

PS: I just realized that my 2009 goal was to gain weight. Idiot! Setting goals that are not achievable. LOL!

August

The start of August was devastating for all free Filipinos worldwide. Our beloved Ex-President Corazon Aquino passed away leaving behind a legacy no other Asian might achieve for a long time. Wrote a separate entry here. But, aside from Tita Cory’s death, August made 2009 fun and worthy again. August boasts of awesome parties that included a contender for Event of the Year, memorable nightouts, a glorious wedding, birthdays of important people, et cetera. Trust me, I loved it.

August 1, 2009 | Ex-President Corazon Aquino Passes Away

Related entry: Thank you, Cory

August 1-2, 2009 | Maritime Academy of Asia and the Pacific

If there was another event other than the sad one above that I was not jumping for joy for, it was this one: a mandatory visit to Dad and his new career in the Marines. The campus grounds were seriously awesome. State-of-the-art equipment and Eastern technology, so for a very, very, very brief moment of disillusionment, I actually considered enlisting for the Marines. I’d probably die on my first day of training. Dad seems to be really adjusting with provincial life so that’s good. In conclusion: I will not survive provincial life!

August 5, 2009 | Ex-President Corazon Aquino Laid to Rest

In a ceremony similar his late husband and unofficial National Hero, Ninoy Aquino, Cory Aquino was laid to rest with over half a million people following the procession from Manila Cathedral to her final resting place that is Manila Memorial Park, beside Ninoy. It took almost 10 hours but she reached there peacefully. It was a fitting end for another National Hero.

August 7, 2009 | T&C General Assembly
& Third Year Anniversary

I know not much about the general assembly except that I was awarded a Certified Captionist plaque and that they played some sort of game and there were free donuts. My superior decided to speak with me one-on-one because my superior feels there’s something wrong and I need to share. Fine, I did. I was honest and I couldn’t care less. We’re fine now, at least I think we are. This day also marks my third year in the company. Big whoop.

August 8, 2009 | Home Depot Session with the Mean Boys

What a memorable night. Never would have I ever imagine that I will forget my ATM pin, thus, making me moneyless the whole night. What’s worse? It was before we started our session making me sober and alert. Sheer stupidity on my part. Went to this bar in Home Depot, Ortigas, too bad I forgot the name of the place. We did win a bag full of condoms and other Frenzy swags. Awesome! Transferred to Sidebar Café at El Pueblo after and met with old friends, but still without any funds, we weren’t able to go to the “after-after-party” which would make all one’s woes go away. “I Never” was introduced in this session.

August 14, 2009 | Registered Voter

Because I am such a responsible citizen of my country, I have decided to register for the upcoming 2010 elections. That, and because the registration committee decided to personally visit our village and allow residents to register in the convenience of their own area. Never thought there are so many unregistered people. Just think how much vote these people are.

August 15, 2009 | G.I. Joe: The Rise of the Cobra

This day started with me scouring the northern area of Metro Manila for the perfect formal coat, or at least a coat that will fit me. I did find one in SM Megamall, it was like it was tailored for me…so yay for that. Finished early so I decided to pick up O and we watched G.I. Joe in SM Mall of Asia. Yes, it solidified my undying love for Sienna Miller and that movie might actually the movie of the year for me. We’ll see. Ate dinner at Roasters afterwards with some shocking revelations for dessert. LOL!

August 18, 2009 | Enterprise Breakfast with Mamee and Diana

Well, I got me meself an iPod shuffle just for eating breakfast with Mamee and Diana. Woohoo! Thank you, Mamee. Never knew there were some very interesting and hot patrons in that building eating very early. Must meet and dine there more.

August 20, 2009 | Authentic Korean Haircut

After like two months, I decided to have my hair cut. It needs volume and shape and I also need to look presentable for the upcoming wedding that I am attending. I did not want my usual style so I decided to try out this Korean salon near our office. When I say authentic, your hair stylists are really Koreans who I had a hard time communicating with, because they only respond to yes and no and hand gestures. I liked the result though. And it’s cheaper than my regular stylist, so.

August 21, 2009 | Makeshift MeanBoys Session
at Pier One, The Fort

With the weather really bad and no plans whatsoever, I decided to dial up some friends’ digits hoping for a night of drinking and hooking up. Indeed, we got together to drink. As expected, just to drink. Like I said, it was short-noticed so not much happened, just exchanged silly stories and went home earlier than usual. We did not win condoms that night and there aren’t any after-after-parties.

August 29, 2009 | Roi and Maricar’s Wedding

Months of preparations but years in the making. Uncle Roi (as I fondly call him) ties the knot with his long-time love, Maricar. Surprised as I am for them asking me to be a part of their entourage, I was really excited and totally grateful. They chose Mary Immaculate Nature Church at Las Piñas as the place to exchange vows. The road to the site was known for its heavy traffic, which made my supposed less than one hour trip to be two and a half. I did not make the pre-pictorials for the entourage, which I am really apologetic for, Uncle. Anyway, the wedding went off without a hitch and it ended well. Met some interesting Southern people and discovered that a real uncle of mine is a very famous individual in their province. Cool! Enjoyed the wedding. Now, I’m off to the second part of this epical day: VanessaPalooza 2009.

August 29-30, 2009 | VanessaPalooza 2009

As if a grand wedding isn’t enough, it’s also Vanessa’s 25th birthday party and she decided to throw a party of ultimate proportions. Why the ultimate proportions? Because the party was held in her and O’s hometown: Cavite, the one place I try to avoid for reasons that Cavite is a different region and bad things happen to me when I travel there. But, in the spirit of camaraderie and just because I wouldn’t miss an event such as that, armed with Vanessa’s personalized map, I drove there, from Las Piñas to Cavite, all by myself, and I only got lost, like, a couple of times? Made it in one piece. My arrival was grand, of course, as I was wearing my wedding clothes. The guys are already there but it was only when I they felt my presence that they decided to kick off VanessaPalooza, at least, according to O. Great food, free-flowing drinks which is unusual for me because beers were the first one to go before the Cruisers. Swanky! We played “I Never...” a drinking game O and I were dying to play with friends. Lots of revelations and some friendly bantering which ended up into some controversial alienation. LOL! Vanessa’s rented videoke machine comes with a mic stand, it added drama. Anyway, most of us slept there because the party lasted until breakfast, thereafter, a long drive home. Thank you, Vanessa. See you in the next VanessaPalooza 2014! Hahaha!

August 31, 2009 | TriNoma Lunch and Merienda with Parents

For some reason, yet again, Dad’s been itching to spend his money on us and we are more than happy to oblige. It’s just that we were so busy the whole month that even long weekends (which does to not apply to my loser job) are luxuries. Finally, we found time to be with him. We ate at Gerry’s because he loves ‘em native cuisine and I treated them to Five Cows Resto and Ice Cream Bar. Awesome way to end an awesome month.

My word of the month is “Awesome,” obviously. I’m purposely including it in every sentence or phrase that I say. It’s gonna be big, I tell you. Awesome. Awesome August. Yeah! I did miss Bino’s birthday session start of the month…that sucks! And on the same night as VanessaPalooza’s, August-born Mean Boys threw a huge party and Paul O. called for a session/meeting with the old bankers for night of seafood and cocktails. Obviously, I cannot split myself into 4 so I wasn’t there. But as you have read, there were other marvelous celebrations that compensated for that.

Shoutout of Happy Birthdays to: +Papa Pedro. T.Lisa, Bugal,Tonichi, Loti, Soffy, Kimi, Anita, Paolo G., Val, Jio, Cuyeg, Tatz, Don J., Biboy Chris, Nyce, Nikoy, Vanessa, Eunice, Talla and to my loving cousins: Bea and Angelo

So those were some of the best moments of August 2009. I hope people enjoyed the month as much as I did. Funny, August always seemed boring to me. Nothing much happens. And it never tops the following month, which is my favorite of the year, the month that lots of life-changing things happen, where only three days of this month I know no one of celebrating their birthdays, marks the start of the “-Ber” season: September. (--,)

April

Before I ended my March blog, I specifically said April will deliver big time. As expected, it did. It held our family’s event of the year, which I think won’t be topped by anything soon. And our office summer get-together transpired within the month that jumpstarted several epiphanies.

The days leading to the start of the month, I promised I’d record every moment worthy to be included in my monthly recaps but I should have known better than to trust myself with such responsibility. Again, I know I’m missing some events that I attended but then they must have been sucky for me to forget them! So without further adieu, I present to you the best month so far of 2009.

April 2, 2009 | Hannah’s 18th Birthday Dinner

This day makes it official…Hannah is of legal age. Scary! I was actually already comprehensive when she was born so that means Father Time’s has his eyes one me now. Intimate family dinner and the chocolate cake that night was totally awesome; all digested after several walks around the village.

April 4, 2009 | Hannah’s 18th

Said it before, saying it again…this was the Ventura’s Event of the Year. How could it not be? We were all dressed up (even Ninong) to celebrate Hannah’s debut at Dusit Hotel. Program was great, food was great, the guests were great, her friends are awesome, so I guess the only word to describe this one is…awesome!

April 6, 2009 | Family Day at Trinoma

Last month, I mentioned that it was my father’s birthday but we did not meet up or did anything to honor that day. This was the day that changes that. Trinoma kinda sucked though. It was really far and not conducive to those who lack sleep. Eat-All-You-Can at Cabalen highlights this day.

April 10, 2009 | Black Saturday Street Foods

Okay, the occasion actually fell the day before this one, Good Friday. But as our bosses are minions of the man downstairs because they do not honor Holy Week, I wasn’t able to attend the annual Siete Palabras (7 Last Words). Picked up Iya though and they served kwek-kwek (egg fritters) and fish & squid balls whilst we used fondue sticks for dinner.

April 17, 2009 | Uncle’s 50th Birthday Dinner

Who would’ve thought siomai and a barrel of KFC’s original recipe chicken will make the absolute perfect dinner combination?! These people really know how to throw a dinner party. Uncle is golden…solid!

April 18, 2009 | T&C Summer Partehy

Close to two months in the making, our so-called “outing” turns out to be a party instead. Well, we can’t really object and we were so close to not going. But gotta hand it to our superiors for making a good case. Good food, fresh drinks, bitchin music, one wild boss sums up the night.

April 19, 2009 | Uncle’s 50th Birthday Celebration

If the night before didn’t deliver much, then it’s a good thing that Uncle decided to throw a major party for the family at our clubhouse. Oh yeah, Spanish menu was served and free-flowing beer, makings of a great party. We actually made an AVP for him, which he actually enjoyed. LOL!

April 27, 2009 | Fast & Furious

It was eight years since the first film came out, it is only fitting that I watch the movie that brought all of them back together. I almost missed this one because theaters nowadays pull out movies after two weeks or so. Whew! Movie was great, not as “whoa” like the first installment but it’s worth it.

Something tells me I’m forgetting something. Damn it! What and when it could it be? If it comes up, I shall include it.

Shoutout of Happy Birthdays to: Hannah, Uncle Alex, Heidi, Lola Des, Tita Cookie, Reg, Tita Odoy, Tita Ginny, Kevs, Cyrus, Ralph, Lawrence, Ter, Jay-M and Aries.

The one event that I missed was Kevs’ Tabu Bar birthday session as it fell on the same night as Uncle’s dinner party. In the 15 years or so that we knew each other, this is actually the first time he invited me to his birthday party, so I really am sorry and disheartened that I wasn’t able to go.

May, I don’t know about May. I’m sure it will hold some crazy nights and maybe even an outing or two. But I always hated rainy season and May marks its start. The annual MeanBoys summer getaway is schedule in the first week of May but due to avoidable circumstances, it was moved to God-knows-when. Bah!

April also presented a lot of surprises. I appreciated hip-hop this month and actually preferred dancing to singing. All thanks to Hannah’s debut. But what’s really surprising? First, well it’s not really a surprise and I kinda expected it but I wouldn’t know its impact would be that epical. Secondly, now the second was a surprise. Who would have thought it was still possible? Is it good news? We’ll find out in May. (--,)

February

Most of my friends hate February. I honestly believe they don’t. It’s the idea of this month and what it symbolizes for that they heavily resent. I do not share their sentiments. Februaries are ordinary for me ever since. It’s the shortest month so I hardly notice it passing by. Birthdays of people I know, families and friends, fall under the love month but these people do not really buy the concept of partying, so, another forgettable factor. And since I purposely inserted “love month” in the last sentence, let’s go there.

February always relates to love. Valentines is celebrated worldwide on the 14th of Februaries. This year, like any other year, I enjoyed Valentines, by myself. I could’ve gone bitter like what my supposedly event’s theme, but I can’t (that story is for another time). Valentines is about as exciting to me as babies uttering gibberish words; exciting to lots but utterly pointless. Okay, seems like there’s a hint of bitterness in that statement. Maybe there is, but isn’t it better if people profess their undying love everyday, not just one lavish present-filled day? But no, I respect those who celebrate hearts’ day. If that’s what rocks their boat, by all means. Nine months later, well…LOL!

February 6, 2009 | Dinner with Maika and Arnee

My two office batchmates, Maika and Arnee, my first friends from work, we finally got together after a year or so. I seriously missed these two. They’re better off with their current careers now anyways. (We didn’t took pictures that night so I used an old one. Come to think of it, this is the only picture of us three together. Tsk tsk...)

February 7-8, 2009 | The Return of Van and Biboy

Two prominent MeanBoys made their presence felt through a night of binging, singing at Makati and jam sessions at Ralph’s suicide-inducing condo.

February 13, 2009 | The New and Improved Mamita

Dinner with our original mentor, Aurora. Yes, she’s no Ru anymore. She’s finally a lady. LOL! My, my, how Mamita have changed.

February 28, 2009 | Renèè Appreciation Night

Yes. Our good friend and most-trusted teammate, Renèè, finally is present for a session. Hence, Renèè Appreciation Night. He is greatly appreciated, or so he thinks. LOL!

February was as cool as January for yours truly. It brought out the best and worst in me. It was not as social though. I could’ve attended several festivals and fairs but I feel like I’ve reached a different level of slothfulness. I’ve only been to three major events. Most fun and excitement happened personally and are not accounted for. It’s all good though. I wouldn’t have it any other way. March, now March has always been interesting for me. I used to not look forward to this month as this is the last month before they school year ends, which translates to periodical and final exams, final everything, start of the Lenten Season…but I’ve managed to survive every time. Couple of important people celebrates their birthdays this month so I’m expecting to be tired from too much partying…woohoo!!! We’ll see what it brings for ‘lil ‘ol me. (--,)

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.