"Heroes"

It was while watching “Late Night w/ Conan O’ Brien” that introduced to me a new show by NBC called, “Heroes.” You see, ever since “F.R.I.E.N.D.S” ended its television dominance in 2004, NBC dropped behind to CBS, FOX and ABC who produced shows like: C.S.I., American Idol, Lost, Grey’s Anatomy, Desperate Housewives and so on. But I ain’t talking about the U.S. Network Wars; I just want to share my insights about the “savior” of NBC. Back with my viewing of “Late Night,” Conan had Greg Grunberg as his guest for that night’s show. Joking about how he is the lucky charm and “redeemer” of television shows and network ratings, having appeared in hits like “Alias,” “Lost,” and “Felicity,” and his latest, a new sci-fi show from NBC: “Heroes.” I found it funny since this guy was never really a lead character in any of those shows. So he talks about his new show where he appears as a police officer who can read other people’s thoughts. Big whoop, I say to myself. No one’s even heard of it. But since I believe in Conan, and he recommends his viewers to watch “Heroes” as it is going to be his network’s personal “hero,” I decided to look out for it.

The new show premiered and it had really, really good reception and reviews. Hey, if this network introduced the greatest sitcom ever (F.R.I.E.N.D.S) then “Heroes” must be something worth my time. Still, no one knew what that show is. The only way I could watch an updated and new seasons of shows in America is, of course, online. Good thing that I have access on what you may call, fast internet service. Having been able to watch the first ten episodes of “One Tree Hill” season four, it is inevitable that “Heroes” will be available online in a matter of days. And so, there it was, first episode of this much talked about new show. Surprise, surprise, I only watched its first five minutes and never really paid much attention to it. I never lost interest and I don’t really know why I didn’t went ahead and watched the show back then. Blame it on being lazy, slow buffering of episodes, or just too many things I wanted to do but never really accomplishing any. The irony of it all, through the course of the later part of last year to present, most of my friends and colleagues really followed the show throughout and became hooked. Like I said, I never lost interest; I just can’t find it.

Later part of this year’s month of September came the premiere of the second season of “Heroes.” I finally found time and drive to watch the show whole-heartedly. Most of them I’ve watched online and the latter part from my DVD. (Thanks, Kads)

So the verdict? Oh, my god!! It was no doubt one of the best things my eyes laid upon on, literally. I enjoyed every single episode and storyline the show had to offer. From notable characters and the powers they wield, I am praising the creators of this show. I cannot really tell the story of the show for there may be some people other like me who waited forever before watching the show. But the jist of it is, evolution is an important part of mankind. Characters discovers they have special abilities and talents like telekinesis, teleportation, tissue regeneration, stopping time, enhanced strength, and many more. One of the factors that makes it work is the randomness of people who had such gifts, and also, ordinary abilities becomes enhanced and evolve into something more magnificent. Every character has his/her own stories to tell and how they live their lives normally as possible is truly interesting to follow. One thing though, I will miss one of my favorite characters as he was killed by another favorite character of mine.

I got to admit, the last 2 episodes, including the season one finale, touched me. I mean, every scene, dialogue, acting…I seriously was in the edge of my seat. Dramas and tragedies doesn’t really affect me as much as adventure does. Call me weird, because I think it is.

So here I am, 4:00 a.m. in the morning writing this and waiting for the new season to buff its way to glory. And, along with my colleagues, I will also be waiting for Tuesdays from now on as it is the day that a new episode comes out. Will the second season top the first one? I hope so! Did NBC found its “savior?” Hell, yeah!

“Save the cheerleader; save the world!”

For Besh...

I am sure that in the long run, after all the bitterness and feeling of betrayal subsided, I will genuinely miss one of the most important girls of my life, my bestfriend. The good thing about how I view things is that I have lots of bestfriends, which, technically, defeats the purpose of the word “best.” And so? The Meriam-Webster publishers will not crumble if I use a word out of it s context. I have multiple views on having bestfriends. There’s your guy bestfriend, your girl bestfriend, your childhood bestfriend, your school bestfriend, your officemate bestfriend, and many more. This time though, I’ll be talking about my childhood girl bestfriend. Not my "Bes," she won't be leaving anytime soon, right? Please. Hehehe. But this one's the one with the "H", and she's Bianca. I have known Bianca ever since forever. I can’t even remember our first actual meeting, it was all hazy. I am sure that it was one of those “bring-your-child-to-work-day” thing and it was then that I got to know her. Being the arrogant kid that I was, (and still am), I never really paid much attention to other kids; but there was this lil’ girl who everyone adores and everyone smiles at. Tsss…I couldn’t care less. That is until she said, “Hi.” Now, I may be a lot of things but I’m never rude. So I said “hi” back and I’m sure we got into some childish conversation over nothingness but it seemed interesting back then. That was the last time in our childhood years I remember us hanging out. Although, I did saw a picture of us together on a beach somewhere, but again, I think someone probed into my brain and took my Bianca-memories. Hehehe. Fast forward to 2002, Eastwood, Libis. It’s been forever since I saw her and yet somehow our short-term closeness never really left us. No awkwardness, whatsoever. From then on, I had my girl childhood bestbud back.

You see, most people don’t believe that persons of the opposite sex wouldn’t co-exist together as “friends only.” If people knew us, then they would agree that we proved that norm wrong. That cliché, “finishing each other sentences,” may apply to our relationship and a whole lot more. She understands me; I understand her. And that’s that. No special feelings more than friends whatsoever. We’re beyond that, we both agreed. Besides, we know so much about each other that it’s kinda weird, if you think about it. She’s my younger sister from another mother. And, she’s totally into her current beau right now. I bet they’re making plans for tying the knot anytime soon. Especially now that she left to be with him.

Which is the real intention of this story: Bianca left for the states and plans on staying there for a long time. We never even got a chance to bid each other farewells, and I’m fine with that. I am never good at farewells. I’m more of a “See-you-later” kind of guy. But all of this came with a price. Her leaving was without the blessing of her love ones. That’s where all the feelings of betrayal come in. She never even looked back. But, the mere fact that she’s happy now, doesn’t really make it okay, but it’s a start.

A four-paragraph article about our friendship isn’t even the start of our story, it’s a mere farewell tribute and an explanation that I may feel betrayed, but I’m not angry. You promised you’ll be back, and although I never believe in the word “promise,” we all will hold on to your word. It’s not goodbye, Besh, more of a “catch you later.”

PS: A blonde or red head will help with my speedy recovery...Hehehe

Bittersweet Blog-Worthy Week [Sept. 23-29, 2007]

It started with a warm Monday, achieving-a-milestone-Wednesday, an earth-shattering Friday, and the rest of the week being, indeed, bittersweet!
“Bittersweet – [adj. bit-er-sweet] - being at once bitter and sweet; especially: pleasant but including or marked by elements of suffering or regret.”
Erik called it “extremes,” but I like “bittersweet” better. When I hear that word, chocolate usually comes to mind. For me, it’s the best kind of chocolate, strong dark flavor with a hint of sweetness. I will go an extra mile and say that it may be the best kind of success or achievement. When used to describe life, though, it usually pertains to a happening that made one feel contentment and emptiness. This brings me to my week: September 23-29, 2007. I already explained that September is the most exciting month for me and lots of things usually happens during this time of year. But I never expected its last week this year to be that “exciting.”
Sunday, September 23. I was awaken by an SMS message from a friend-colleague. “Mga pare, magiging daddy na ko!” Wow! What a way to start my week. New life is coming and a close friend finds happiness in fatherhood.
Monday, September 24. I met up with my lady friends whom I rarely hang out with nowadays because of their work and busyness. Big whoop, right? Yes. For me, it is. These people are important to me so it’s a no-brainer that I am happy to be in their presence. Monday also marks that whole getting-back-in-to-that-habit thing. So, Monday matches Sunday, this week. It gets better.
Tuesday, September 25. My most respected mentor from work gave me some mentor-y advice and asked me to be a good role model for my teammates. And then, she dropped the bomb. She was pulled out from our team and transferred to another one. Tricky, but still, not that big a deal. She’s not leaving us; she’s just going upstairs. Well, at least that’s how I feel. Her replacements being two of my friends. One of them, I dare say, one of the closest in the office. So even if my teammates disagree and are showing signs of negativeness, hell, I am excited. Now, it gets really better.
Wednesday, September 26, Araneta Coliseum, 6:30 p.m. My beloved San Beda Red Lions won the NCAA Season 83 Senior’s Division Basketball Championship. Sweeter in a sense that it’s a Back-to-Back feat for the Bedan community. The game wasn’t that exciting but the end result is what matters. The trophy is not the only thing worth mentioning that day, the victory party after the game also made my personal history books. Mendiola Street was closed for the sole purpose of it being the celebration grounds. Free food; free, overflowing, refillable, all kinds of booze; good people and friends; everyone having the time of their lives; what more can you ask for? A three-peat comes to mind. But hey, that’s for next year. Let the whole Bedan community savor our back-to-back victory first. Quoting an alumni, “the first one was sweet, the second time sweeter, the third one being the ultimate coronation.” Chills. Hehehe.
Thursday, September 27. Well, I was pretty much wasted from last night’s partying and celebration so I was not fun Timmy at all. Aside from the congratulatory greetings, nothing much worth mentioning that day. Taking out Thursday, this week is turning out to be one of the best week ever. Yay! How foolishly wrong I am. If I made a bet about last week being the best week ever, I’m probably eating out of the trash by now. So, without further ado, here’s how my week ended and why it was a bittersweet one.
Friday, September 28. An indifferent start; life-changing finish. “Tsong, may scheds na. Gabi ka na.” Son of a…took me several seconds before I, literally, functioned. By this time, all reason left me. I got screwed. Curse all those who made the schedules. Over reacting? I don’t think so. Put yourselves in my shoes, being the only one transferred to the night shift, all of your teammates left behind; the reason being “iwas issue.” My school taught me values and I am not about to throw them away over some petty issues. I won’t be a hypocrite, of course that will be an advantage for me. But I am not stupid enough to hold on to that friendship. Even he, (newly-appointed supervisor) will choose career and professionalism first before us. Okay, okay. There’s another reason. I will replace the other promoted guy in the night shift as its OiC. It was never in my job description in first place to look after people. And just because the night supervisor’s rest days falls in the weekend and no one but “me” is qualified enough to look after the night team, doesn’t necessarily mean that I’m their man. Kalokohan! And frankly, I don’t like being under a new superior. I don’t question integrity and motives, and I dearly respect the given supervisor, but I won’t be as efficient as I am right now under his guidance. Leave it to me to find positive sides to every depressing situation. I’ll be with another close friend who’s in the night shift, and some teammates who I haven’t seen in months. And the best part of being a sun-fearing vampire, I won’t need to put up with two morally reprehensible (I got this from a dictionary, it sounds cool) bitches, who, made it as their ultimate goal, to bring me down and take control of the morning team. Stupid virgins, I never saw myself controlling the team, I am just there to hand out assignments, answer questions, plan events, and provide happiness. Leadership is different from control, morons. You could just see how resentful I am with what is happening in our team. I am normally a peaceful brother who prefers to retaliate quietly than verbally. But what you two wicked witches are doing brings out that side of me. I feel sorry for your pathetic attempts to take control over, even if I am now in SONA (ref. Prison Break). I’d like to see you two try going against the two new people in charge. And there’s still my team who I know won’t go down quietly (literally).
So, what a week right? Quite long, I know, and some parts are still worth writing about, but I need to get up and buy groceries. Hehehe. I have accepted my faith and will just wait for an opportunity to breakout of SONA. Erik, congratulations on being a dad and take good care of our team. To my lady friends, see you whenever. Animo San Beda! Going for a three-peat next year. To those two sorry excuse for human beings, well, go to hell.
Indeed, it was a bittersweet, blog-worthy week.

"Ode to the September Borns..."

SEpTeMBeR! September is my favorite month out of the 12 that we go through every year. It marks the start of the "-BER" months which translates to Holidays is just around the corner. Christmas carols are played throughout National radio and people (I believe) becomes extra-nicer to other people. It is when I am at my busiest and I am happiest. Busy in a sense that its events here and there almost everyday. This is because my September calendar is literally packed with birthday celebrants and noteworthy occasions. Get this, in all of the 30 days of this glorious month, I'm only missing the 3rd, 11th, 24th, 25th, 28th and 29th dates without any reason to celebrate! Talk about blacking out (like in Bingo)! Imagine the cost of presents and parties that I, and people I know, goes through every September. But as always, it's always worth every single centavo. I don't know, but September-borns are people that becomes special in my life. My Mom and best galfriend was born in the same month, and they're both Virgoes. Which is irrelevant but those two are very important to me. So without further ado, here are them September borns and when they were brought into this world:

September 1:

Rosie: my former batchmate at work who I enjoyed lunches with and intellectual conversations! miss you Rose Dak! hahaha...

September 2:

Lolo Teban: my deceased grandfather who I can never really recall but I hear he's really strict and speaks good Spanish. Ay caramba!

September 4:

Ranz: my cuz and the 2nd oldest male in my generation, in mother's side!

September 5:

Carl: most respected senior editor of OFFLINE! (probably shouldn't write senior) haha..

September 6:

Tits: one of my 2 granmas who took care of me and bought me everything and I mean everything while growing up! its been almost 2 years since her death, one that I will never forget!

Leng: the mama of my HS kada (kiddin)! conscience of our group and one of the those real friends that is surely for keeps! Congrats dear..you're graduating next month!

September 7:

Lola Reggie: youngest of my grandmas in my Mom's side!

Chester: my bestfriend in grade school..never really knew what happened to this guy!

Bes and JM's 2nd year Anniversary: it's been two years guys! stay strong!!!

September 8:

Jairus: my tito who is 4 years younger than me which complicates everything, who is currently enjoying college life! hahaha..

Tita Baby: one of Mom's bestfriends when they were working together! She was my "hip" tita!

Peyky: Nunee's cousin... =)

September 9:

Kat: Biboy's ex-beau. I really liked them together, but she's wonderful in her own right!

Ira: one of Nunee's bestfriend in high school..hope we won't drift away even if we're not "in-laws" anymore..hehehe

Tita Ellie: wife of Uncle Petes and mother to Pocholo and Pierre..

Tam: soon to be Mom's Vietnamese inaanak on his wedding... one of the best engineers from Mom's office..

September 10:

Winona: a younger cousin who's Tita Wella's unica hija who resides in Cagayan...

Tita Amel: Ma'am Alice's sister who is always present at family events...

September 12:

Mom: well, the woman who made me possible! hahaha B-)

September 13:

Ms. Eloi: Mom's colleague whom I positively adore because of her parking slot! :D

September 14:

Paula: Bisente's life of his love, err.. love of his life..whatever! hey Pau!

Baby Nicole: my first inaanak outside of the family! i'm gonna make it up to you and your mom, swear!

September 15:

Kuya Artson: one of the few closest older cousin in my Dad's side...we're gonna beat you on Wednesday! mwahahaha!

September 16:

Bisente: a boring Mean Boy whose hirits and jokes never fails. Mr. Murillo, I'll be seeing you next week! wehehehe...

Honee: one of my closest teammate in the office! my lunch buddy! and a "Batch 8"! see you next week!

Gemma: OiC, DC, or whatever you are in ET..never really close until you Spark-ed me about that unwanted editor! Keep up the good work..hahaha

September 17:
Lola Des: Iya's sister and my 2nd eldest grandma in mom's side! Best baker in the family!! =P~

September 18:

Shirene (Bes): my bestfriend! Happy Birthday Bes! (--,) gettin old, doll! you'll be working soon..hoping it'll be close to moi! see you soon! B-)

September 19:

Crishna: better known as Karen from the younger batch of ABE! pretty girl! naks!

September 20:

Tita Leda: former colleague of Mom and one of the original R&D girls...

September 21:

Tita Wella: "Kampana ng Cagayan" hehehe...my very outspoken tita!

September 22:

Haunty: another cuz of Nunee who they say looks like me..very handsome individual! honestly! dont take my word for it..hahaha

Daizie: another one of those "Batch 8" glamorous people..hmp! Hey, Daze! whats up?!

September 23:

Tita Norie: yet again, a former colleague of Mom and an original "R&D" girl..

Tita Teyette: Viveca's mom..

September 26:

Patty: another close teammate from the office and my lunch and break buddy! still, another "Batch 8" individual..grrr! "Opportunity" seems to really like you girl!

September 27:

Colo: my rowdy cousin who's in the States already and forgot how to speak Tagalog! Smarts and wits + Colo = Dangerous combination! B-)

Ire: a blockmate from college..

Prof. Neil: my Financial and Legal Management professor who also became our adviser

September 30:

Claudine: my ate in the office who looks after and take cares of me! Together with Tito Erik and the rest of the gang...I'm gonna see you on our dinner! hahaha..regards to Justin!

And there you have it. People I care for and people who makes September my favorite month of the year! To those who were born in another month, hey, you guys are still important, and I look at you guys equally with these people. Especially if you invite me to your parties! (--,) It's just that there's no other month like September in my calendar!

Hoping that all of you enjoys the rest of the year! Until September 2008, Cheers!

I Beg You: Do Not Spoil "Deathly Hallows" For Me!!!

It's been 10 years since the first installment of the Harry Potter series were introduced to us. Now, the final book, the finale, the ground breaking revelations, the end of an era as we know it, judgment day, came. And it was last Saturday. This is not a review about the book because the fact is, I haven't read it yet. I don't even have a copy of it. Used to be, I get my copy from my Ninang in the States. But since this is the momentous one, I wanted to buy this one on my own. So why haven't I purchased my copy yet? Simple. I'm still reviewing. I'm reading books' V and VI first before taking on the the "Hallows."

So what's the purpose of this text? Simple again. Like what my suggests and ask, Please, I beg people, do not spoil the book for me. I try to stay away from Internet as much as possible. No website is safe. Every blog has its own version of reviews and comments. That's fine. I've solved that. I just stay away from websites. A fan submitted this desktop wallpaper that contains all the people who perished in the series. A fine tribute. But it almost ruined the era for me. Good thing I had good reflexes. hahaha. By far, I think Wikipedia wins the best spoiler award. As I've said, I was reviewing, so I decided to look up Horcruxes. Even the article about it contains stories about how the book ended. My gawd! Still, I turned it off before it turned messy. Websites and the Internet are easy to avoid. But what about the people themselves?! People blabbing about how good the book is, which is fine and cool; but loudly? Dude, at least wait a week before shouting around what happened in this chapter and that chapter.

Best cure for these spoilers: grab a copy of the book and go nuts!!!

Better solution that moving to China or Russia. At least there you wouldn't understand anything even if their talking about this page or that page.

Technically, we can't call them spoilers anymore since the book's already in circulation. But you know what I mean. This is legendary. People deserve to find out the ending the right way. Call me sentimental or corny, but unlike people who want to finish it as soon as they paid for it, I want to read the last pages of this history in a perfect place. Somewhere where it's serene and calm. A perfect way to end an era.

Cheers...

--> Posted last July 2007

"Gaano Kahirap ang mga Transcriptionists?!"

On picture: Ayala Avenue in front of 6780 JAKA building at about 1:30 p.m. on July 12, 2006. Shown in this photo is a girl being pick-pocketed by two un-seemingly transcriptionists. The authorities already raised its highest alerts for the apprehension of these individuals. Photo was taken by this captionist who wants to remain anonymous and asked to be called Arch.

[Music]
>> It's so sad what has happened to the once promising Transcriptionists...
>> And sa harap mismo ng opisina at hindi man namili ng hinoholdap..adik pa yung tinalo!!!
>> Ganyan na nga lang siguro ang kahihinatnan kung hindi na maalis ang LOB team na ito sa under P10,000 salary...

It's Been a Year since I Graduated!!!

"Herald the Bedans coming..."

Today marks the First-year anniversary of me having a degree and joining the professional world. In short, it's been a year since I graduated college. Left the old school halls, the crazy professors, the chaotic Mendiola, and more importantly, left "The Den."

Watching Ron's graduation last Friday really made me think what I have been doing with my life over the past year: Nothing! Well, not really nothing, but I feel like I'm wasting my degree and education. I know I have to find something that will make use of my expertise. (Yeah, right! Expertise..haha!) Anyway, like I said while at Ron's graduation, the moment I saw the new graduating batch, grazin' St. Maurs' in our custom, unique Red Togas, taking pictures with batchmates--it hit me! One year had passed. There's already a new batch of fresh graduates that the corporate world will prioritize in hiring. Arrgghh..I keep reverting to the whole "professional world." I am writing this as a tribute to that "graduation feeling." My apologies.

This year's graduation was quite speedier that ours, last year. Looking from the stands, I was one of those kids last year. Face full of hopes and their minds, naive. Very excited to embark on new challenges the corporate world offers. True, I felt and believed that. BUT, nothing beats being in school.

This 2007 San Beda College Graduation rites was a momentous one. This marks the graduation of the first female batch of my beloved institution. OLD SCHOOL San Beda is no more. After struggling with the reality of the Bedan culture dying and perishing with the entry of these ladies, watching them march and accumulate numerous awards, you really get that sense of proudness. I may not be a part of that batch, but Ron is. The proud boyfriend I am when she went up the stage, with her parents, to receive her Academic Distinction award and other extra-curricular activity awards. Clicking here and there. How come I didn't get a single Academic award during my time is another story. And why she gathered ridiculous amount of glory and how smart she is, is for another blog! Hehehe.. Hey, I did get to go up the stage last year with Mom and Dad to receive a gold medal. A Loyalty Award. For being a pure-blooded Bedan through and through. Not a lot of students have the privilege to say that they are pure-breeds.

Pure-breeds. After the first Lionesses marched out from the Den, that word is just a mere memory of the glorious days of our school. But am I complaining? NO. Gone are the days where I raised hell on campus just because they won't allow us to sport our hair long and wear our pants tattered. My personal vendetta against the then admin are just chapters in my history books. The first female batch, hate them or love them, did my school proud.

Now, as I've said, I feel old because of the new batch of graduates. Then again, that's part of life. Sure I miss my MEAN BOYS and how we painted the school RED!! But there're a lot of things to look forward to. Especially now that Ron's gonna start her professional career.

What's important now is I make my alma mater proud!

"For San Beda, our country, and God!!!"

Go San Beda Fight!!! Go San Beda Fight!!!
--> Obviously, an April post

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