BKK CRAZY DAY 1

We touched down at Bangkok at around 2 PM Manila time (there's an hour difference in the time, so it was 1 PM in BKK). Suvarnabhumi Airport, when you first see its entirety, can be both impressive and daunting with its modern styled architecture. But once everything sinks in, the exterior looks like a giant, shiny durian. I realized after 15 minutes of walking around that other airports such as Chep Lap Kok Airport in Hong Kong or Changi Airport in Singapore are still more impressive and traveller friendly. But I won't complain, especially when I know how much of a wreck our local airport is.

Upon stepping onto the tube from the plane, the cameras started flashing. Our initial picture taking starting from the plane, walking a straight line until the immigration counters took about 30 minutes. I was a bit taken aback by the long lines that greeted us at Immigration. Was I in the Philippines?! Apparently, the newly opened airport still has a number of kinks to resolve. Lining up here took another 30 or so minutes. However, it was when we got our luggage that I received a bigger shock and regretted dissing the Manila Airport. First of all, my luggage was one of the last few bags to come out of the baggage carousel. In fact, I was already picturing scenarios in my head on what to do in case my bag got lost. To my credit, I did not lose my luggage (I know Pam and Mike were silently hoping that I did), however, someone did try to pry open my bag as the lock got lost and the zipper handles were broken. It will take more than long lines at the airport and broken luggage to ruin this trip for me. I promised myself that I would have a grand time in Thailand, and I'm not going to let anything rain on this occasion. On a side note, as I was nearly frantic from searching my bag, a number of women approached Mike to ask him for help on lifting their heavy luggage from the moving carousel. Pam and I observed as an old lady, a middle-aged woman, and another dubious looking woman give Mike the "helpless, single female traveller" look. Mike being the gentleman that he is, obliged to every single request, eventhough we knew that those bags were'nt exactly light. I don't know, I guess Mike has that porter look.

We checked in at the Bangkok Palace Hotel, which isn't so bad by the way (we expected worse). After a brief rest and a game to determine who gets first dibs on the bed (I won), we decided to go for a walk to Siam Paragon. We asked the hotel concierge for directions on how to get there - he said that it was within walking distance and that it would take a maximum of 20 minutes to get there on foot. I guess the concierge thought that he was talking to a group of marathon speed walkers because the trek that he guaranteed would take 20 minutes tops, took us a little less than 2 hours! However, I must say that the blame does not lie solely with the concierge for lying to us about the real distance to Siam Paragon. We stopped several times to eat, take pictures, eat again, and take more pictures. I have no regrets with walking though. Between walking and taking a cab, i'll take walking anytime. In a city like Bangkok, taking a cab should always be the last resort. To say that traffic is bad is an understatement. Also, how would you be able to explore and discover hidden treasures if you opted not to use your legs. And discover treasures we did.

We first had green mangoes by the road. Filipinos have their mango with bagoong, the Thais do it differently. The man gave us plastic baggie of mangoes along with a mixture of chili powder, sugar, salt, and other spices. The taste? Lets just say that we all had to buy bottled water after tasting it. In Thailand, even their mango is spicy. I know, I tend to exaggerate. After walking a few hundred meters, we stumbled upon their version of carinderia / hawker stalls selling traditional Thai delicacies. Pam tried what the locals called "pork salad", a hodge podge of different ingredients and flavors, with a heat level that registers high on the Richter scale. Mike was in tears as he was wolfing down pork salad wrapped in vegetables. We then quelled whatever heat was left on our tongues by having tea-flavored ice cream.

Needless to say, after our numerous stops to eat authentic Thai streetfood, conduct crazy picture taking sessions at Central World Plaza, and bicker over the distance and time we've been walking, we finally arrived at Siam Paragon Mall. We were like children let loose at a toystore. We headed straight for Siam Ocean World were we ogled and prodded the marine life. Entrance wasn't cheap, by the way, so we made the most out of our visit. We took a couple of hundred pictures, stared hard at the fish, cradled a lizard in my arms, poked a starfish, and read all the educational literature.

After Ocean World, it was time to raid the shops. I was surprised to observe how robust the shopping culture in Bangkok was. It actually reminded me of how Singaporeans and people from Hong Kong did their shopping. There were luxury brands, high-end specialty stores, and even retail outlets selling car brands like Ferrari, Bentley, and Aston Martin, no less. Pam & Mike raided the shops while I tagged along with them. Pam bought a number of underwear large enough to stage a mini fashion show, while Mike bought a book on Sudoku, which he answers whenever he's in the bathroom. We stayed in Paragon until closing time, and by then my eyes were about ready to pop out from hunger. We took a Tuk-Tuk (say it 10 times!) to Rosabieng, where in my opinion, I had the most delightful Thai meal. We had Pad Thai, Crispy Catfish, and Bagoong Rice, among others. I also had my liquid gold, my personal ambrosia - Thai Iced Tea with Milk! I told myself that if I could only choose a single Thai dish/delicacy to have during this vacation, it would have to be this drink. Luckily, it did not disappoint, it tasted exactly as I had dreamt of.

All in all, it was a blast of a first day! I'm sure the next couple of days will be much, much better.

BKK CRAZY

March 1 - 7:10 AM, outside the Centennial Terminal

I'm already here at the airport. Sometimes it sucks to be the early bird. No, you don't always catch the worm, sometimes you wait...for a long time. I don't remember setting an 8 AM meeting time with Pam yesterday. So here I am, about an hour early, standing right outside, taking in the Manila air, while writing at the same time.

I know for a fact that Pam is still at home right now. I called her on her cellphone and I can hear the tricycles breezing past in the background. She's probably waiting for her boytoy to pick her up. :) As for Mike, hell, I don't know where Mike is. Hopefully, he's on his way basing from the fact that among the 3 of us, he's the one who lives closest to the airport.

The minor hitch of being early (once again) notwithstanding, I am psyched to be going to Bangkok. This was a trip that took a year to plan. Finally, the stars aligned and all the hitches were ironed out - We're finally going! I'm betting that this trip will be one for the books. I can feel it.

9:40 AM, near the Duty Free shops

We're about to board in a few minutes. Mike, not surprisingly, arrived last. Pam and I went ahead to check in and we just asked the lady at the counter to reserve Mike a seat. We went around the airport's measly version of a Duty Free, which we were able to complete in 5 minutes, and when Mike finally joined us, we went looked around some more. But I won't complain. I feel too good to be let down by our excuse of an airport. This is the first international trip I'll be taking that I paid for with my own money. Add the fact that I'll be spending time with good friends. Nothing will let me down today.

12:00 NN, Mid-air

We're about halfway through the flight now. I just finished my meal of "pork with rice", at least thats how the attendant called it. "Barely Edible" is what I would call it. It didn't look like pork to me. The headache I had from take-off has thankfully, subsided.

The trip already has the makings of a classic. The insults have already begun, laughter follows shortly. I've been jeered at by both Pam and Mike for my controversial blog entry (its gone by the way). We've been teasing Pam with her boyfriend (which I hope does not get to read this blog). All of this during the first hour we've been together!


Wow, people seem to be in a peeing mood right now. Its Pam's 3rd trip to the lavatory already. I tell both of them that I've never used the toilet in a plane before. They give me weird looks. Hopefully, I get to experience using the plane's toilet for the first time during this trip.


The new James Bond flick is on the screen right now. I would be watching it if I wasn't too giddy & excited. Mike's been reading the same magazine over and over. So with Pam's full bladder, Mike's compulsive reading, and my constant fidgeting, you could say that we all are excited for this trip.

A Yuppie's Predicament

Ah...the pitfalls of being in your 20's, working, and having disposable income. Suddenly you have all these issues and decisions you have to make, which a few short years ago you wouldn't even imagined having. Sometimes, I yearn for the days when the biggest decision I would make is what to have for lunch or which TV show to prioritize. I miss the simple, trivial, no-brainer moments of life that signified youth. Today, my concerns are more complicated, serious, and nerve-wracking -- exposing the inevitable move to adulthood. Whereas my issues in the past revolved around how to keep myself amused on a daily basis, my issues today take on a forward-looking view of saving, investing, and planning for retirement. Yep, this is my dilemma - 'Mo Money, 'Mo Problems, a rapper once said. You might think that I'm just stressing myself out by thinking of these burdensome issues. To a certain extent, thinking of the future may be both frightening and stressful, add to it the fact that one of my worst fears in life is to end up living under a bridge in a mattress of cardboard boxes. I guess i'm just really a pessimist by heart, and sometimes its suffocating just thinking about what the future holds for me. I also think that i'm showing symptoms of becoming a materialist. I want to have a lighter view of life. I want to enjoy my relative youth and not worry too much about growing old. I think I need to talk to a shrink...or a financial planner.

This blog has slowed down as of late. The author seems to be in creative limbo at the moment. The supposed "journey" the author planned to take has stalled a bit, hence the lack of articles worthy enough to be crafted and posted. Let's hope he gets his creative groove back soon...

I'm currently contemplating on whether to give this blog a major revamp. I think that in order for this blog to gain a wider readership and interactivity, some things have got to change. But the question is what do I have to do, in order for this blog to gain a slight notoriety. More biting articles? Profanity? Pictures? Anyway, i'm all up for anyone's two cents worth. I'm posing this question to my 4 readers out there. What do you want to get more of from this site? What can I do away with? Indulge me

...

The past few days have pretty much been a roller-coaster ride of sharp turns, steep falls, and nauseating loops. I don't even know what to feel anymore. I have to be strong and brave...for my family, cause I'm sure that the coming days are going to be rougher and more turbulent. I have to force myself to be happy and keep busy, otherwise i'm going to fold. So what I'm going to do is to hold the fort for as long as I can bear it - to be emotionless throughout this entire ordeal until it blows over. To be seemingly unaffected and to act as if everything's normal is the only way I can think of to get through this.

I want to afraid for myself, but I can't - cause I see what fear is doing to my dad, and I can't accept what it has turned him into. His own fear has defeated him, pounded him into submission, and left him in a wreck. I don't even recognize my dad anymore.  I feel very sorry for him, I can't even comprehend the amount of stress and anxiety he's going through right now. Whatever the outcome of his predicament may be, I'm sure that he's going to end up emotionally scarred for the rest of his life and he's never going to be the same.    

Congratulate Me!

Today, I reached a new milestone in my life - I was actually able to last a whole year working in a company! I didn't think it was even humanly possible. I can finally say that I had the patience to stick to a job, albeit 365 days. Though a year is nothing compared to people starting and ending their careers with one company (That will never happen to me, by the way), I still am proud of the fact that I was able to hold on this long. It was a combination of different factors actually - good people, good pay, and a light workload! Haha! Call me a slacker, but its the truth. If you've got all these things working for you, 1 year is a breeze!

The Problem With Being In The Marketing Industry

The title itself is self-explanatory. Working in the marketing field for almost a year and a half now has allowed me to make a few observations regarding this industry , more specifically, how non-marketing people see us.

Catching up with different individuals over the holidays contributed to my observation that people who don't work in the industry have a very vague idea as to what marketers (people who are in marketing) really do. I've observed this on more than one occasion. For example, when talking to a friend who works in the field of computers. He asked me what I did for work. I nonchalantly replied "Oh I work in the Marketing Department." I literally saw his eyes turn glassy, as if he was a deer staring into the headlights. He absolutely had no idea what I do for a living.

Do you notice that most professions evoke a certain image in the mind whenever one mentions it? When you say "I'm a nurse", for example, you immediately picture a lady in a white outfit, carrying a bunch of charts and an array of medical tools. When one says "I'm a chef", you picture a jolly, balding man wearing a chef's hat and an apron. Heck, even the word call-center agent evokes an image of a person sitting at a desk, wearing a headset, mindlessly jaberring away. However, when you now say, "I'm a marketer." Now what image comes to your mind? An old lady carrying a big rattan basket, on her way to the wet market to buy fish heads and what not. Seriously speaking, the profession known as a marketer does not even evoke an image in the minds of people who are not in the industry. Now how fulfilling is that?

The better question to answer is - What does a person in Marketing really do? Honestly, I don't really know the answer to this question, and i've been asked more than a few times. What do I reply to queries like this? I give them the patronizing, talking to a 3 year old spiel: "Well, I handle a particular brand. I prepare marketing plans, I come up with promotions for it, I evendevelop TV commercials (even that's a lie)." I give them this answer with the hope that whoever I'm talking to is satisfied enough, and drops the topic altogether. Maybe I don't really have a clear grasp as to what a marketer like me is supposed to be doing, and combine that with poor explaining skills - you come up with a half-assed explanation like that.

I think being in this field requires a person to be a jack-of-all-trades. You have to know a little bit of everything. Here's how I sum it up - you need a little bit of an artist's creativity, a dash of an accountant's financial acumen, a story-teller's imagination, a businessman's savvy, a pinch of a fortune teller's foresight (or lack of), the persuasion skills of the Godfather, and the theatrics of a Hollywood actor. Yes, I honestly think that this is what one needs to thrive in the field of marketing. However, be reminded of what they say about jack-of-all-trades - they are masters of none.

The Art (Or Lack Of) Small Talk

I went to all of these gatherings and reunions over the holidays, hobnobbing with new people and reconnecting with old friends who knew me from my days as a student. During casual conversations and other verbal exchanges one would define as small talk, the conversation almost always seems to go the topic of work and things related to work. I like to believe that its an unwritten rule when making small talk. Here's how a typical small talk conversation goes on my end.

Me: Hi! How are you? (Peck on the cheek if its a girl, handshake for a guy)
Person: Hi! I'm fine. I'm doing great. So what do you do now?
Me: Oh, I'm working already
Person: Thats great, so where do you work?
Me: (Knowing that if I gave the name of the company I was working for, it wouldn't even register, but I try anyway) I work for NutriAsia
Person: NutriAsia??
Me: (This is hopeless) I work for the company that makes Datu Puti, Mang Tomas, and UFC Ketchup
Person: Oh!!! OK. Wow, that's a good company!
Me: (What's so great about a company that makes vinegar?) Yeah, its alright.

At this point, I always think that after all the pleasantries are over, and I can now go back to being my silent, unassuming self (In other words, be left alone). Sometimes, its over after the initial exchange, but more often than not, the conversation gets more long winded and painful to bear.

Person: Where's your office?
Me: Its in Ortigas.
Person: Where in Ortigas?
Me: (I stop and think for a while, as I am really bad with directions) Uhhh, its at Centerpoint Condominium (The person i'm talking to has a blank stare), At Garnet Road (Still drawing blanks), Near Emerald (Finally, a spark of recognition) and Metrowalk (I think he/she knows where i'm driving at)
Person: Yeah, I know that place. Where do you live?
Me: (I'm already anticipating another exchange waiting to happen, I make ready with my canned answers) Paranaque
Person: Wow! That's far. How do you get to work?
Me: Sometimes I drive. Most often I take the MRT
Person: MRT? From where?
Me: From Ayala
Person: What's in Ayala?
Me: I ride to work with my Dad, he works in Makati. Sometimes I leave my car there, and just take the train. Its better that way. Less traffic. (At this point, I don't think I can keep up with this type of conversation any longer. I pray that the other person drops the topic)

I really have a problem with small talk. I can only dish it out in small doses and short bursts. If there was a Small Talk 101 being offered anywhere, I would probably be first in line to sign-up.

Post-Holiday Funk

I think I've developed a kind of  post-holiday depression. Probably from enjoying the holiday season too much. Now that it has come and gone,  I feel that my vigor and energy has left with it. The rejuvenated feeling I was hoping for with the new year has not materialized as of yet.

For the past days since the calendar changed years, I've been feeling lethargic. I don't want to move, and when I do use my motor skills, I get tired easily. I also thought that I would be excited to go back to work once the year starts. Boy, was I wrong. I hate work right now. I hate how the office looks and I hate to admit it, but I wasn't looking forward to seeing any of my officemates. I'm not in the right frame of mind to work, i've even entertained thoughts of ditching work completely.  I want to be alone, isolated from everyone.

Yesterday, I was sick. My stomach was bothering me and I was running a fever. Today is a little bit better, but i'm still far from being at my optimum level. I snapped at people for no apparent reason, other than just not wanting to converse with anyone. Right now, I am not focused. I'm thinking of many things, not having anything specific to do. I'm on survival mode, doing routinary activities to help me find my groove.  Just hoping for the funk to leave my body and everything to get back to the normal scheme of things.

I want to sleep in, but my body doesn't want to cooperate. I don't want to eat, but my stomach protests. At least my body doesn't want me to give in to depression quite easily. The mind however, is another creature altogether. My mind is in conflict with itself. I want to be angry, but I am yearning for comfort. I want to be alone, but I am looking for contact.

I feel like an idiot by posting this rant here, but i've learned that writing down things, specifically my pains, helps me get over them easily. Should you read this, and feel compelled to write something in return, please do so. I think its going to help a great deal. Also, if you think my condition is actually worse than what I've been writing gibberish about, do tell me, so that I may talk to someone and get a prescription for it.

Illusions of Santa Claus

Every Christmas for the past few years, I have been tasked to write a letter to my sister, under the pseudonym of Santa Clause. Its our way of keeping the magic and spirit of Christmas alive for my little sister. But every year, I'm faced with a dilemma though. As she gets older, her questions get more complicated, her requests a little more harder to give. This year for example, she asked for a real puppy, a request my parents weren't too keen on granting. Therefore, I also had to act as a public relations officer, and explain to my sister in Santa's demeanor, why its not possible for her to receive a puppy for Christmas. This year, she also wanted to receive a picture of Santa Clause with Mrs. Clause and Santa's Little Helpers. I had trouble finding a decent enough picture of Santa's Helpers, so I once again had to improvise a bit. Here's the rest of my Christmas letter. And if there was a real Santa, I think I can work for you as your P.R. agent.

Dearest Raisa,

Ho! Ho! Ho! Merry Christmas! I hope you like the present I gave you. Thank you for being such a good girl this past year, that’s why you deserve a wonderful gift this Christmas. But I noticed that you have been a little bit naughty a few times, like when you did not return your toys and school materials after using them, or when you had temper tantrums. Remember, Santa sees everything you do, both the good things and the bad things.

I see that you have written me a long letter this time and asked me a lot of questions. You are growing up to become a very inquisitive person, and this is good. If you don’t know what the word “inquisitive” means, ask your parents. It is hard for Santa to give live pets such as dogs during Christmas. The journey from the North Pole is long and hard, and a dog might get too tired from the trip. Also, we cannot put small animals in boxes and wrap them with ribbons because it could hurt them. However, I am allowing your parents to buy you a pet of your choice within the year.

Yes, it is very cold where I live, freezing cold in fact. But do not worry, my house has a fireplace that keeps me and Mrs. Claus warm all the time. I also wear clothes that keep me warm from the trip from the North Pole to all of the children’s houses all over the world.

I always read the letters you children write to me. I read them as soon as you put your letter on the Christmas tree. How do I know that you’ve already placed your letters? It’s a secret! This gives me more time for me and my assistants to find the special gift you deserve.

You also asked for me to give you a picture of myself and Mrs. Claus together. Here it is. I hope you like it. My elves are very shy, and they do not like pictures being taken of them.

There, I hope I was able to answer all of your questions. I am truly happy to see what kind of person you are growing up to be. Remember to always love your parents and thank them for everything they do for you. I want you to be more helpful, more respectful, and more sharing for the coming year. And being more neat and tidy with your surroundings and yourself will not hurt either. I hope that you will not forget me, even as you grow a little older each year. Who knows, next Christmas, I might make an exception and give you the dog you want…

Until Next Christmas,
Santa (Ho! Ho! Ho!)

AN ODE TO MY IPOD

Where have you been all my life? I first met you 1 1/2 years ago. You were given to me as a gift, which back then I was hesitant to accept, just because I thought I didn't deserve you yet. But as the fates would allow, I took you in my hands, and your prisitine and immaculate aesthetic captivated me. I had to have you. You were bought for me, at 0% interest for 12 months. And I was happy. I kept your receipt, just in case something terrible befell you during your warranty period. I bought you a jet-black leather case to house you in, and that is where you have been since. Although at times, I would take you out of your abode and just admire your beauty. I would gently wipe away the prints, fuss over your small scratches, which I know gave you character, implore you to never leave me, and dread the day when I am faced with no ther choice but to get an upgrade. But until that time comes, I am loyal only to you.

You have been a constant and loyal companion to me. You were with me during the slow days, as well as the fast times. You were with me when I took serene walks and panicked half-jogs. You are with me during my travels to and from work, with me clasping you hard in my palm. You were always present during long waits, content to entertain me with your service. You have waited with me during flight delays, kept me company during self-imposed alone times. Whenever I felt like hiding from the world and drowning out the noise of the everyday crowd, I turn to you for refuge. Although your battery life isn't as long as what was promised me, I have no regrets. Whatever time we spend together, with you giving the music and me just taking it all in, is worth the time of waiting for you to finish your customary 3-hour charge.

But I also have my responsibilities to you. I take it upon myself as a personal responsibility, to keep you abreast with the latest offerings from the musical world. It is my duty to mold you into a well-rounded machine. As regularly as I can, I load you up with tunes that span different genres and musical fields. I diligently update you with music, which I believe improves your character and gives you personality. Although I must admit that I have instilled a little too much classical and world music and less of the contemporary, mainstream music that people are accustomed to. But then again, I have never lent you to anyone except to hear a few snippets of music. I love you just the way you are. And like a proud parent, I am happy with just how you turned out to be. With 2500 songs tucked in your vast memory, you are now the eclectic and cultured machine I envisioned you to be.

You have provided the musical score to my life. A smile never fails to paint my face whenever you play a song that I love. I always keep your playlists at random, giving you the freedom to play whatever you like. I also enjoy being pleasantly surprised at your choices. You have never failed to make my heart soar by playing inspiring music from Adiemus and Enya. You made me rock out to tunes from The Who, The Red Hot Chili Peppers, Franz Ferdinand, The Killers, and Linkin Park. You have made me realize my childhood fantasies of becoming a knight and living in a world of magic by making me listen to musical scores from gifted composers such as Hans Zimmer, John Williams, and Howard Shore. You appeased my occasional longing for a religious outlet by having Bukas Palad and The Mormon Tabernacle Choir in your playlist. You also keep my dreams of becoming a balladeer alive by making me sing to Brian McKnight or John Mayer, and even James Ingram. You've also taught me. Yes, you have given me a crash course in music appreciation by making me hear classics from the Beatles, Lenny Kravitz, Motown, and The Rolling Stones. Thanks to you, I now know that Beethoven was not just a dog and I can pronounce Tchaikovsky with pride. Although sometimes you make me blush when you play what few Britneys and JLOs you have in your system, but thats what the skip button is for.

Now you see how important you are to me? I find my day to be lacking if I don't get to listen to your voice, if only for 15 minutes. In the short time we have been acquainted, you have evolved to become an extension of my life. We have both been through things during this span of time. You are more worn out, a little tired, with a few battle scars to show. I am a little bit wiser, with a life more meaningful because of the music you provided. I am writing this now because I feel you slowly slipping away from me. Your battery life is shorter than ever, and your grand children are shaping up to be beautiful as well. I figured that I should offer a homage to you before everything is lost and I do find that replacement unit. But rest assured that until that day comes that I won't be able to force the life out of you, when the beauty of music has finally left your memory, I will stick it out with you.

DLSU Survey

Non-Lasallians also welcome!!

( ) got caught by the DO (I was a good boy all throughout my tenure. Boring)
(x) wore inappropriate attire (I wore shorts during summer classes, does that count?)
(x) watched a UAAP la salle vs ateneo game live in araneta (you can't be called a Lasallian unless you experience this!)
(x) ate at AGNO (Even if I know it wasn't clean, what the heck. I'll have chicken teriyaki any day!)
( ) smoked at AGNO (I don't smoke, but I've hung around Agno with people who smoked)
(x) hungout at AGNO (See above)
(x) hungout at a friend's condo
(x) sung the alma mater (who hasn't?)
(x) swam at the olympic size swimming pool (I had swimming for P.E. - not my choice!)
(x) had class in all the buildings (even in the hidden building known as Mutien Marie)
(x) used the football field (We used to sit there a lot for R.O.T.C.)
(x) hung out in ampitheater (especially when I was an irreg)
(x) watched something during the u-break in the ampitheater (a number of concerts and political rallies)
(x) cross enrolled
(x) be a 1st honors dean's lister (Of course!)
(x) be a 2nd honors dean's lister (Most definitely)
( ) got a 0.0 (almost got one during the 1st term of my freshman year. I had to beg my Algebra prof to pass me, and he did!)
(x) got a 4.0 (i'm no stranger to this)
(x) ate in mcdonalds (who hasn't?)
(x) ate in UM (i remember eating at a Japanese place named Taketori aka Bamboo Bird)
(x) ate somewhere outside near the campus
(x) borrow/reserved something in the IMS (I borrowed projectors numerous times, I even broke a projector lamp)
( ) got a major or minor offense (like i said, i was a model student)
( ) went out with 5 or more blockmates during freshmen year (i'll have to pass from answering this question)
(x) walked around the campus with 4 or more blockmates after freshmen year (like sheep being led to a slaughter)
(x) cut a class together with blockmates (I may be a good student, but it didn't stop me from cutting class. and oh, dean's listers can cut class anytime they feel like it)
(x) begged for a higher grade during course card distribution (i did try, but as for my success rate, thats another story)
(x) adjust (early adjustments days were usually the most stressful days in my life)
(x) be active in an organization (POPS Orchestra and a little bit of TAPAT)
(x) be a member of TAPAT or SANTUGON
(x) be stereotyped by others according to your college (what college does good-looking fall into?)
(x) get an alarm sound when you scan your id (South Gate scanners suck)
(x) talked to your LAMB aside from LPEP (Not after the freshman year, although one of my LAMBS is in my Friendster)
( ) been deceived by the false names of professors in the on-line enrollment (I usually do a background check on professors before I enroll
( ) paid surcharge (I don't like the hassle)
(x) went to the chapel (Believe it or not, I actually did - numerous times)
(x) heard mass (does the Baccalaureate Mass count?)
( ) visited the museum (unfortunately not)
(x) knew a xerox lady (and got a discount because of it)
(x) slept in the library (during downtimes when everyone else had class)
(x) got to know mang jack (give me a LaSallian who hasn't heard of him. but was the question referring to getting to know Mang Jack intimately? Then i'll have to say hell no!)
(x) got to know jenny (oh yes, she/he even shared an umbrella with me during one of the rainy days)
(x) got/gave something from/to someone during the valentines week (i gave roses to all of my girl friends, note the separation of the words girl and friends)
( ) had a class after 6:00 pm (I had a couple of 6 - 9 exams though)
(x) talked about someone passing by while on a bench in SJ walk (my favorite pasttime! making fun of the people who walked in SJ, evil at its best!)
(x) studied in conservatory (Especially during my HUMBIO days. When I shifted to marketing, the conserv was mainly used as a cooling station)
(x) printed somewhere near outside the campus (I even had stuff laminated)
(x) typed somewhere near outside the campus (for a trimester, Alva and Netopia became a second home)
(x) crammed (as much as I hated cramming, you just can't help it)
(x) did a last minute paper (i should'nt be admitting to this)
(x) dated a lasallian
(x) had a crush on your blockmate (my first girlfriend was a blockmate)
(x) had a crush on your classmate (classmates)
(x) had a crush on your professor (her name was Ms. Lee, and she taught Chem Lab)
(x) had a crush on a schoolmate (hanging out in SJ Walk will do this to you)
(x) attended a seminar outside lasalle (Mostly for Marketing, and they were expensive!)
( ) talked to a lasallian celebrity (I don't really give high regard to Lasallian celebrities)
( ) slept in a class (I don't have the balls to do this)
(x) had a lasallian girlfriend/boyfriend
( ) been in a conflict with a professor (you mean fist-fight?, nope)
(x) witness pda inside the campus (oh yes, the horrors!)
(x) use a computer in the computer laboratories (to enroll, to type, to surf - name it, i've done it)
( ) be drunk somewhere near outside the campus (i only very recently discovered the evils of alcohol
( ) forget your ID at home (this was my biggest fear back in the day, fortunately, it never happened)
(x) get exempted from finals (about a couple of times)
( ) stay at school till 10:00 or later (i didn't love LaSalle enough to do this)
(x) actually read a whole article in The Lasallian (read it from cover to cover)
(x) actually read a whole article in Plaridel (read it from cover to cover)
(x) took time to look at the 'Proudly Lasallian' stands in the campus (i think i remember doing this)
(x) thought that yuchengco restrooms are the best restrooms (cleanest and biggest!)
(x) shifted / planned to shift (succeeded in shifting - from HUMBIO to Marketing)
(x) read a whole book borrowed at the library (i even read a whole book IN the Library
(x) eat inside the classroom (even at the Science laboratories, with dead stuff and all)
( ) get a txt or call with your cellphone not in silentmode during class (always kept my phone on silent mode while in class. Loser)
(x) spend money for 1X1 ID picture
(x) break something in the laboratory (both beakers and test tubes )
(x) ask the library for an endorsement (i accidentally returned a book late, i couldn't enroll. Imagine the hassle!)
(x) entered the thesis room in the library (by the time I graduated from DLSU, I was a common sight in the library)
(x) searched a professor in the DLSU website (probably when i was doing background checks on them)
( ) park in the beach (never brought a car througout my stay there, i've hung around the beach though)
( ) park in Sports Complex (i've hung out at the SC parking lot though)
(x) eat siomai (inside or outside near the school) (siomai in Z2 rocks!)
(x) tasked to photocopy for a bunch of people (earned me a few pogi points as well)
(x) enter a job fair in campus (came close to getting a job there)
(x) buy a raffle ticket, donate something, sign a signature campaign inside the campus (never won though)
(x) sell raffle tickets, ask for donations, made people sign signature campaigns inside the campus (i've did my share of this)
(x) watch something at night in the yuchengco theater
( ) make a video for a class project
(x) make a powerpoint presentation (oh yes)
(x) give a very low evaluation to a professor (this was the only way to get back at them)
(x) eat inside the java cafe (they have good chicken there.)
( ) be pissed with a guard (never paid much attention to them)
(x) go to the clinic (for the dreaded Physical Exams! ugh!)
( ) nearly reached / reached excess absences (i don't have to worry about this, me being in the DL and all...)
(x) pick a popular professor (what were my background checks for if not for this)
(x) be the one to make the 'mass overload sound' in an elevator (I laughed at people who have had this unfortunate event happen to them, until i experienced it myself. Man, ego burst)
(x) buy something in the bookstore (test booklets, text books, the rare greeting card)
( ) lose your cellphone (i'm proud to say that i haven't lost a phone...yet)

A BOOK THAT WILL HOPEFULLY CHANGE MY LIFE

Here's the book I've been raving about for the past couple of entries. The Perks of Being A Wallflower by Stephen Chbosky.

I can compare it to JD Salinger's The Catcher And The Rye in a modern (early 90's) setting, given an MTV-esque twist. Its basically a coming of age story of a young boy (I would say young man, given the level of his introspectiveness) who is described to be a wallflower, going on a journey of self-discovery. I found this book to be very moving and relevant to my life. If only everyone would have the chance to read this book at an early age, the world would probably be a better off place (Ha!, hows that for a testimonial).

Thanks to the people who forced me to read this book, it turned out to be a very reflective and hopefully, life-changing experience for me reading it.

Another moving poem, taken from the book "The Perks of Being A Wallflower" by Stephen Chbosky. Makes you feel good to be alive

UNTITLED

Once on a yellow piece of paper with green line

he wrote a poem

And he called it "Chops"

because that was the name of his dog

And that's what it was all about

And his teacher gave him an A

and a gold star

And his mother hung it on the kitchen door

and read it to his aunts

That was the year Father Tracy

took all the kids to the zoo

And he let them sing on the bus

And his little sister was born

with tiny toenails and no hair

And his mother and father kissed a lot

And the girl around the corner sent him a

Valentine signed with a row of X's

and he had to ask his father what the X's meant

And his father always tucked him in bed at night

And was always there to do it

Once on a piece of white paper with blue lines

he wrote a poem

And he called it "Autumn"

because that was the name of the season

And that's what it was all about

And his teacher gave him an A

and asked him to write more clearly

And his mother never hung it on the kitchen door

because of its new paint

And the kids told him

That Father Tracy smoked cigars

And left butts on the pews

And sometimes they would burn holes

That was the year his sister got glasses

with thick lenses and black frames

And the girl around the corner laughed

when he asked her to go see Santa Claus

And the kids told him why

his mother and father kissed a lot

And his father never tucked him to bed at night

And his father got mad

when he cried for him to do it.

Once on a paper torn from his notebook

he wrote a poem

And he called it "Innocence: A Question"

because that was the question about his girl

And that's what is was all about

And his professor gave him an A

and a strange steady look

And his mother never hung it on the kitchen door

because he never showed her

That was the year Father Tracy died

And he forgot how the end

of the Apostle's Creed went

And he caught his sister

making out on the back porch

And his mother and father never kissed

or even talked

And the girl around the corner

wore too much makeup

That made him cough when he kissed her

but he kissed her anyway

because that was the thing to do

And at three A.M. he tucked himself into bed

his father snoring soundly

That's why on the back of a brown paper bag

he tried another poem

And he called it "Absolutely Nothing"

Because that's what it was all about

And he give himself an A

and a slash on each damned wrist

And he hung it on the bathroom door

because this time he didn't think

he could reach the kitchen

One of my favorite poems:

Children

Works of Kahlil Gibran

And a woman who held a babe against her bosom said, 'Speak to us of Children.'

And he said:

Your children are not your children.

They are the sons and daughters of Life's longing for itself.

They come through you but not from you,

And though they are with you, yet they belong not to you.

You may give them your love but not your thoughts.

For they have their own thoughts.

You may house their bodies but not their souls,

For their souls dwell in the house of tomorrow, which you cannot visit, not even in your dreams.

You may strive to be like them, but seek not to make them like you.

For life goes not backward nor tarries with yesterday.

You are the bows from which your children as living arrows are sent forth.

The archer sees the mark upon the path of the infinite, and He bends you with His might that His arrows may go swift and far.

Let your bending in the archer's hand be for gladness;

For even as he loves the arrow that flies, so He loves also the bow that is stable.

On Being A Wallflower

I read a fantastic short novel over the week end. Its called "The Perks of Being A Wallflower" by Stephen Chbosky. A friend who introduced me to this book apparently saw me in the main character of the story when she read it, and consequently persuaded me to read it as well. I read this book in one sitting over the course of two and a half hours on a Friday night. The story made such an impression and struck a chord that I had to read it again on Sunday.

I remember being called a Wallflower back when I was still in highschool. No one bothered to explain what the term meant, but being the naive person that I was at the time, I remember being offended at being called a wallflower. My idea of a wallflower was a person who no one bothered to pay attention to - the type of person nobody wanted to dance with during the prom and other social events. In an age where acceptance was all that mattered, being called a wallflower and having a misconception with the term's definition was enough to burst someone's ego. Until very recently, this was how shallow my definition of a wallflower was. The book defined a wallflower as someone who sees...and understands. He is content to stand outside the fringes of life and observe what is happening, content not to meddle in circumstances both mundane and meaningful. A person who chooses to retreat to his solitary shell and resolve things on his own, rather than inconvenience the people around him. He is a person who listens and is good at it, but chooses not to involve himself for fear of rejection and being hurt. With these definitions, I accept myself at being a Wallflower.

I was surprised to find how similar I was to the main character in terms of his introspectiveness with the events happening around him. The way he gets affected and emotional at the slightest things vividly reminded me of my awkward years. I was particularly struck by one of the lines in the story when he said that being alone and spending time alone used to be so easy for him. This still holds true for me today in some ways. "Participating", the term used for being involved in other people's lives is something i've only learned to do very recently, and the truth is - there are still a lot of factors (or hang-ups, whatever you may call them) holding me back and keeping me from devoting myself to fully participate in life. In my heart, I know I am ready and should be ready to live and be involved, but in my mind, warning signs flash in my head that tell me that I might get burned. This is my internal conflict. This is what I have to live with everyday until I gather up the courage and will to overcome my demons. I end this entry with a memorable line from the book, which the main character says will never forget for the rest of his life. I personally believe it is open to many interpretations, depending on the mood or state of mind one is in. In the same light, I too, will never forget this statement: "We accept the love we deserve."

I made my Christmas shopping list this morning and I made a realization, though not at all surprising if you knew me well, that made me ponder on the extent of my involvement in all things social: I have kept in touch with very few people over the years. What made me come to this conclusion? I was able to finish my holiday list in about 30 seconds - family and friends included.

While people may always quote the cliche that its not in the quantity of friends one has, but in the quality, I still find it mildly disturbingto realize that I've virtually lost contact with the people I considered good friends from a period of 5 years ago and less. And it's not that i've burned bridges with all of them, but more of a matter of just being too preoccupied with other things at the time.

Of course, the blame for this can only be pointed at me. I know that if i'd only made the time and given enough effort, I wouldn't be at the current state i'm in regarding friendships. No, I am not feeling pitiful at myself for the lack of depth in my social network...yet. I even consider myself lucky for having what set of friends I keep myself up to speed with. They are all gems in my book. But I guess it wouldn't hurt to have a few more meaningful connections. Although the upside is that you have fewer names to remember for the holidays, the trade-off could be a life-time of pondering why you let a what would have been good friendship slip away because you were too lazy to do anything about it...

What I Did On My Birthday

I turned 23 last October 18. Since that day, people have been asking me what productive activity I did during my birthday. I guess they were expecting me to give an answer like, "I spent the day with friends and loved ones by my side, as I looked back on the past 365 days of my life with them. After which, I had a sumptuous dinner with my family to put a cap on a very special and memorable day." When I tell them that I hid from the world on my birthday, and that it was by choice, they get worried, even to the point of asking if i'm depressed.

Well no, I'm not depressed at all. In fact, I feel positively rejuvenated. I guess taking a 1-day sabbatical (if you can call it that) from society, especially on your birthday can do wonders for one's soul. Although I wouldn't recommend it to everyone. Being alone during one's birthday requires strong resolve.

So yes, I was alone on my "special" day for most of the day, and the only form of communication I had with the people I know consisted of texting the phrase "Thanks ____(your name here)!" whenever someone sent a greeting. But that didn't mean my day wasn't productive. I'm going to answer the question people have been asking me for the past couple of days. Here's what I did on my birthday.

1. I was able to renew my driver's license - I spent my morning at the nearest LTO office going through the motions of having my driver's license renewed. I don't know who's bright idea it was from the LTO to have the expiry date of your license to fall on the date of your birth. This errand forced me to put my self-imposed exile on hold for about 2 hours as I filled out forms, peed into a cup, posed for a headshot, and parted with my cash, all for the sake of being allowed to drive on the streets of Manila.

2. I practiced my cooking - I had the nerve to tell my mom that I would take care of fixing my own lunch and not bother the household help. Already being an expert in preparing my favorite dish - beef salpicao, I sucked up the courage to experiment in the kitchen and apply the same recipe to a more delicate meat...fish. I was pleasantly surprised at the outcome of my cooking efforts. My bangus salpicao actually tasted good! Although I had a minor mishap early on while sauteing garlic. My adventurous side got the better of me as I decided to pour a dollop of honey over frying garlic. Man, i've never seen garlic burn, turn black, and make smoke that fast.

3. I caught up with my DVD-Watching - I was able to watch a couple of movies as well as a number of episodes of the TV series i'm currently addicted to. I saw Black Hawk Down, a number of episodes of the Office, and (Gasp!) The Little Mermaid on DVD. Reminds me of the days when I didn't have to worry about going to work...simply because I had none.

4. Was able to start reading again - I started browsing up on one of my favorite books, for the simple reason that I'm planning to try it out in the office sometime and see if it actually works. The title? 48 Laws of Power by Robert Greene. A must for would-be future power-grabbers and power-hungry individuals.

So you see, my birthday wasn't all that bad. In fact, I think I spent it wisely. Depending on the type of social creature you are, spending your birthday this way may either depress or rejuvenate you. I'm glad the latter happened to me. I hope this answered the questions people have been asking me all week. And no, I'm not depressed.

23 Things I Want Now That I'm 23

1. Visit another country with my own money
2. Take up cooking and see if I have the passion for it
3. Become fit and take boxing classes
4. Learn to play the guitar on my own (I already bought the book)
5. Establish a business, no matter how small it is
6. Travel alone for the first time
7. Begin playing the "game" in the workplace
8. Become promiscuous and play around
9. Increase the investments in my UITF account
10. Get into investing in stocks
11. Become a foodie / gourmand
12. Overcome my fear of dating
13. Test the waters
14. Become famous... ok, semi-famous will do
15. Do something extreme, like jumping off a building
16. Sing in a band or a choir
17. Begin showing people the full extent of my potential
18. Work on my socializing skills, and become a social butterfly
19. Look into the possibility of living on my own
20. Give the oldest profession a try :)
21. Explore other opportunities for work
22. Try an illegal substance
23. Live long enough to make another list