After Nine Years

Elated and blessed financially hours before my trip, I hurriedly boarded a taxi to fetch my ticket. Yotchie had already brought the ticket for me coz I knew for sure that I could not be able to leave the office before 7pm. Although Lyng assured me that tickets will be released at 7pm and that there would still be available tickets even if I arrive at the terminal an hour before departure, I still wanted to make sure that I got the ticket exactly at 7pm (just a habit of mine).

Was so touched that Yotchie made effort to be there earliest even it wasn’t due for releasing. So I was thinking that he deserves a reward, a dozen of choco butternut is perfect.

After cutting through the red tapes, I finally got hold of the “Promo Slip”, which entitles me to a dozen donuts paid via salary deduction (SD).

By this time, my boss has not yet arrived and I can’t leave the office without getting all the papers cleared and signed. There were checks to be signed and papers to be approved so I really need to wait for him. It was already 5:30pm, the accounting pips already deserted their work station (as always – they are referred to us The 5:01’s”).

The waiting was rewarded with a P500 bill and two sets of D10 & M20 (this refers to donuts and munchkins and the number represents the quantity of pieces placed inside the box).

Before going to the pier, I had a quick dinner with Yotchie and then we went to the pier. As an occasional traveler, a pier and its standard procedures is totally alien to me. If I had a mirror right that very moment, I’d surely look like a stranx ded-worried passenger not knowing what to do. I did not know that we really have to board that bus so that we could board the ship. Eckoy and Janjan shared the same worries.

I was texting Yotchie every minute telling him my worries. I would really want him to come with me but I guess that he has work to do…

Txt mssg from Yotchie:

Im on my way home.. d ku ka 2o mularga ka kw ra usa.. mingaw ku nmu.. -10/28/06 9:34 pm

Bai? Naguol ku 4 u.. ingun pa lagi ayaw nlang daun.. -10/28/06 9:48pm


Finally, minutes before departure, saw the two of them and transferred nearer to their deck. I could not soundly sleep aboard boats (no matter how big it might be). Kept on checking the digital numbers on my cellphone and its signal, checked if I could still see some lights in the island and then glance on the other passengers. I was bringing an unbinded copy of Angels & Demons (printed by Yotchie), so at least my thought was occupied with something else instead of thinking tragic water-accident-stories.

A & D is the second Dan Brown novel I’ve read after Da Vinci Code. I would really have wanted to read it a year ago but did not find the luxury to do so. There were few copies back then circulated around classmates and the reservation is too long. Buying a copy was not my option either, so, I waited this far and get the time to read on a very inappropriate place.

Conscious of the black water just a few feet away from where I enclosed my security, I managed to take short naps and then woke up every time we hit a big wave.

Docking calculated on time, I prepared my things but Lyng txted Eckoy that we will leave at 3:30am earlier that day, find a tricycle and head for the terminal to look for a V-Hire bound for Garcia-Hernandez. After waking up two of my companions whom I just met that night and the other one I met just once, we briskly made our way out of the pier.

After nine years, I’m finally back in Bohol. Oh! In case nobody knows, Bohol has been a very significant and memorable place on why I was convinced that I should pursue a journalistic related career in college. Nine years ago, I won in the new writing category (Filipino) in the Regional Schools Press Conference. I was on cloud nine by that time. With happiness as short as mine, it was also an opportunity for me to meet new people and to believe that I could also make myself proud through simple paragraphs.

Snapping back, we were approached by this twenty-something driver and told us that the fare is P150 only but for us he’ll just ask for P100. I giggly reacted. Oh! Ok! We told him thanks but we are waiting for someone or something… to make the story short, a kind driver drove us for P20/head to the terminal but we did not really arrived in there for a bus headed to Jagna passed by and so we boarded on it.

Although we passed through Lyng’s place, Eckoy and Janjan only reacted when we were already in the church. Yeah! Anyways, we arrived, had a quick breakfast, took a bath and changed clothes (of course) then waited for 10:00 am for the Ninong and Ninang’s seminar.

Zoelle’s baptism…

Fifteen minutes before time, we were informed that we need to wear skirts! I was not bringing one and so please refer to the photos.

I was still sleepy when I stepped inside their church. Its structure is mainly made out of lumber and wood, it was just painted to conceal the pillars and make you think that it was made out of cement. The structure is already dilapidated; its doors were already old and needs reconstruction. Lyng paid P200 upon listing our names There were only two babies scheduled for baptism that time, the other one was two years old. I thought that we’d be attending a mass then baptism would follow. Then I understand that there were only few babies unlike here in the city, and there was no scheduled mass at that time.

I slept for most of the time while the old lady conducted the seminar. Her voice is so inaudible and even if she wanted to make her discussion humorous, I could not ride on it. For sure, she could visibly see me sleeping but at least I did not snore. (smile)

Around 11am I guess, we were ushered to come forward in the altar, Zoelle was on her best cutie dress (Lyng informed me that it was the same dress she wore when she was baptized). I expected that the priest would look older, but he was younger than I expected. Perhaps, he looks like he just sworn in the vow of chastity a few weeks ago. Hehehehe

Woow!

I'd be updating this post with photos of Zoelle’s baptism as soon as I get a copy from Lyng. So just keep on coming back.

(to be continued)

Proclamation

Create Your Own!

ROM

On a cold rainy afternoon here in the office, I posed for awhile and remembered....

Lightning and thunder has always fascinated me. When Jenel and I were still young enough to know the science behind this natural wonder, we cover our ears and never dare to open our mouth, afraid that lightning might see our teeth and strike us dead. We would clothed all the mirror we could find. We hide our radio. And then we wrapped ourselves in our mat until we drift to sleep and woke up to see that water is already knee-deep in our silong. We would then hear Mama and Papa traversing back and forth in our tiny abode trying their best to drain the rainwater. This rainy memory has been instilled in ROM ever since i gained consciousness.

At least now, Papa squeezes a little rug on a little pail every time it rains. Mama no longer helps. I could already tolerate thundering sound, we no longer cover our mirrors, I no longer cover myself and sleep covered with our sleeping mat.

The First Time I Sailed Away

Soo excited to go to Bohol tonight! Finally, I could go back to Bohol after 9 years. And alone without Papa.

Can you imagine that? The last time I visited Bohol was during the Regional Schools Press Conference, I was a grader back then. Papa accompanied me (of course that was my first ever trip out of the island and the very first time I rode a ship). It's a smaller version of ships I have imagined ten years ago. For a young mind, it was already a battle ship.

As a hydrophobic, my imagination is cut short to just trekking and scaling mountains (which was just came to realization two years ago). I just don't really know why I'm hammering this thought right this very moment despite the fact that I have a "minutes" to finish before the end of the day.

Tonight, I pray for the wind to safely sail me to Bohol.

I feel really bad coz wala ko niapil sa prayer... From tita gwapa, i went straight here sa net cafe...

when there is darkness

If I were a bat, what kind of future would I have?

Living in complete darkness has never came to mind but just yesterday, with the power failure starting dawn till nightfall and with our house with no windows, we were completely living in darkness.

I was more concern of Jash, for we knew for a fact that he can’t sleep without the electric fan. Woke up that day almost noon time and upon knowing that we got no electricity I decided to go some place where I could properly rest. It is a Sunday. The only day that I could reward my self with a peaceful-long sleep. The only day where I could be away from the hassles of office work, away from my boss, away from all the assuming beings, away from preys, away from them all.

I left home when Jash was already asleep (her mama was the one painstakingly fanning him with our native fan) and when I arrived home, theywere still in tha tsame position. Jenel already complained that her arms already ached fanning our sweet angel.

VECO owes an apolgy to us...

---------

Moving backwards, I ruined my eyes playing neopet close to seven hours and nearly starving myself to death. I admit that when I get addicted into something, I never let it go, until something accidenta/incidental occured for me to realize that I should stop and let go.

I am very envious with my sister when she boasted to me that her safety deposit box is already on the 6th page. This touched my ego.

Thanks to Yotchie who kindly fetched me a dinner of chicken and puso... Smile. As always, his sweetness and thoughtfulness never fails to make my heart beat a bit faster than the usual.

Salamat sa pag-unong nako, Yotchie.

Random Thoughts

It has been a short week for me, maybe because I was so busy doing things, here and there, that I wasn’t able to keep track of the day. It’s a silent Saturday here in the office because of DUNKINEGOSYO. I did not attend simply because I just want to savor each pleasurable memory that my boss is not around to mess up with me.

I wasn’t able to watch Pinoy Dream Academy for almost two weeks now. Every time I got home, after eating, I drift to the tempting sleepaholic habit of mine.

Just last week, I signed up with Tagged. It’s a simplified version of Friendster but it’s primarily US based. So, if your from Asia and other continents, you just have to choose a place in the US that rings in your ear. I chose Hampshire.

Last night, Friday, Yotchie treat me for a dinner over at Ayala. I just don’t really mean it. Well, I said sorry for the lousy act. And I mean it.

Confidential things are confidential things.

Learn from it Jac.

Learn from it.

Bored Thoughts

It's a Friday and the 13th day of October. As we all kow, today has been marked as a day where dangers (aacidents) and other creepy things might likely occur. I don't really know the truth brhind FRIDAY the 13th, as portrayed in horror films, but this particular day is a mark that another interesting weekend is yet to come! Yohoo!

So busy today even if my boss is not around. The circle of LIFE. Believe that after every storm, there is sunshine! Anyways, here's a photo Sir Dodong took sa office. With me are the Accounting pips, Stephen, Joey and Emie.

Looking back....

Last night, Yotchie fetched me sa office. We had dinner and with his new haircut last Sunday, he looks so charming! As in! People you should see Patrick now! Swear! No biases ha!

"Mas angayan siya sa iyang new haircut. Sayang wala ko photo niya."
-Me

And yeah... to celebrate the 13th day of Ocober, please find below this post about MJ as the impostor... check it out!

Bisan bored, smile.

Michael Jackson Dead?

Yotchie told me last night that he has this news story about MJ being dead and that the MJ we knew of is an impostor. Oh, well here is it... Fictitous or not... the article is a very good example of a news feature or an errr... an invetigitative reporting with a touch of fiction.

Neverland Ranch Investigators Discover Corpse Of Real Michael Jackson

SANTA BARBARA, CA-During a search for evidence at the Neverland Valley Ranch, investigators discovered a corpse that has been identified as that of Michael Jackson, Santa Barbara police officials announced Tuesday.

If technology is there to help...

"Mura kag naa sa call center."

This is what I heard from everybody! My boss has this device, called "amplified headset". This device has really nothing to boast. In fact, my effeciency in answering the phone has just been cut down to 75%. Lousily, I could not prop the headphone right away in my head and it takes 2o seconds for me to adjust the mic.

My boss insists that i have to use this lousy device. Oh dear! I am really going to suffer!

Sure-Q Builders

Went to attend Sir Carl’s blessing of his office last night together with a few officemates. Was so amazed on how he get to put his life so organize. Very evident in his 200 sq. m abode is his fondness for fancy furniture. The interior is decorated with sweet curtains in floral and fruity prints. The doors to their rooms were hanged with shell soaked in blue for the master’s room and pink for their Shammy.

I envy him for such organize life, but at the back of my mind.. was also asking if what are the things that he could not manage to put down on his list?

Anyways, last night was an opportunity me to get to know two of my officemates in the Accounting Department. The food was great and such a coincidence for the caterer happened to be the owner of the carenderia Yotchie and I did not like.

Was so excited to tell Yotchie what I just learned for graces of all graces, Jojo (the caterer and schoolmate of SIr Carl way back in their high school years) was also on his way home to Jones (Uytengsu) and so M'Ana MArie and I hitched for a ride.

The night ended sweetly...

To give you more idea of what happened, here are some of the photos:

Holier than ever, at the attic where they transformed it as a cozy office and workroom.

After taking our share of bite, Sir Carl (the proud one in red), shares us his thoughts and the yummy empanada as well.

The DUNKIN Pipz trying to make a hit over red wine and SMB. Let's sing to it!

The night ended sweetly....

Edited 'Dre?

He's not into showbizness. He's not into modelling as well! ANdre! Nganong gwapo man ka sa imong photo? Ha? Kinsay nagEdit! Gisapot ko niya!!!! Ahehehehehe Edited or not... gwapo jud ka Dreamboy! Miss our days together.. hope I could shoot a film with you!

Bitaw, basin magJelly na akong uyab ani.. ahehehehehe Yotchie, kaw gihapon ang pinaka-gwapo sa tanan. Mwuahhhhhh

As I welcome the October breeze, I was getting more excited that with the fast rolling of the calendar days, my contract would soon to end, thus, freeing me from this bondage.

Thanks to Yotchie's warmth, I am still whole.

Curl-Up

I found a place at the Dragon's office and curled in Sir Serg's table. Was wildly sick this morning. Half-conscious, I made my way to the comfort room (only Emar could count how many times), staggering, trying to compose myself....

I savor each moment of my punishment... Yes, I complain but I am thankful.

Idle

I did nothing of significance today. So sleepy despite sipping two mugs of coffee.

Make Over

After mulling over, I finally decided to change my blog image provided that I could still see shades of green. I had plans of changing template long before and had tried customizing it for over a hundred times. Strewed and disorder, I find my previous blog overly decorated with animations that it steals away from my eyes the richness of pleasurably reading my thoughts.

Still about blogging, I read Ma’am Mayette Tabada’s Mata-mata flaring the header Blogdie. True, blogging is now the phenomenal alternative for diaries, journals and thought-keeping. Looking back, I used to fill my notebook with events that highlighted my days. I recalled that the last entry i scribbled on it was about four months ago. I could no longer afford to pick it up and even scribble a few words on it since I started working. My work is much closer to the world wide web. A click away, I could already navigate to this blog and hammer down whatever I wanted to. It has also served as my bestfriend which never fails to comfort me in my failing moments.

Peeping through my freind's daily struggles and adventures through their posts is as easy as viewing through a wide window where you could see pastures in different hues.

Writing whether in a new media or in the traditional way, for me, does not make any difference. As long as you enjoy every minute of it writing and enhancing ,as long as I could scan those old lines again...

But I'd still be scribbling down some notes on that notebook, what if brownout?

Folded Paper in my Hands

I could have not watch Pinoy Dream Academy if not because of Chai....

Expulsion Night: Held my breath. Turned crazy running back and forth holding Sunstar Weekned's copy where Chai adorned in black and whiteposed. Yvan was saved by the people's votes, Rosita did it again through the teachers and the fight is between Geoff and Chai. It's no longer about the talent. It's about who gain the most friends... I'm glad she was saved.

Till the next expulsion night...