Birthday Blues

My birthday’s coming up and I am not the least bit excited. In fact, i am not looking forward to it at all.

Unlike my previous birthdays, I have no plans whatsoever for this year. My college friends insisted we celebrate, so we’re having a drinking session on the eve of my birthday, which I expect to end early, since its a weekday and almost all of them have work the following day. Other than that, nothing…

I am swamped with work, so I think I’ll end up having a date with my laptop on my birthday. How pathetic.

Its not the first time I’m having the birthday blues. I remember I would have tantrums on my birthday in previous years, when I’d rather sleep through the whole day than celebrate with friends or family. Just last year I had a birthday celebration and noticed that of all the pictures taken at my party, only 3 photos had me in them. I was probably just sitting in one corner then, watching my guests have fun… But my birthday blues are usually short-lived. A birthday cake, whether home-baked by my mom or bought at a store, would somehow make me feel better.

A friend would ask me each year what I would like for my birthday, and I would give him the same answer every time: “Cake! It isn’t a birthday without cake!” He’d still give me another gift aside from my request, but really, the cake would be enough…

That’s probably one reason I’m feeling sad these days. I don’t think I’ll have my cake this year…

And knowing that I’m turning a year older does not make me happier…

Hangover

Definition:

HANGOVER

(noun)

A hangover describes the sum of unpleasant physiological effects following heavy consumption of drugs, particularly alcoholic beverages. The most commonly reported characteristics of a hangover include headache, nausea, sensitivity to light and noise, lethargy, dysphoria and thirst.

My cousins and friends gathered at our house last night to celebrate. Two reasons: 1. Dondi, my cousin, is now a registered nurse, and 2. It’s our little town’s Fiesta!

The menu: fish steak, chicken, chips, popcorn, tequila, vodka, Infinit, and Red Horse.

I already had several shots of Infinit and Red Horse when some of the guests with bartending skills (or maybe just too much experience with alcohol), started to create different concoctions. Being my adventurous self, I just had to try them all!

PAUL’S MIX: Vodka Seven = Vodka + 7-up + lemon (optional)

It was good since I couldn’t really taste the vodka. After downing several gulps, my cousin warned me not to be deceived because it will hit me stronger than I expect! Well, thanks a lot Paul ,you just had to tell me after I finished the whole glass!

ATE UCHI’S MIX: Vodka + Lemon with sugar

I was told to take the shot of vodka first then suck on the lemon dipped in sugar. So I did just that. But, I missed the part where I had to leave the vodka in my mouth first and swallow it together with the lemon and sugar. Ack! I felt my throat burn when I swallowed the vodka in its purest form…Sheesh..

TRICIA’S MIX: Tequila Sunrise = Orange Juice + Tequila + Grenadine syrup

I know Tequila Sunrise, but I have never tried ordering it in bars. I usually get kamikaze or margarita. So when my sister mixed one, I immediately tried it… My mistake! It was so strong! I think she put too much tequila and grenadine. Never trust a drunken person to mix your drink! Her next try tasted like punch.

ERWIN’S MIX: Traffic light = Vodka + Blue Curacao + Orange Juice + Grenadine syrup

This was my favorite! The colorful mix got my attention instantly. It wasn’t hard to swallow, too. You would feel the slight tingle in your stomach, not in your throat. I think I had about 6 shots of this one. Oops..!

So there! We ended our drinking session at 2AM, quite early. After trying everything, with sips of Infinit in between, what do I get?! A hangover!

I planned to sleep til late afternoon, but a phone call woke me up at 9:30AM! Major headache! I slept again after that call.

Now I know what a hangover really is, it’s Mother Nature’s way of telling you, “Fool, I thought I told you not to drink so much. Now you gonna pay!”

I swear I’m not going to drink that much again…

Letting go…

To let go isn’t to forget, not to think about it, or ignore.

It doesn’t leave feelings of anger, jealousy, or regret.

Letting go isn’t about winning or losing.

It’s not about pride, and its not about how you appear, and it’s not about obsessing or dwelling on the past.

Letting go isn’t blocking memories or thinking sad thoughts, and doesn’t leave emptiness, hurt, or sadness.

It’s not about giving in or giving up.

Letting go isn’t about loss and it’s not about defeat.

To let go is to cherish memories, to overcome and move on.

It is having an open mind in confidence for the future.

Letting go is learning, experiencing, and growing.

To let go is to be thankful for the experiences that made you laugh, made you cry, and made you grow.

It’s about all that you have, all that you had, and all that you will soon gain.

Letting go is having the courage to accept change, and the strength to keep moving.

Letting go is growing up.

It is realizing that the heart can sometimes be the most potent remedy.

To let go is to open a door, to clear a path and let yourself free.

Roadtrip – rants, raves and realizations

I am one of three daughters, spent almost a decade of my life in an all-girls school, and (believe it or not!) once considered becoming a nun… My interaction with the opposite gender started in college (except for one soiree we had during 2nd year high school, which is negligible). Little did I know, my 5 years at the UST Faculty of Engineering, surrounded by the male kind, prepared me for 1 unforgettable week with 6 crazy guys — RJ, Mond, JB, Hans, BM and Bugs!

Don’t get me wrong. I have guy friends and I love them all! But when you are a lone female, on a 7-day road trip with 6-10 guys (including the event organizers who were with us during the whole trip), that’s a different story…

We went on a week-long roadshow in Agusan del Norte, Surigao and Butuan. It was a trip we all anticipated. From the time we were at the airport, about to depart, we knew it was going to be one hell of a week… and so it was. The highlights of the trip were not really the jam-packed shows, nor the regular TV/radio visits and motorcades. Of course, we were very happy with the turn-out of each of the shows, but the main events happened far from the stage and klieg lights.

Day 1: Shutter Shades and “Borat”

· “Shutter Shades is the next dimension of sunglasses.” –popularized by Kanye West in his “Stronger” music video.

o Mond and JB’s shutter shades = $30 each via JB’s relative who just returned from the U.S.

o My shutter shades = P300 from a store in Market! Market!

o Mond and JB’s lookon their faces upon seeing me at the airport wearing my new pair of Shutter Shades = priceless!

*Unless you’re really after the brand, and not the look, I wouldn’t recommend buying the original. I’m sure imitations will be all over the place in a few months! You know how ingenious Filipinos are!

I was tired from the trip and wanted to doze early, but the boys insisted we watch a movie as our first “bonding session”. Who could resist? Seconds after they pressed the play button, I wanted to back-out. We were watching “Borat”! The movie was so explicit, and it was awkward to be watching it with a group of guys. But I decided to bear with it and just enjoy! I was laughing the whole time, and the boys thought it was funny that I was uncomfortable watching some of the scenes with them. After the film, the boys went for a swim. I declined the invitation and went to sleep. I knew I had to energize for the long, busy week ahead.

Day 2: “Red Mountain” and a sprained ankle

I woke up at 7:30am and the boys were still snoring away. I let them sleep for another few minutes as I took a shower. Apparently, they went to bed at 6:30 in the morning. By the time all the boys were up and had their breakfast, we were 2 hours behind schedule. I let it pass because I didn’t want to stress myself so early. Besides, the event organizers weren’t too worried about the time either.

It was a 3-hour land travel to our next stop, Cantilan. I thought I could catch some more sleep in the van, but when we reached Nubenta, Red Mountain, Surigao del Sur, it was impossible. It was a really rough ride!

Its called “Red Mountain” because of the reddish soil found in the area. From a distance and in a particular time of the day, the mountain gives out a metallic red color similar to rust. It is also widely believed to contain the largest untapped iron deposit in the world.

Despite being a rocky terrain, it has a breathtaking view, which inspired us to have an impromptu pictorial.

Several shots later, we were back on the road.

Our day was packed with courtesy calls, sponsor visits, TV guestings and radio interviews! Amidst the hustle and bustle, I managed to sprain my right ankle, much to the amusement of the boys. Clumsy me, I missed a stair step at the house we were staying in. Hmmm…

It was a tiring day so I went straight to my room after the show. The boys, however, had so much energy left. They had another film viewing in their room. They were unusually too excited and happy. I wonder what they were watching… On second thought, I don’t really want to know…

Day 3: Mond + JB = chick magnets

The day went quite smoothly until after the show… I caught Mond and JB working their charms on several girls at CT diner, while everybody else were in the van waiting to be brought back to the hotel to get some rest after a long busy day… It was time for a “workshop”.

Definition:

Workshop – to reprimand calmly. Straightforward words followed by silence, which almost always effectively stirs guilt to the offender

Day 4: She “bangs”! Mond strikes 2

I was aware that the boys were drinking and chatting till the wee hours of the morning. Not sure what else they were up to and I didn’t really bother to know. I was getting used to being the only “rose” among the “thorns”. But, I was surprised to find that I wasn’t the only girl in the room, when I woke up! Hmmm…

The day went well although it was drizzling. We managed to have a good show despite the uncooperative weather. Mond’s unfailing charm strikes again — caught him again exchanging digits with the vocalist of their alternate band at Jannex bar. Oh well, boys will be boys.

Day 5: Phil

The testosterone level rises a notch higher with the addition of Phil, a URCC fighter, in our entourage.

His huge physique makes him appear intimidating. But, we later on discovered his gentle persona.

Day 6: Typhoon “Frank”

We ended the roadshow on a high note. The energy level at the Cabadbaran show was overwhelming. We were ready to go home, fulfilled and happy. RJ, JB and I left right after the show to travel to Cagayan de Oro to catch the earliest flight to Manila. We had to make it in time for RJ’s 9am calltime for his TV guesting. Unfortunately, typhoon “Frank” caused the temporary suspension of flights to and from Manila. We waited at the CDO airport for 6 hours. We were tired, sleepless, and hungry.

Day 7: Stranded

Cebu Pacific finally allowed their planes to take flight at around 12nn. We missed RJ’s TV guesting. The rest of the boys, who we thought were also already on the plane to Manila by that time, were still at the Balanghai hotel in Butuan. What we didn’t know was that the event organizers failed to confirm their booking due to fund problems. They had no means of sending the boys home. Panic attack. I was very angry at the event organizer for not informing me of the real problem. The boys were my responsibility and I shouldn’t have gone home without them. I was worried about seat availabilities since a lot of flights were cancelled because of the typhoon. Good thing my sister works for a travel company and we managed to secure seats for the boys for the next day’s flight.

Day 7: Ransomed

Finally, the boys arrived safely. We fetched them at the airport and celebrated their return with a simple dinner at my house.

It was a crazy week indeed. We managed to surpass the sticky situations and all in all, we enjoyed the experience. The difficulties made it even more worth remembering. I learned a lot from that trip….

1. Boys will be Boys

2. Mond + JB = disaster!

3. Careful with the steps… a sprained ankle will slow you down

4. There are so many beautiful places to discover in the Philippines

5. Do not trust too much. Expecting is one way of hurting yourself.

6. Prayer brings inner strength.

7. You can always count on true friends. They help you weather every storm, they cheer you when you are down, and they chide you when you are wrong.

8. I am surrounded by good people.

9. I don’t need a single man to be happy – I have 6 lovable guys who I can laugh and even cry with…

10. I found the brothers I never had.

Sometimes you have to runaway so you can see who will run after you.

Sometimes you have to talk quieter just to see who is listening.

Sometimes you have to step up to a fight just to see who is standing by your side.

Sometimes you have gotta make a wrong decision to see who is there to fix it.

Sometimes you have to let go of the ones you love to see if they love you enough to come back.

Going Places

Since my last blog entry, I have been to Bacolod, Bulacan, Cavite, Pangasinan, and Bohol. It doesn’t matter if its all for work. I still find it fun. I enjoy travelling, seeing new sights, meeting new people. Its refreshing for me!

Of all the places I’ve visited recently, I enjoyed Pangasinan and Bohol the most.

There was not much to see in Bacolod, we spent most of the time in our hotel. Besides, I’ve been to Bacolod several times already.

Bulacan was just a quick trip. Spent more time in the van on the road than in Bulacan itself. Just had dinner with the hosts, then on to the show, then back to Manila.

Cavite was hot! Literally. Had a show at Island Cove for the employees of Hitachi. We had little sleep coming from Bulacan so we took advantage of the cozy hotel rooms and ignored the call of the waves… We weren’t able to tour the entire 8-hectares of Island Cove, but we were told they had a safari, a man-made beach and a paint-ball game field, among other attractions.

I have been to Pangasinan before, Urdaneta and Singson.. for the presidential campaign about 4 years ago. I wasn’t really excited about this trip because of the long land travel.. but i was happy to discover hundred islands that made the 4-5 hour trip well worth it! We went swimming and kayaking, and worked up an appetite for the delicious seafood banquet served by our generous hosts. More pics on my multiply site, www.csr0487.multiply.com.

It was my second time in Bohol. I have seen the Baclayon Church, passed by the man-made rainforest, had lunch on one of the well-known floating restaurants on Loboc river, seen the famous chocolate hills and met the tarsiers. I was surprised that there was still much to see. The resort we stayed in, Bohol Tropics, was a wonderful place to begin with… better than Alona Palm where we stayed the last time I was in Bohol. Then there’s the Bohol Beach Club, where we had lunch on our first day. Too bad it was raining hard, and the waves were frightening, we couldn’t go in for a dip. It was still drizzling the next morning so the first-timers missed the chance to see the chocolate hills. But, the rain could not stop us from meeting the giant python and saying hello to the tarsiers.

Then, there’s Marimar, who entertained us with a hilarious number… singing (lip-synching) while hanging upside-down.

We had so much fun going around Bohol, we almost missed our flight.

I have been to so many places in the past few weeks and I am not the least bit tired…In fact, i’m looking forward to my next trip. Should have gone to Quezon yesterday for the Pahiyas festival but had to attend to work left behind with all the travelling. Oh well, I’m off to Samar this Sunday!

Need sleep…

Its 4 AM! My head is spinning from too much thinking… Gotta catch some Zzzzzzzzz’s..

Will write about my (mis)adventures soon…

Wounded

I was at the mall yesterday with a friend, shopping for formal clothes he needed for a pictorial. It wasn’t very easy! He is clueless in the fashion department and I got no help from him at all in picking out HIS suit. We, I mean “I” was just getting started with our search for the perfect outfit when he complained about a blister on his right ankle. I left him at a restaurant to order lunch, while I rushed to Mercury Drug to buy band-aids. Soon after applying the plastic strip, he was back on his feet, happily tagging along. But he later on injured his wallet when he paid PhP8500 for the suit I picked out for him.

How I wish nursing a wounded heart is as easy as applying a plastic strip on a blister…

Hello world!

I have always thought of starting a blog but never really got to doing so until now. I am one of those people who would rather keep their feelings to themselves than have the entire world read about them. But recent events have changed how I feel about blogging, and my entire perspective on love and life, for that matter.

I used to have a journal, way back when a ‘blog’ was just the sound when you fall out of bed. It was a small papemelroti notebook where I wrote down my thoughts for the day, those that I could not say out loud for fear of sounding silly and being laughed at. I remember writing about encounters with my first crush, getting tongue-tied and crimson-faced; about a really interesting book I just read (yes, I am a bookworm); attending the high-school prom and a date at timezone right after, gown, heels and all; and about falling in love the first time…

Come to think of it, it was when I had a boyfriend that I stopped writing in my journal, maybe because there was no need for it anymore. Finally, I had someone to share my thoughts with, someone who would listen and understand, or at least try to. It makes sense all of a sudden that I’m back to writing down my feelings, because I no longer have that someone to share them with…

I’ve come to realize that blogging can be somewhat liberating. You can type whatever you want, however stupid they may be, and you won’t feel the least bit worried about being criticized. Of course, it can’t be helped that there would be people who would come across your page and shake their heads in disapproval. But then again, even the greatest authors have detractors… I’m not after winning a Pulitzer prize. What the heck, welcome to my world.