Scary?

That's my bro!

;P

Pretty Little Seashells...

NOT!

They're actually seashell-shaped chocolates.

Nice to look at..... better to eat!

;)

Bittersweet Love

I liked this song when i heard it a couple of years back because of its beat and melody.

Who would've thought i'd find this song again? and now i can so relate to its lyrics.

You took my handYou showed me how
You promised me you'd be around
Uh huh
That's right

I took your words
And I believed
In everything
You said to me
Yeah huh
That's right

If someone said three years from now
You'd be long gone
I'd stand up and punch them out
Cause they're all wrong

I know better
Cause you said forever
And ever
Who knew

Remember when we were such fools
And so convinced and just too cool
Oh no
No no

I wish I could touch you again
I wish I could still call you friend
I'd give anything

When someone said count your blessings now
'fore they're long gone
I guess I just didn't know how
I was all wrong

They knew better
Still you said forever
And ever
Who knew
Yeah yeah

I'll keep you locked in my head
Until we meet again
And I won't forget you my friend
What happened

If someone said three years from now
You'd be long gone
I'd stand up and punch them out
Cause they're all wrong and
That last kiss
I'll cherish
Until we meet again
And time makes
It harder
I wish I could remember
But I keep
Your memory
You visit me in my sleep
My darling
Who knew
My darling
My darling
Who knew
My darling
I miss you
My darling
Who knew
Who knew

Weekend Run

I said i'm gonna do it again, and so i did!

Nevermind that my feet was tortured by the killer boots yesterday. Nothing's gonna stop me from this now. Except maybe the rain but hey, there's such a thing called treadmill at my aunt's place so i have no reason not to pursue this newfound addiction that i have. ;P

Unlike last week, there are no special attractions today. (I wonder if we broke Ireland's record for the most number of dancers gathered in a dance routine? We'll see about that later.) But today we have a new addition to the bunch!

Si Apple! She's my aunt's niece (in her husband's side, so she's not my cousin) and my younger sister's batchmate in gradeschool. So, y'all can say we're not pretty close (with the age gap and the fact that we rarely see each other) and as usual, my introversion gets in the way.

All throughout the drive to Luneta Grandstand, we were silent at the backseat, laughing occasionally when my uncle cracks a joke or tells a funny story about his younger days. All throughout the drive i was thinking of a good opening for a conversation or at least some small talk. I was telling myself go ask anything! It's gonna be almost 2 hours of walking and jogging and it's pretty damn awkward to act as if you don't know each other.

So i started with a simple how do you do?. And that made the ball rolling. It may not be a very engaging conversation filled with profound words, but at least i got her talking! The whole 2-hour session was fun. We did three rounds at the CCP Main Building ramp and even made fun of the group of guys who passed us by.

We stopped by the market before going home, and while my aunt and uncle do their shopping, Apple and i stayed in the car and talked while we wait for them. Aside from a few silent moments, we were alright. We made fun of some campaign posters of candidates for the barangay elections, we talked about places we've been in and places we wish to explore, and shared some commute bloopers. We were laughing until it was time to go home.


= = =


Now i'm thinking. She was another person who saw my extrovert side--my crazy side. Most of my relatives' and neighbors' (people outside work and school) impression about me is i'm a shy, straight A and boring type of person. It's only just recently that i have let them see my extroverted side.

Most people think i'm a weird person because i got accelerated in gradeschool and i took up psychology in college (close to being untouchable). Well, i can be weird sometimes (we all have our quirks) but i can be fun, too!

When people meet me the first time, people think i'm a chinita snob. But i'm not. Most times, i'm just quietly assessing the other person and also thinking of a good line to start a conversation. Or maybe there were instances when i didn't notice the other person when i'm walking on the street coz i'm so focused on getting to my destination (or maybe i was deep in my thoughts!).

I'm not perfect. I'm not an all-knowing person. I can be slow sometimes. I'm not a chinita snob.

So next time you see me, go ahead and say hi. Make your presence known when you see me walking down the street. As long as i don't get rubbed the wrong way, i won't bite. And you might just see the sweetest chinita smile you've never seen before that could add some more sunshine to your day.

= = =

Have a great weekend!

killer boots

Need i say more?

;P

Trick or Treat!

Pics from the recently concluded DOH Kids' Holloween Party 2007.

And yeah, the kids-at-heart had a little bit of fun as well!

My Heart Smiles Once More!

I got this on SMS yesterday, from an old friend:

until one morning,
i'll wake up and find
i'm thinking about something else,
and then i'll know the worst is over...

my heart might be bruised,
but it will recover
and become capable of seeing
the beauty of life once more...

it happened before,
it will happen again, i'm sure...
when someone leaves,
it's because someone is about to arrive...

i'll find love again.

Me On Top!

Once again, i broke the record!

the office logbook
and that's my name on top!

Still, i admit i'm not a morning person. ;P

Malaya kang gumalaw!

(Translation: You're free to move)

I've decided to tweak my weekend routine by doing some walking/jogging with my aunt and uncle. It's one of the many things I've put on my to-do list after picking up from my last episode. I've closed up another chapter, so it's just fitting to do a different number this time.

The route was to go around the field in front of the Luneta Grandstand and then proceed towards the CCP Complex. Once there, go up the ramp in front of the main building and then back to the Grandstand.

follow the yellow line

up the ramp, then down to the other side

Seen along the way:

one of the many groups doing aerobics along Roxas Boulevard

participants to the Anlene Movement

i envy her long and slender legs ;P

The change of scene was a breath of fresh air (figuratively and literally). Temperature was just right but the 1.5 hours of walking and jogging was more than enough for me to break up a sweat. Lots of it!

I went home feeling a bit lighter. Nevermind the tired legs and sore feet coz it's part of doing it the first time. The pain will go away. I wanna do it again next week!

'Til next Saturday then!

Friday Night-out

As if the feast during the birthday celebration wasn't enough, the girls headed to SM Mall of Asia for some Chinese food for dinner. I was reluctant to join them because i'm subjecting myself (once again!) to less food intake during nighttime. Plus, it was really a special dinner meeting for the doctors who have just graduated from our deployment program. We were just dragged into it.

But it turned out to be a different night. It was filled with laughter, funny stories and conversations about anything and everything. One of the doctors even made a joking remark about the alleged Glorietta 2 bombing.

Finally went home a little more happy, and stuffed! But then, i gained double the calories i burned during the previous afternoon. I'm really getting fat fast. Must.do.something.

Happy Friday

Unfortunately, there was no night-out. Fine with me. There'll be other nights for that.

So, I just spent the late afternoon in the office mini-gym and used the treadmill for a good 30 minutes of walking and a little jogging. Better than no physical activity at all.

Caught up with fellow gigster IB and chatted the time away while we jogged. Turns out he's a treadmill addict like me! Well, he does it more often than me.

= = =

At work today, two of my officemates celebrated their birthdays.

the celebrants

the cake................... and some of the food

yummy!

Their names start with the same letter - J. Both their spouse's names start with the same letter as well. Their children also have the same first letter in their names - all J. One is celebrating her 49th birthday while the other, her 39th. And both were born in October!


Uncanny?

Happy birthday Doc Jen and Doc Janet!

Early bird

Jumped out of bed at 5:30 in the morning. And yet i admit i'm not a morning person. Maybe i just had a good night's sleep (went to bed by 10pm).

I've noticed that i get tired easily (and sleepy by the end of the workday) lately. Got dumped with piles of paperwork since Monday and i've been running around the office to facilitate the training invitations we receive daily.


At least i got to work earlier than usual. So i'm gonna get out earlier than usual, too!


Maybe i'm gonna have a night-out with my office buddies tonight.


Must get out.



;)

For the Last Time

This one's for the ex...

Will You Ever Learn

so what's the point in all of this
when you will never change?
the days have passed
the weather's changed
should i be sorry?
should i be sorry?

i did it all, all for you
hoping you would/could see
your eyes are dull, your hands are clenched
are we ready?
are we ready?

but you,
you think about yourself
only 'bout yourself
but what about....
unlonely nights
romantic moments
the love, the love
what about them?
throw it all away

you know me well
you know it's wrong
then what is it you feel
you hide behind those perfect smiles
it worked for me cause you already did

but you,
you think about yourself
only 'bout yourself
but what about....
unlonely nights
romantic moments
the love, the love
what about them?
throw it all away

the perfect dates
the sweetest kisses
the love, the love
what about them?
throw it all away

so what's the point in all of this
when you will never change
the days have passed should i be sorry?
should i be sorry?

= = =

Yup, after all the sh*t i've been through, there comes a time when i must emerge from my miserable state and get on with my life. And the time is now.

I've read somewhere that emotional pain lasts only 12 minutes, and if it lasts longer it is already self-inflicted.

My good buddy M also told me that it was really up to me whether i want to move on or continue hurting myself (emotionally) 'cause now the other guy will never give a sh*t at all.

I choose the former.

I'm never gonna give him the pleasure of seeing me all messed up because of him.

I'm so much better than that.

;P

Bonding, Booze & Birthdays...

This month's got a list of birthday celebrants from the Obedoza family, most of whom are my cousins.

Today marks the 19th birthday of my cousin Earl. But first, we had cousin Erick who celebrated his birthday last Wednesday, followed by my brother Jong last Friday, and then we have the twins, Francis and Dennis who marked their 30th year last Saturday.

As usual, when the Obedoza cousins get together (specially during birthdays), we celebrate the event with - you guessed it - alcohol. We do know our limits, of course.

how we have them stuff!

By the way, Happy Birthday (in advance) to my cousin Jay on the 19th.

Where are you, man?! Miss yah!

So, Happy Birthday to all who are celebrating their birthdays this month!

May all your wildest dreams come true!

More Surprises

I know i said i love surprises. But definitely not this kind of surprise:

Thick black smoke from a fire
less than a hundred meters away from our house

And i still had the time to take a pic! A neighbor was amused that it was a camphone that i got my hands on during that time and on a similar incident. Others would've taken their most important belongings, but then, the fire was really not that near so we need not panic that time.

I can still hear Ted's voice in my head when he once said that i should've been a reporter--perhaps a news photographer--coz i seem to get a kick out of covering what's happening around me.

Well, I myself am surprised at how "brave" i could get, taking pictures and videos of such events.
Goes to show that you never really know what you're capable of doing unless you really do it.

= = =


I gave her food, i gave her water. I held her gently and ushered her to her cage. All i wanted was a night's sleep without her hogging the bedspace, or running around and stepping on my fat belly.
But i realized, too late, that i shouldn't have messed with a cat in heat.

good thing she didn't bite

Yeah, that's how it is, taking care of living things. At least, Mae, yours don't have sharp claws.

;)

Not in love

We are nothing like anything at all.

No words to define whatever it is
that happens between me and you.
No logical explanation
why my heart skips a beat
when i'm beside you.

Why i keep snapshots of your smile
carefully tucked away inside my head,
that by the end of the day
i look at them one by one
before i go to bed.

We are nothing like anything at all.

Let's not define what we feel for one another
for we may not be feeling the same thing.
A kiss will always be just a kiss.
And the touch of my skin against yours
may not be like what you're thinking.

Please do not get carried away.

Or maybe i should be the one
who needs to be reminded of these things.
'Cause we are nothing like anything at all.
And i know for sure, you'll never catch me
if ever i fall.

Oh Brother!

On this day, 19 years ago, Jose Esmael Macuja Obedoza was ushered into this world. Named after his father (Jose) adn maternal grandfather (Esmael), this little bundle of joy was the apple of his parents' eyes.

Being the youngest and only son, Jomel (most fondly called Jong or Maeng) was a little spoiled growing up. Well, just a little. He mostly gets his way or else he'll throw a tantrum that's not easy to be calmed down. Perhaps it's because he was born on the year of the dragon.

Fast forward to 2007. The little bundle of joy grew up to be an extraordinary young man. The baby i used to carry is now taller and heavier than me. Gone are the days when i would carry him on my back to get to his room when he falls asleep on the couch.

I can blabber all sorts of stuff about my bro, specially the good stuff 'cause i'm proud to be his sister, but it all sums up to this:

I love you bro! Kung saan ka masaya, te suportahan ta'ka!

Happy Birthday too!!!

Life's Little Surprises

Showed up at work today wearing a skirt. Like last time, i got people talking. The office people are so used to see me wearing slacks or jeans during washday.

they never thought i could put this number on

Surprise, surprise! It's not even a washday. It felt like a Friday though coz tomorrow's a holiday (end of Ramadan for our Muslim brothers and sisters), so i put on my Friday-best. Besides, i didn't have a pair of jeans or slacks available as i brought them to the laundromat last night.

So folks, if you see me again wearing girly clothes, you already know why.

Obiwan kept looking at me from head to toe (lingering from the waist down) telling me i should wear girly clothes more often as it looks so good on me.

"Aww, shut up" I said while wiping drool off his chin.

;P

= = =

I had the office people pleasantly surprised, but i was in for a shock before that on my way to work.

Good thing i followed my instincts and had quick reflexes that time, or i wouldn't be blogging for quite a long time.

Someone up there really loves me still.

To the driver of that white SUV (not really sure if it was a CRV coz things happened so fast), perhaps you need to have your eyes checked. Or go back to kindergarden coz obviously, you don't know the difference between red and green. YOU SUCK, BIG TIME!

= = =

This time around wasn't as awkward as the previous one, albeit brief. But thanks for staying a little while longer.

The question still dangles in my head though, as i listen to my Rivermaya mp3 collection at 1am (it's Friday already): "What could be wrong kaya?"

You said you have under-estimated me. I say I have over-estimated you.

But you said I haven't seen the best part yet.

OK, surprise me.

I love surprises.
;P

Girl or Boy?

You Are 50% Boyish and 50% Girlish

You are pretty evenly split down the middle - a total eunuch. Okay, kidding about the eunuch part. But you do get along with both sexes. You reject traditional gender roles. However, you don't actively fight them. You're just you. You don't try to be what people expect you to be.

How Boyish or Girlish Are You?

So, that explains why I'm still comfy with skirts and 2-inch pumps as much as i'm comfortable with rugged jeans and shirts. I'm a 50-50. Mostly in dressing up and some behavior/mannerisms. For most part, i'm still a girl (who digs boys!).

;P

Scary!!!

Ebony with flashlight eyes

Bro's unfinished work
Oil pastel on illustration board

Wonderful World v.2

One summer's day at La Mesa Ecopark

Images that soothe me.
Seen (would you believe it?) inside the company compound not very far from the Child-Minding Center.

Out with the Old...

The good old fusebox.

Like our antique narra furniture, this is one of the things in our house that's older than me. I grew up seeing that box which somehow gives me a sense of safety whenever i pull down its rusty lever way back in the years of almost day-long blackouts.

This box was the first thing i rushed to when electrical cables in our street exploded and almost broke into a fire.

Since the day i learned what the box is for and since the day i was tall enough to reach it, i have designated myself to check on it whenever an electricity-related incident or emergency arises.

I have shared so many adrenaline-pumping moments with that box.

But yesterday, we had the house rewired and the fusebox had to be replaced by a circuit-breaker.

Ladies and gentlemen, good ol' fusebox has left the building.

;P

Unanimous!

Yup. Manny "Pacman" Pacquiao won by unanimous decision against Marco Antonio Barrera.

Huminto na naman ang buong Pilipinas, mapanood lang ang laban.

And once again, you made the whole country proud of you.

Wala kang katulad, Manny!

Long Saturday

After days of practice for my solo part, today was the day we sang for the mass at Sto. Domingo Church. This year is the centenary of the Canonical Coronation of Our Lady of La Naval.

Not being a morning person, I was late for the 6am assembly in my most fashionable way, but still a few minutes early for the 7am mass. Hence, was not able to practice with the choir.

But during the communion, I reckon I pulled off my solo part well (based on the reactions of my choirmates). They didn't know I've been practicing at home and vocalizing in the shower that morning before I went to church. Hehehe!

By 8am, the group had to rush back to St. Lazarus Shrine for the special mass in honor of Our Lady of Manaoag. But another choir was there already so we just took time to catch our breath while some opted to slip into more casual clothing as our all-white ensemble was pretty constricting and well, becoming off-white (then dirty-white!) because of the smoke and dust from the commute. Plus it rained the previous night so we had to be careful or else there'd be splotches of brown and black on our dresses.

I was at the office by 9:30am to help an officemate with her son's project.

Kristian's Christmas Ball
(I wasn't able to take a pic of the finished product)

Lunch was at Chowking with Manny and Erik. Good thing these people were at the office for their review session (they're taking up weekend classes to finish their bachelor's degree) in preparation for their comprehensive exams on Wednesday. Otherwise, it would feel lonely at the office with just the cleaning people to keep me company.

Back to the office by 1:30pm to finish the Christmas ball, thus, I wasn't able to attend the Music Ministry's Recollection at 3pm. But I still made it to the anticipated mass at 5:30pm as we were scheduled to sing there.

goofing around minutes before the mass..............and the choirmaster/guitarist/tenor-bass

Finally, home by 8pm.

Looking forward to a day's rest tomorrow.

Have a goodnight y'all!

Reaching out

It's been pretty boring hiding in the dark. And lonely too.

Nothing beats surrounding myself with shiny, happy people. It somehow "forces" me to be happy and it helps to speed up the process of forgetting.

It also helps that the St. Lazarus Shrine is just beside my office. I can go there every lunchbreak to hear mass and sing to my heart's content since I'm a choir member there.

= = =

I've read somewhere that if you want to be happy, make someone happy, even if it's yourself.

At the office, what better way to make someone happy than to share snacks on a rainy workday!

In doing so, both parties were happy!

= = =

Thursday was particularly busy as our team was doing preparations for a lineup of training programs we will be facilitating.

We managed to finish the preliminaries and kidded about going out for the night to loosen up and recharge in anticipation of a more toxic Friday.

Girlfriends... post-movie
(as always, i'm the one not in the picture, hehehe!)

= = =



And I'm slowly and steadily picking up.



Myself, that is!

Revelation v.2

Sorry to break your heart, cousin Taz. ;)

I got a lot of questions and reactions (violent & otherwise) with this pic:

Some people liked it. Some people didn't. Some were shocked coz they never thought I'd do such a thing.

The prevailing question was: "Is it real?"

First, I may be a big fan of dragon tattoos (and tattoo in general) but I can't see myself getting old and wrinkly with it.

Second, I work in a company with a lot of conservative people and with rules to observe. Although they encourage my artistic inclinations and creativity, I opted not to abuse my so-called freedom of self-expression.

And well, I was just being the proud big sister of my brother who did the inking.

Still, I got y'all there, didn't I?

I liked the attention. I got people talking. Even my cousins who seldom make contact sent me a message on Friendster asking about the tattoo.

So for the record, the tattoo was NOT REAL.

Just don't ask me what my bro used to draw it on my arm.

;)

Who am i kidding?

Okay, I'm only human. I cry when i'm hurt or very sad and lonely.

Maybe i need some more time to wallow in my miserable state before i could have the strength to pick myself up. I'm usually like that.

So one more time... let's stroke the guy's ego for a bit.

SPOILED (Joss Stone)

I kinda thought that i'd be better off by myself
I've never been so wrong before
You made it impossible for me to ever love somebody else
And now i don't know what i left you for

See i thought that i could replace you
He can't love me the way you do
Til now i never knew baby

I'm spoiled
By your love boy
No matter how i try to change my mind
What's the point it's just a waste of time

I'm spoiled by your touch boy
The love you give is just too hard to fight
Don't want to live without you in my life
I'm spoiled

I tried to tell myself that i'd be over you in a week or two
But baby that was 'bout a year ago
I've never seen the word love so personified
as I do with you
And that is why i just can't let go

And i would only be fooling myself
if i tried to believe there's room
for someone else in my heart
There ain't no way i'm getting over you
I don't know what i've been trying to prove
I'm hopeless, helpless when it comes to you

I'm spoiled by your love boy
No matter how i try to change my mind
What's the point it's just a waste of time
I'm spoiled by your touch, boy
The love you give is just too hard to fight
Don't wanna live without you in my life

I'm spoiled.

= = =

After this... I'm still alive and I'm gonna be stronger.

I. am. Rocktsik.

;)

After the End...

It happened here.

So, a couple of days have whizzed by and found me:

...changing my status from "in a relationship" to "single" in my Friendster profile.

...going from "contemplating my next move" to "where do broken hearts go?" to "counting the days" to "cold and empty" as my YM status.

...finding some form of comfort by attending the holy mass at St. Lazarus Shrine.

...listening to Typecast, The Cure and other local emo bands for another kind of comfort.




A couple of days have whizzed by and I'd like to think I'm on my way to getting better.

As Mae said, they don't call me Rocktsik for nothing.




Some quotes:

"Darating din ang araw na ipagpapasalamat ko rin ang araw na ito." (Someday, I'm gonna be thankful that this day had come)

-- told to a longtime friend during a bitchfest over the phone

"I may be a nutcase, but I'm a different case."

-- told to a buddy, assuring him that I'm gonna be fine

But here's the ultimate quote for this post:

"Every new beginning comes from some other beginning's end."

-- Semisonic (Closing Time)

SONG 2

Somehow, i find comfort from this song...

BOYS DON'T CRY (The Cure)

I would say i'm sorry
if i thought that it would change your mind
but i know that this time
i have said too much
been too unkind

I try to laugh about it
cover it all up with lies
I try to laugh about it
hiding the tears in my eyes
'cause boys don't cry
Boys don't cry

I would break down at your feet
and beg forgiveness plead with you
but i know that it's too late
and now there's nothing i can do

So i try to laugh about it
cover it all up with lies
I try to laugh about it
hiding the tears in my eyes
'cause boys don't cry
Boys don't cry

I would tell you that i loved you
if i thought that you would stay
But i know that it's no use
that you've already gone away

Misjudged your limits
Pushed you too far
Took you for granted
I thought that you needed me more, more, more

Now I would do most anything
to get you back by my side
But i just keep on laughing
hiding the tears in my eyes
'cause boys don't cry
Boys don't cry

Friday Madness

Friday is washday.

It's when people at the office wear civilian clothes after four days of being confined in their office uniform.

it's when this usual skirt and blazer type of person becomes an 80's fashionista.

and this mother of three lets loose with her sleeveless blouse.

So aside from being a washday, today had also been Fashion Friday.


In my case, I just didn't have anything else to wear.

I'm not kidding.

= = =

Friday is payday.

Should've been out partying, videoke singing, or having a drinking session with my buds. But most of them have gone home early.

I was at the office til 6:30pm (the guard will kick me out if i stayed any longer) then i went straight home.

No party. No videoke. No drinking session.


On a payday?!


Yeah. I've got bills to pay and stuff to buy. I'm not in the mood to go out anyway as I've been looking forward to chillax at home.


Have a happy weekend!
;)

SONG 1

is this a breakup song or what?

THE BOSTON DRAMA

Standard pickup lines that seem to wreck your bones
Can this be a sequel of my dying hope?
You're chasing down a neverending make believe
You're a perfect match of consistency

Will you come back in a heartbeat?
Don't be confused of what a great thing we could be
Take a walk at the same street
Can you tell me how Boston is like without me?

Your image is stamped beneath the insides of my heart
Now you're gone, I don't know where to start
The evidence is showing like a stable apprehension
You're the only one who's apt this affection

Will you come back in a heartbeat?
Don't be confused of what a great thing we could be
Take a walk at the same street
Can you tell me how Boston is like without me?

Colored One..

As seen in my other blog.

Inked by my kid brother. Great talent and skills, man!

Revelation

Remember this pic?

And thought I was in China, right?

Or maybe not. I could've been in the US of A where the beer is being exported too.

But I wasn't.

I was actually still in my dear old Manila--at Superbowl of China, celebrating with my choirmates on our fourth year of being a group. My third year actually.

So, there! No more mystery.

;)

Have fun while you're in it

Ok. So maybe I needed days and not hours to have my thoughts organized for this post. But there was work to attend to and it needed immediate action and my undivided attention. So bear with me please.

As mentioned in my previous post, I came from a training/workshop last week for three days. I was trying to stuff my head with new things concerning the agency's efforts in addressing the challenges it currently faces. I wasn't really a target participant (was actually a filler coz some participants did not show up) but at least I was able to absorb some information (would be useful someday).

It was an honor being with brilliant minds and people with high level positions in their respective offices/agencies. And as usual, I was the youngest of the lot. I had fun though!

seriously learning

seriously having fun!

But the real fun starts after every session.

we didn't just pose beside that pool ;)

photo op in the elevator

We were billeted at Richmonde Hotel in Ortigas. Yes, it was near the San Miguel Corp building. Most importantly for shoppers (or window shoppers like me), the hotel was just walking distance from SM Megamall, The Podium, Starmall, Shangri-La, Crossings Department Store and St. Francis Square.

Got to roam mostly in St. Francis Square coz it houses stalls that sell stuff at affordable prices. Talk about cheap.

I got this wedge sandal for 230Php

Come to think of it, I was at first reluctant to attend the course as I didn't see the immediate need for it. But sometimes, there are things that happen in our lives which we're uncertain of, but could be enriching and fun once we involve ourselves in it.

So might as well enjoy the time and charge everything to experience. Who knows, it might well be one of the most enjoyable things you've ever experienced.

Being second-best

Monday was judgement day. Finally, after a couple of postponements (due to typhoons and conflicting schedules), the Healthy Lifestyle Aerobics Competition was finally set.

We had a last-minute practice, said our prayer and hoped for the best. I never thought we could go this far. I was kinda expecting that my groupmates would want to back out. But they didn't. They showed up early on Monday and gave their best in the practice.

Before we went to the venue I told them: Let's enjoy the moment na lang and have fun. We did what we could and we did our best inspite of our conflicting schedules and all. I guess we'll have to settle for third place this time, coz there'll only be three groups competing.

We were the last group to perform and we were all nervous during the performance of the first and second groups. I've lead this group for quite a number of times and the gig we did last year (for the cheerleading competition) was a mess. So I told myself to keep my expectations low. After all, there'll always be another competition like this and my group usually bags the top prize with our presentations during Christmas.

After all the intermissions, it was finally time to announce the winner. We expected our group to be called for the third place. But when the host did not announce our group, we were all jumping wildly.

We bagged the second prize... the group who did not hire an instructor... the group who didn't have enough time to practice... the group who had the least members... the group who enjoyed every minute of performance in the middle of the gymnasium. No props. No fancy costumes. We were all happy.

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Later in the day, people were congratulating me and saying I did a great job for leading the group. Most of the people who watched the competition told me that our presentation was better than the group who got the first prize.

After saying a modest "thank you" I told them that the credit must be given to my groupmates. They did a great job. They practiced on their own during my three-day absence. They did not back out when I thought they would. I may have all the ideas and the talent expected of a leader. But without my groupmates, the ideas and talent would be wasted. I am so grateful for my groupmates.

I remember the look on their faces when we were declared second place. If there's a word that has a higher magnitude than happiness, it would be what I saw in their faces. It was as if we bagged the top prize.

And for the first time, being runner-up felt as sweet as being the winner. It erased the bad feeling from having messed up last year's competition.

So what's wrong with being second best?

Nothing. Because the scores were added to the score we got from the games last June. We got the highest score coz we got first place from the games.

So over-all, we're still the winner!

after the games last June

The Comeback

After a week of absence, I'm finally back, bitches! Hehe, ghetto daw ang dating.

I'm just glad to be back because I came from a training workshop last week and I had no time for blogging while I was there.


And boy, do I have so much to be happy about!

But lemme compose my thoughts first. I'm mixed up with so much happy little things whirling in my head. I might be needing a couple of minutes (or hours?) depending on when the dust finally settles. Hehehe!

How was your weekend, by the way?

Brr!

It's beginning to feel (and look) a lot like Christmas!

Yup, we have officially entered the 'ber' months yesterday. We have 115 days more before the much-awaited date. I've been hearing Christmas songs being played on the radio as early as August and some establishments are putting up decorations already.

I'm getting excited.

A few more weeks and I'll be seeing more of the Christmas decorations, and my nose will be tickled with the smell of bibingka and puto-bungbong. There'll be bazaars and extended mall hours for Christmas shopping.

Then there's the Misa de Gallo or Simbang Gabi - a novena mass that is celebrated early in the morning (around 4 or 5am) starting December 16 (9 days before Christmas, that's why it's called a novena). I wonder if other Catholic countries have this.

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Anyway, let me be the first to greet y'all a Merry Christmas. From the country where Christmas is celebrated for weeks! Onli in da Philippines!

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And have a happy weekend, too!

Return with a vengeance...

Oh please! Not the 80's!

Sorry, not a fan ;P