American Reunion- Saving the Best for Last

I watched American Reunion yesterday. I looked forward to watch this movie in silver screen since I only watched the other American Pie movies in DVDs or downloaded copies from friends (maiba lang). I consider American Pie as one of the movies of my generation (ehem oo na proud to be a member of  Millennium Batch). I was still in high school when the first pie was released. I got to know about the movie in newspaper ads but never rented a copy of VHS tape in Video City (minor pa kasi ako noon kaya hindi pa pwede lolz). I only got the chance to watch the movie when I was already in college (dorm days).

There are many things I like about the American Reunion. I like that all the members of original cast are present in the reunion movie. Unlike in the American Wedding where some of the characters were missing, the  movie is indeed reunion talaga (kudos to the casting of the film). Another positive thing about the movie is on how the story teller creatively linked some of the unforgettable scenes from first pie film. Who can forget the epic pie in the kitchen and Jim’s premature “climax” incident caught in video? In my own opinion the movie achieved its goal to reach the level of humor we all been waiting  to see similar to that from the first pie film but not overdoing it. In fact I even like the reunion movie more than the sequel of Hangover.

Aside from the humor and unfortunate events Jim and his friends involved in, the movie offers a strong message regarding high school reunion. In Philippine setting, we have different kinds of reunions – family, schools and group or organization we came from or been part of. But admit it guys, one of the much anticipated or dreaded reunion is the high school reunion. Some look forward to it with excitement while others as much as possible they will intentionally be absent. I guess it depends on how favorable or unfavorable our high school days went. To be honest I have lackluster high school days, way different from my college days. But I am still excited to attend our high school reunion if there will be one.

I once attended a high school reunion yung grand reunion ng isang batch.  It was actually a reunion of former students of my parents (invited pati anak ng teacher, what a privilege lolz). I forgot the year of that batch basta mga batang 80’s sila. Aside from enjoying the food and unlimited soda, napansin ko (wow keen observant na nun pa) and came to conclusion that reunion is like a phase in life when we go back to the old days and reminisce the good and bad moments. It is also the time where we see once again the people we used to see and deal with every day during high school years. Big groups have small circles. Reunion serves as reconnection of friends and building anew the once formidable circles.

While looking at the former students of my parents, I realized that reunion marked the day when all of the people bring out their stories. May kanya-kanyang baong kwento mga repapips. Reunion gave them the opportunity to showcase and brag about their work and how they become hotshots in their chosen career. There were also stories on what’s life outside Pinas coming from overseas workers or people who migrated in other countries. Some guys  exaggerated things up about their life – good and bad. There were other set of stories about their experiences of  getting married and going the family way, and joining the bandwagon of first time parents. Some brought with them their kids.

Reunion is indeed a mixture of different people and of different stories from those who left the hometown and searched for their life in other places and those who decided to stay and build a simple life.

If there is one thing I highly commended in the American Pie Reunion, I guess that would be having no scene of someone making self pity after years of graduating from high school. Although the movie shows different status (both in career and financial aspect) of the main casts, still accomplishments and money matters never been highly emphasized. In real life situation, high school reunion will give an opportunity for all of us to be seeded and brushed shoulders with our dear friends, former classmates and almost forgotten batch mates in high school. We will bring our own stories of greatness and achievements. We show the transformation happened to us how we increase the size of our waistlines and back accounts. Some might share their misfortunes and disappointments at certain level at their present situation especially on how different the course of their life has been for the past years. Then some might form certain level of insecurities once they see good things happened to their colleague. It’s like they are making a hole of emptiness in their life.

Bottom line is, one of the sad facts about reunion is that it never becomes fun for other people where in fact it is actually a celebration. And worst part of all, reunion becomes the day you size up and measure one another financially. It is when you label and identify who became richer and who remain the same or poorer.

But wait, we are the product of what we think and what we do. The way we think and how we do things are main factors on how we make decisions. Our status in life is also the product of our decisions. We become corporate slaves because we decided to apply and be part of the corporate world. We become OFW and citizens of other countries because we chose to leave Pinas and search for greener pasture. We become businessmen because we decided to become our own boss and establish our business venture. We become young parents because we settled and created a family during our 20′s. Our decisions come from what we think of and what we put in action. The status in life we showcase during reunion therefore is the product of our decision.

Of course we have our own share of regrets and disappointment but who cares of all those trashes during reunion- no one. Reunion is a celebration and regrets and disappointments are excess baggage not included in the list to celebrate. Reunion is not also a day of measurement of our worth. There are no scorecards for our performance during the years of working and living our life to be appraised. Although it is a celebration of our achievements, it means a celebration of ALL achievements – monetary or not. I believe we all have achievements in life either so glamorous or humble enough not to notice. On a personal note, I rather treasure my achievements that do not equate to extra cash or additional income. I am even proud of achievements that do not come in medals, awards, and additional remunerations.

It is also important to remember that reunion is also the day when we celebrate life, that all of us are still alive to reconnect with the friends and people closed to us. Like what I’ve written before, we are human beings designed to be connected in a line called relationships. So aside from celebrating our achievements; and playing our cards and continuously overcoming the adversities in life, we must keep in mind that our relationships with the people around us is far more important and more worthy for a toast.

So for the sake of enjoying reunion, just bring yourself for what you are. Share your stories and listen to the stories of others.

My batch in high school has no plans yet for a reunion. When that day comes I hope we celebrate the achievements of our fellow batchmates and set aside the insecurities in ourselves. I might read this article again to remind me what will I bring and what to do when I attend our reunion.

Looking forward for a reunion,

DB

April 23 marked the 66^th birthday of my father. This year his former co-teachers surprised him through a Mañanita. For those who don’t have any idea what Mañanita is all about, here’s a short trivia about it.

“Mañanita is a practice brought about by the Spanish influence. But in the Philippines in recent times this becomes a way of serenading a person who’s celebrating a birthday at dawn just before sunrise. Oftentimes this is a surprise to the celebrator and coffee, tea or just like any other Filipino gathering this activity ends up eating as in heavy morning meal in spite the fact the stomach of the celebrator still sleepy. The guests bring food as way to express their labor of love.”  -Yahoo! Answer

It was also my first time to witness this meaningful and “sweet” way of greeting a birthday celebrant. Prior to that morning, my sister and I were informed by Madam Olive, one of the teachers and a close friend of my father, about their plan to conduct a Mañanita.

Sikretong malufet!

Call it a top secret on the day before my father’s birthday. Good thing I managed to keep a poker face in front of my father during meal time and when I talked to him. It was hard to shake-off the idea that a surprise was a sleep away.

I set my alarm at 4:00 AM. but here’s the catch, mantika ako kung matulog. I am dead to the world when I fall asleep. It was a challenge for me to wake up and literally wake up and avoid snoozing my alarm. No wanting to spoil the surprise, I woke up on the dot when my alarm brought me to my consciousness. I received a text message from Madam Olive informing me that they were already on their way to our house.

“Manggatong ka lay lamaw ading ko.” (You prepare the hot water my dear.)

Which I replied, “Akaready la Madam!” (It is ready Madam.)

I checked the cups and saucers and the available cups were not enough. I reached for the boxes of cups which are only used on special occasions. Good thing I asked the night before how many people would join the Mañanita. Finally everything was all set.

I checked on my father and he was asleep like a child. He had no idea what was stored for him on that fateful morning.

Finally I heard the strum of guitars, then the mixture of voices of ladies and gentlemen (nagvocalization pa ata sila). I opened the lights in our front yard. The key of the gate’s padlock was at my father’s room. I went straight to his room and softly woke him up.

Mañanita Singers

“Pa, may bisita kayo… Mañanita kayo ng mga co-teachers nyo.”

Feeling surprised, my father only uttered, “Buenas iraraya!” as he rubbed his eyes and fixed his hair.

Then I greeted him, “Happy Birthday Pa! Sinurprise kayo ng mga co-teachers nyo!”

He had this smile on his face. He immediately changed his attire as I went out to open the gate. I went back and grabbed my camera and set it in auto mode (pardon me for the shots, antok pa me eh!) and took some shots.

Finally the Birthday Boy joined the group.

Birthday Wish

When my father went out, the voice of his dear friends became bolder, louder, and livelier while holding candles. Finally ang bida sa kwento ay nagpakita na!  The culprits of this grand surprise formed a circle and their song ended with a happy birthday cheer! They all came near him and stretched their hands with their candles. My father took a couple of seconds, made his wish and blew his candles.  It was a pleasant feeling and a wonderful moment – being with your closed friends at an early morning and making an effort for a surprise on your special day!

Heavy Breakfast- Pancit, Bibingka and Bread

A “simple” breakfast celebration followed next. They brought a bilao of pancit, a round of bibingka (sarap panalo sa tamis!), a loaf bread and cheese spread and KOPIKO coffee. Our dining area was so alive while waiting to  Mr. Sunshine to showcase his presence.

Madam Olive and Madam Vangie helped me prepare the food, while the rest prepared the sandwiches and coffee.

Kwentuhan...

Tawanan...

My father’s bosom friends, Sir Rockney and Sir Celito , who are notoriously known as jokers of their group, brought with them their comical antics and funny stories. They totally brought the house gaining boisterous laughter from the ladies.

For me that was a great way to start a birthday celebration – early celebration and making each hour of your special day counted. It was also a picture perfect looking at my father’s circle of friends. Who would have thought that surprises were only for the young people? The atmosphere of my father’s birthday was wrapped by friendship and by enormous conversation and laughter over cup of coffee… and rounds serving of pancit and bibingka.

Picture with Bday Boy

As we ended our breakfast celebration and the visitors bade their goodbyes to the birthday boy, I teased Madam Olive,

“Sige Madam next year ulit!”

Whacky Shots naman jan...

Happy Birthday Papa!

After my birthday celebration I did not make any updates in my blog. I decided to abstain from blogging during the Holy Week break but I did not totally detach myself from the internet. I checked my Facebook account from time to time. I also used the internet in our house in the province to blog hop and continue downloading the queuing movies in Bit Torrent. To sum up my total internet consumption during my vacation it did not exceed the usual hours I spent online. I guess my appetite for World Wide Web diminished and instead of pushing myself hooked-up in front of my laptop, I decided to take my time to rest.

Food and Sleep

While I observed the usual ceremonies in the church for the Holy Week, I took the rest of my time sleeping, taking nap or just lying down in the hardwood sofa or on the lower portion of our old reliable double deck bed. I also refrained from eating meat but I was obsessed with fresh fish in all my meals. It all started from the morning starter, fried boneless bangus with fresh tomatoes and fried rice. It was followed by inihaw na bangus prepared by my aunt for our lunch and the left overs for our dinner. I almost forgot how precious the taste of fresh bangus was until I tasted again the pride fish of our province. The next day a deep fried large tilapia took the limelight of our dining table. The large tilapia was actually a high-breed pla-pla to be exact. I was totally amazed how big the pair of pla-pla brought by my brother from the tilapia breeding tanks of his in-laws.  No wonder even if I observed fasting during my vacation, I still gained extra pound.

 Book

I started to read books again (It feels weird while I type this statement). I am actually not a book lover blame it to my lack of patience to read a book on a long sitting. I have short span of attention to books, especially those thick and published with small font design and size. I preferred reading newspapers and magazines (name it). Still I did not close my eyes to try learning the art of reading books. In my whole existence I only finished dismal number of books. Top of the list are the books of Bob Ong. Completing the list are the Pugad Baboy Series, Youngblood collections, a book of John Grisham (The Client), some inspirational books of Bo Sanchez, the book of Jaime Licauco about reincarnation, soul mates and karma (I forgot the exact title) and Hardy Boys during high school.

However, it was unlikely on my part when I bought not just one but two books in PowerBooks right before the Holy Week started. I bought Rich Dad Poor Dad and The Best of Chico & Delamar’s The Morning Rush Top 10. Good thing I bought these two books, the former opened my eyes on how still poor my financial intelligence is while the latter, well it helped maintaining my sanity and improved my “blossoming” sense of humor. Right now I am already on the application phase of the knowledge I acquired from the Rich Dad book and I tell you it was hard. I guess I am still testing the water so I am still a work in progress. This book also saved me from boredom during my travel going back to Pangasinan during Holy Week.

Travel

I was actually so lazy to travel. The scenery of long traffic in EDSA, the long queue of bus commuters going to province and long travel time during Holy Week break each year, made me decide to delay my bus trip. I ended up in Five Star Bus terminal on the morning of  Maundy Thursday. As usual the terminal was crowded but it seemed more organized this year. The probability of securing a seat in bus bound to Alaminos was not favorable on my part so I transferred to Victory Liner bus terminal. Of course, hundreds of people piling up in the entrance of the terminal and I sneaked myself in and saw a bus with open sliding door bound to Dagupan. I am already used to going home standing in the middle aisle of the bus for 5 hours especially during long holidays so my mind and my body finally agreed to let me enter the bus. All seats were already taken though  I saw a seat with just a bag sitting on it. I thought someone just left the traveling bag and went out to buy a water or food. I prepared myself for my grand standing. I guess luck was on my side, the seat with a bag on it was actually a vacant one.  I immediately took the seat with a great smile on my face! All in all it only took me less than 20 minutes to secure a seat. Aaaa-mazing!

But I endured a whooping travel time of 10 hours!

On regular days it takes me only 4-5 hours to travel Lingayen to Manila. What an epic journey it was! How ironic it was after being blessed to secure a seat in an instant I ended up sitting for a decade of travelling hours.

Good thing, I was totally right when I decided to bring with me my Rich Dad book. It killed the boredom of the longest trip of the year!

Bus Chat

When I felt that my eyes were already tired of reading, I returned my Rich Dad book back to my traveling bag and took a nap. I closed my eyes with the last image of NLEX. After almost an hour I woke up, lo and behold, nothing changed, I was still stuck in NLEX!

I lost my desire to read so I look around the people around me. I took a short glance to my seat mate sitting on the left window side of the bus. She was actually petite and cute. I couldn’t see her face so I decided to take another round of nap.

When we reached Dau for a travel break, I stepped outside the bus and bought something to eat. It was already lunch. I bought Nagaraya nuts, Skyflakes cheese flavor and ice-cold Summit bottled water. When I returned, the bus was already crowded by passengers who would dare to make their own grand standing just to reach their own destinations. I saw my seat mate standing in front of her seat. I asked if she would go out, she replied with a shy no. She added that she got tired of seating. She simply wanted to stretch her legs.

It is not my way to initiate a chat to stranger but I followed-up another question to her. I asked where was her destination and why did she travel on Maundy Thursday, thinking it was a busy day to travel, instead of traveling on an earlier day. Her work made her delay her travel. I didn’t know what made her decide to have chat with me. I guess she was also bored from the long trip or maybe she found me as an interesting conversationalist. We ended up talking for hours and I awkwardly asked her name after we already talked numerous topics – about our courses and college we came from; our recent job and work history; and the places we’ve visited. We both agreed the Palawan was a paradise. She was a Tourism graduate, just a fresh graduate, and currently working in an airline company. She was also a fan of traveling and visiting tourist spots in our country. I was limiting myself not to give vital information about me but she was so candid answering my questions.

Our conversation ended when our bus approached the entrance of her town. We casually exchanged good byes and I forgot to say thanks for a great chat we had. Probably there wouldn’t be another time I could talk to her again. I could compare our chat as a one hit combo. That was how it was designed on that day, no more no less.

Our world is so big that every day we are circled by strangers we don’t really care. However there is such sense of  fulfillment, excitement and joy to manage a sound chat with a stranger. Chatting with stranger might be dangerous which made so cautious.We all have the fear of ending up talking with a wacko or a psycho. But it’s a great feeling to move out that fear and lower our defenses and simply deliver a good conversation with someone who unprecedentedly , appear in our life.  So I savor and treasure that moment with the charming, petite and cute lady for being there on that moment  ready to converse with me.

There are other things happened during my vacation and I am already feeling sleepy finishing this one. For the mean time I will end this blog article just like this.

More stories in the coming days. I hope you enjoyed your vacation more than the way I did.

DB

It’s my birthday once again. Another year added to my existence. Alam kong magiging kakaiba ang birthday ko this year kasi I can now spend my birthday sa bahay namin with my family. So kagaya ng mga nakaraang birthday ko, here is the list of what happened on my special day:

12:01 AM – Birthday boy on board. Nakasakay ako ng Five Star bus going to Dagupan. May nakatabi akong isang balikbayang OFW at nakipagkwentuhan ng kunti. I appreciate the chat with complete stranger on my birthday. Naaliw ako sa kwento nya. Feeling ko rin me napasaya agad akong bagong bayani on my birthday. Napatingin ako sa relo ko… wow it’s my birthday na!

1:30 AM – Stop over sa Tarlac. After having a bladder break, lumipat ako ng bus going to Alaminos. Maluwag at mas malamig ang air-con, very conducive for sleeping.

3:00 AM- Home sweet home. Finally I reached our house. Nawala na antok ko, kasabay ng pagtigil ng tricycle sa tapat ng gate namin. Unang sumalubong ang mga ampong pusa sa labas ng bahay. Bumukas ang ilaw, gising na si dearest Paps.

3:30 – 4:30 AM Early dawn kwentuhan with Paps. Nagutom ako sa byahe kaya pinainit ni Paps ang left-over from his dinner. Kumain ako kunti (defined kunti?) It is our bonding time magkwentuhan every time dumarating ako ng madaling araw. Parang bunsong nagrereport sa magulang, super kwento ako about sa byahe ko, sa work ko, at buhay-buhay sa Manila. Basta makwento ako.

4:45 AM – Sleep time. Medyo nakaramdam ako ng antok. Kaya natulog muna ako. It’s time para humilik (grand concert lol!)

7:30 AM – Kiniliti ng ate ko ang paa ko. Sabay greet sa akin ng HAPPPEE BIRTHDAAAAY! Pambihira kung manggising ate ko. Pero ramdam ko ang b-day greetings nya!

7:45 AM – Bumangon na ako. Tumingin ng naiwang breakfast sa table. Wow namiss ko ang Tuyo with Sunny Side Up Egg. Suka na lang kulang…. naghanap ako ng suka! Sarap ng bday breakfast Pinoy na Pinoy ang almusal!

8:30 AM – Visit to Mama. Isa sa plano ko sa birthday ko ang pagdalaw sa puntod ng mom ko. Kaya naman sinamahan ako ni Paps sa cemetery. Pagdating dun, nagkwentuhan lang kami ng tatay ko. Sarap magkwentuhan sa sementeryo tahimik, masarap simoy ng hangin… pero ayaw ko pa magrest dun (lols!).

10:30 AM- We said our little prayer to Mama. I greet my parents ng Happy Anniversary. Anniv nila nung March22. Kaya naman lagi ko iniimagine pag birthday ko na naglalabor si Mama habang nagcecelebrate sila ng anniv nila. In short pampagulo ako sa kasiyahan nila hahaha!

11:30 AM – My family and I went to Consuelo’s ang paboritong resto namin (kasi malapit lang) sa Lingayen. I treated my family for lunch. Wish granted na makasama ko family ko on my special day. Dati I want to be with special someone or with my closest friends on my birthday. This time I chose my family!

1:30 PM – Before kami umuwi, niyaya ko ang ate at kuya ko magjump-shot. Mission failed wala kaming matinong kuha. hahaha!

2:30 PM – Umuwi na kami. Pero before umuwi, pakiramdam ko I’m so lucky that day kaya tumaya kami ni Paps sa lotto. I have no specific number combination kaya I chose lucky pick na lang.

3:00 PM – Pagdating ng bahay, I checked my FB and overwhelmed sa dami ng greetings. At first di ko maapreciate yung lay-out ng greetings sa Timeline ko ang gulo kasing tignan. Pero pwede pala nya isummarized ang greetings so natuwa na rin ako. Maraming salamat ulit.

4:00 PM – I took the afternoon birthday nap. I had a weird dream! Kwento ko na lang some other time about my weird dream!

5:50 PM – Napahaba ata tulog ko. Paggising ko time for dinner na. I spent dinner time with Paps.

7:30 - 9:00 PM – Kwentuhan kami ni Paps sa labas. Nakaupo kami sa monoblock habang hinihintay ang pag-ambon para lumamig ang gabi.Kasama palang nakikinig sa usapan namin ang loyal naming pusa!

9:10 PM – One thing I missed sa aming bahay ang… magdasal ng rosary. Naging ugali ng parents ko magrosary which later on they taught us how to pray. Hindi ko to magawa sa Makati- kasi busy.

9:40 – 11:30 PM – I spent the rest of my night watching Friday night TV shows, checking my FB accounts for greetings, replying to the greetings of my friends sa phone and answering calls ng mga naggreet!

12:36 AM- Tapos na birthday ko. I received a message from someone. Humabol sya for the greetings just in time before I sleep. She was the first and well I considered the last one to greet me! She was the one who gave the surprise cake! Kaya naman I super like the effort, the surprise and heart-felt greetings! Big thanks and I appreciate her sweetness (nakakadiabetic lol!!!)

Indeed, there are no fireworks, no grand dinner and late-night celebration on my birthday but I enjoyed the simplicity, happiness and long awaited peace of mind I experienced on my birthday. Once again many thanks to my

family & relatives,

childhood, high school and college friends,

batchmates in audit & former officemates

fellow bloggers,

students,

mentors, teachers, bosses and idols

and specially sa nagsuprise sa akin on my birthday (I used to be the “surpriser” not the “surprisee”, so this is my first surprise I received after so many years)….

MARAMING SALAMAT!!!

Get ready for next year… Grand Party when I hit Thirty!!!

It’s summer time once again. It is the season of enjoying the heat of the sun, the beach, fiesta, liga sa barangay and other outdoor activities. Summer also means maximizing the sun while the rain is still out of the picture. One of the best ways to maximize our summer is to travel. Going out from our comfortable homes and spending time with nature and witness the  beauty of God’s creation is actually a once in a lifetime experience. Travelling does not mean spending big bucks, we could travel places by creating a budget, taking advantage of seat sales of budget airlines or looking for local tourist spot near you as a starter.

Good thing the Philippines is a tropical country, surrounded by beautiful beaches with long coast lines. There are world class beaches and sceneries which we can visit. It is also about time to follow the tagline “Huwag maging dayuhan sa sariling bayan.” I began to appreciate more our country when I started visiting the different beautiful spots of our country. I transformed from a typical home-buddy to a young traveller. Together with my dearest and closest friends from the audit firm where I worked for almost three years, we visited wonderful islands, sexy beaches, tourist spots, and adventure havens.

Our trips and adventures are not complete without taking (wait for it…) JUMP SHOTS.  Planking, owling and even Noynoying are not yet popular then. Our group has  a trademark shot and it is through counting so loud and jumping at the same time as high as we could. We take jump shots wherever and whenever we wanted to the point that naging bisyo na namin ang tumalon.

The first Jump Shot happened in Coron Palawan

Taking jump shot gives the best feeling of excitement and fulfilment to our group. Take note taking “perfect” jump shots demands a lot of takes and trials- especially if you are in groups. Good thing walang kill-joy in our group. All are game to jump high, stretch-up arms, show-up wacky faces, and fold legs as we count one, two… three!

Jump shot became the favorite shot of the group. The next jump shot was taken in Bohol.

I know many of us have tried doing jump shots either in groups or individual pictures. Admit it, this shot is totally and outrageously fun. Given the chance, I would like to propose this shot be the official shot of Pinoys. We all love having pictures, and based on my observation especially in groups,  people love  to jump. Well it is in our nature I guess, we jump for joy and when we celebrate like a thrilling win in basketball games or any sports event. We jump as we feel the beat of music when we are watching concerts. On a personal note, capturing jump shot gives my friends and I the sense of fulfilment. It is like an exclamation point saying, “Finally we reached this place!”

We didn't mind taking jump shot even if we were along the highway. This shot was taken along Patapat Viaduct in Ilocos

So how do we take our jump shots? Simple lang. We brought with us the silent member of our group – TRIPOD. Yes, we have our tripod with us. If not for his presence, we will not have numerous jump shots. So aside from having tripod, here are the basic tips I could share with you in taking jump shots:

1. Check your formation. As much as possible don’t block each other especially when all of you are already in the air. Nobody wants to be covered during picture taking. To those who are in front or with people at their sides, be mindful of people at the back or at your side especially when you wish to extend your arms and legs. Alternate positioning will help. Select also a catchy background with a wide space- greater space means more liberty to stretch your body.

Jump shot in Fort Ilocandia

Jump shot in front of Paoay Church. This is my photo entry in the Facebook photo contest in our company.

Jump shot before crossing the famous tunnel of Abra.

2. Practice makes perfect. Taking jump shots requires great amount of patience. If you are typical “OC” or perfectionist like our group, having a member not taking off on time is a no-no.  If my memory serves me well, we didn’t have a perfect shot taking on the first try. We kept on doing rounds of jump shot until all of us take-off on time. Just like what I have said earlier, jump shot provides a sense of fulfilment, especially when you see all the people hanging in the air- a picture perfect.

Of course, we have some shots which are not actually perfect, but we didn’t mind to take another one, especially if our travel time is limited. You may just set a penalty or consequence  na lang siguro para sa hindi nakatalon on time (lol). 

Bolinao jump shot. Even the imposing lighthouse cannot stop us from jumping.

3. Set the timer of your camera at 10 seconds. I suggest setting your camera for extra seconds in order to have extra time to adjust your position and to call the attention of all the people to the blinking light of the camera. I also suggest to set your camera for multiple shots, a three-snapshot  is ideal (I just assume it based on our experience). By the way you may lower your tripod in order to project an effect of high jump.

Camiguin jump shot with ease. We are becoming comfortable taking jump shot.

Bukidnon Jump shot. The thrill is still there to jump!

4. Be creative. Consider your jump shot as an art. The more creative you are the better the result is. It would be better if the individuality of the members of the group will still be evident. Try coming up with unique pose or type of jump. A variety of jumps may result to a livelier and astonishing jump shots.

You may consider as well having a theme for a jump shot. I remember our Boracay jump shot, we felt tired of doing same kind of jump shot. We decided to do situational shot. The Hold-up Jump Shot and Kame Hame Wave versus Ray Gun Jump Shot are samples of what we did.

Hold-up jump shot in Boracay. We took the bar a little bit higher as we tried different tricks.

Kame Hame Wave vs. Ray Gun Jump Shot. Which do you think win?

5. Finally, just enjoy the jump shot. Don’t  forget that you do this for fun so enjoy each jump you do. Be natural and be who you are when you take the shot.  You will be surprised with the result if you jump naturally.

Last jump shot. The Boracay jump shot is currently the last jump shot of our group.

For those who have tried and love taking jump shots, feel free to add your  tips in taking jump shots. You may share your story as well about your jump shot moments.

So what are you waiting for. Call your friends, plan a grand summer escapade and start taking jump shots.

For working individual it’s time to file your Vacation Leave.

Happy Summer!!!

DB

It is one of my plans this year to make a monthly wrap-up of events and happenings this 2012. I actually planned to do Project 365 or Daily Mobile Picture. I realized it would take time so instead of bothering myself to do the project daily, I decided to summarize na lang what happened in each month. So ano nga ba ang nangyari sa akin last January. Drum roll please…

What The Moment!

January 5. After a great dinner and billiards night with one of our colleague who arrived from Saudi Arabia, an unfortunate event happened. I got involved in a freak but minor accident. When we were on our way home and I finished saying good byes and ingats with my friends, I half-opened the door of the passenger seat of my friend’s Fortuner. I checked if there’s any vehicle approaching. It was clear. When I totally opened the car… bang! A sudden collision between the door and a man of late thirties riding on a bike. The man driving the bike lost his balance and hit his head on the pavement. Good thing the approaching taxi pressed on the break just in time before it hit the biker’s head. I was shocked and cold hand froze me from holding the door’s handle. My instinct pushed me to move out the vehicle and checked on the biker. Thank God he was conscious, though feeling drowsy. He admitted he was drunk after attending a birthday party and did not see the door about to open. Things went so fast, a tourist police assisted to us, then ambulance came into picture. Instead of going home for a sound sleep, I ended up inside the ambulance and spent the whole night till the early sunrise in the hospital. What a way to start the year! Did I feel jinx or worried that my 2012 would be affected by negative vibes? Not at all. I dismissed that idea.

First Time 

January 18. My audit team did not celebrate a Christmas Party/Dinner last December since we were not complete. We  agreed to have post-Christmas dinner on January instead. Pero syempre having dinner with the whole team was a little to simple for a whacky and energetic team like ours. We decided to play Laser Tagging in Market-Market. Most of us were excited to play. We were like kids once again playing hi-tech baril-barilan. Playing the whole 15 minutes might be too short, on a contrary it was already too long. We were totally sweating running around, hiding through the walls and corners and going up and down the ramp. I give Extreme Laser Tagging two thumbs-up!

Laser Tagging with CFA Team

Resto Adventure

After burning calories playing, we headed to Brazil Brazil in Serendra for dinner. I could describe our dining experience as this – totally non-stop serving of grilled meat! It was a buffet of variety of grilled meat, sausages along with some pasta and fresh salad on the side. We went home burping!

Non-stop Grilled Meat offers

Wagas na kabusugan!

Wish Granted

January 19. Due to consistent demand I eventually gave in to the request of my officemates to seat-in in my auditing class. Of course I asked permission to the university academic coordinator and my students. I really planned to involve the three lady visitors in my discussion. I wanted to share their real-life experience doing the audit just to add actual accounts in the my lecture. Good thing my officemates were such good sports – they just go with the flow.  My evening class ended with photo shoot. Ginawang studio ang classroom after my class. We ended our long day for a dinner in Chickboy.

Ang makukulets

Mga naki-seat-in bow!

Photo of the Month:

Walang criteria… kinunan lang.

Sawsawan ng Bayan

Movie of the Month

January 21. It was one of my former student’s birthday and I was invited to her birthday celebration. Due to an earlier commitment, I did not make it for lunch. Instead I joined the group for a movie. We watched Underworld. The movie was awesome. The story is not dragging and always upbeat. The lykans evolved and added more spices to the story. Can’t wait for the follow-up movie.

Underworld Awakening

Celebration of the Month

January 23. The day they Year of the Dragon was finally welcomed and tikoy rained in the office. Kung Hei Fat Choi!

Meet the Stars

January 31. After winning the Philippine Cup, players and coaching staff of Talk and Text visited our office. We were shocked when big guys went out from the elevator. We managed to have a photo ops with Ali Peek and Larry Fonacier who were sitting outside the adjacent office. I extended my congratulations and wish them luck for the next conference.

Feeling point-guard (benchwarmer) ng TnT

My January is just like… simply like that.

Looking Forward for Feb,

DB

My day in the office is not complete if I don’t listen to music. This habit started when I bought my android phone a month after I started in my present job. It has never been my practice to listen to music while working in the office. I guess I was influenced by the people in office – almost all of my co-workers have headsets and earphones plugged in their ears.

Good thing our department allows us to listen to music while at work. My previous job used to prohibit listening to music in work areas. Eventually the management gave in to the desire of the employees. It did not cause me to celebrate though. Like I said, listening to music has never been a part of my office routine. Add the fact that the announcement was made, when I was about to leave the company.

Things are changed now. I become addicted listening to music while at work. I have a dismal number of songs in my phone that’s why I just tune in to FM radio stations for my music needs.  Again listening to radio is not actually my cup of tea. However, as my stay in the office progresses and as my workload increases, I eventually learned to listen to FM radio. I could not start my day without grabbing my earphones from my drawer and listen to songs being played by radio jocks. I am not an avid fan or follower of any radio station or radio jock. However I learned to appreciate the coolness of radio programs, choices of songs, and side topics discussed by radio DJs.

Speaking of radio DJs, I think being a radio DJ is one of the coolest job – especially to music lovers. I love music but it seems music doesn’t love me (oows). Being a DJ gives someone a chance to play his/her favorite songs, meet various artists both local and international, host various events, share some thoughts with madlang pipol and of course get instant fame. Just like any other jobs, indeed there are pros and cons being a DJ, though I don’t bother to discuss the disadvantages of being a DJ because I am not  a DJ and not in their shoes so to speak.

Being a quasi radio fanatic, I don’t blame myself not having a great dose of information about famous and uprising DJ in town. Though I know a few like Papa Jack, Joe D’ Mango, Chico and Delamar, Mo Twister, Angelicopter, Andi  and the naughty trio of the Boys Night  Out, Tony Toni, Slick Rick and Sam YG.

Going back to my listening regimen, my favorite radio program in the morning is Office Radio of 94.7 Mellow Touch. I like how DJ Angel (who by the way will be transferred to her weekend program, yun oh updated?) and DJ Ingrid manage the program. Their song selection fits well to a typical office atmosphere – songs that are not too loud but good enough to keep you awake. I also enjoyed their topics about office work which I could relate to. Combining right kind of music and topic with my brewed coffee makes sense to me (parang commercial lang). It is a perfect formula to give me the spark for my work. I feel energize both mentally and physically while tuning in to Office Radio. In fact, I am in the zone or should I say on a momentum to accomplish my tasks each time I am listening to this radio program (bolex tama na pabibo kunwari).

When afternoon kicks in, I enjoyed the cool and smooth (swabe pare) acoustic and live sounds being played in The Afternoon Cruise. It reminds me of radio stations of Baguio like K-Lite  and the defunct Smooth Jazz. I feel nostalgic once again of the my dorm days. I remember one time my dormmates called to K-Lite and when they heard their names mentioned by the DJ there was a euphoria and outburst of cheers in their room… big time! I am an acoustic fan which I inherited during college days in Baguio.  I love to hang-out in acoustic bars and coffee shop. Definitely I miss those days (Panagbenga na, Tara na sa Baguio… anyone?). For me there is something in acoustic music especially those pop songs with acoustic renditions. Though I gave up learning playing guitars, still I enjoyed the simplicity of acoustic sounds with plain accompaniment of guitar, percussion and cajon. My craving for acoustic and live sounds is satisfied by the Afternoon Cruise. DJ Ingrid is a perfect cruise directress. Her voice and her life reflections keep me in my senses during my yawning and sleepy moments in the afternoon (especially after lunch busog kasi lols).

And when I extend my stay in the office, I shift frequency and listen to Boys Night Out of Magic 89.9. The naughty trio of Tony Toni, Slick Rick and Sam YG is a complete package. Lately Ramos Bautista (isa pang makulet) is joining the group  in the air. They really  just want to have fun. Behind their wackiest, funniest and “wholesome” image I see how they add value to “man-side” in every relationship story or topic. Most of their topics is still considered as taboo by some. These topics are either pang boytalk lang or even intentionally ignored in gatherings, drinking sessions and hang-outs. But these guys have the guts to discuss on air and let other men and women of this new generation participate. Kudos to these guys!

Radio stories strive each in every one of us. I know all of us have our own share of radio stories to share, especially during our younger days. But as we grow old, we tend to become satisfied in listening to music and forgetting the thrill to make a ring  to radio DJs and request for songs or greet friends and special love ones. In my whole existence, I never tried making a call or request for songs on and off the air though there is still the  urge  lurking deep inside me. Funny thing is, I really though I am done with that.  But with the sudden change of desire to listen to radio again, who knows maybe one day I’ll make a call.

I might even make a call to Papa Jack and ask for his sagad to the bones advice! Hahaha!

So what’s your radio story?

Working with earphones,

DB

Thank God it’s long weekend! Finally after driving ourselves to go back to work after the Christmas break, the first holiday for 2012 has finally come (by the way Kung Hei Fat Choi to all!).  Funny thing is I look forward for this day since I resumed completing my audit engagement. I have no specific plans during this long weekend. There is no out-of-town trip or occasion to visit or attend to. I simply want to go back home and enjoy laid back kind-of-life. I miss the fresh air, the savoury taste of home-cooked meal and the comfort of my bed.

I  learned my lesson whenever there is a long weekend – to plan not to plan.

Based on my experience, every time I planned to do things on holidays I ended up not accomplishing the long list of activities. Blame it to too much number of activities for a short period of time. I always assumed before that I could do multiple tasks while on break.  I used to bring a portion of my work, topic to write for my blog, pictures to edit, DVDs to watch and other things to do as a product of my imaginative mind. Each time I set foot to our place, no matter how well designed my plan was, I ended up doing nothing except for one – Facebook.

My spirit is willing to accomplish my plan but my body isn’t. The gap between these two becomes evident at each passing hours of my hiatus.  No matter how I refused to give in from being unproductive, I always ended up saying, “Ay wala na naman akong nagawa!”

This long weekend, I lower down my expectations (ehem). I decided to totally just go with the flow. When I felt like staying online, I surfed the net till my connection bogged down.  When I felt hungry, I ate whatever food stored for me in our ref. When I felt like watching DVD, I went straight to my father’s collection of movies and checked which movie I desired of watching. And when I felt like sleepy, I detached myself from online world and shutdown both my laptop and myself and became dead to the world for hours. For a short moment, I removed the burden of following any plan and it actually felt great (Ang sarap ng buhay).

While writing this one, I am just a couple of hours away before I travel back to Manila and all I could say is that I am recharged… totally. I am ready again for  taxing days in the office.  Good thing I have a place called probinsya and whenever I get burned-out I am just four-hour bus trip away from being reinvigorated.

Thank God You made me a probinsyano.

So how did you spend your long weekend (normal weekend  lang for some)?

If you were successful to accomplish your plan; well that’s great. Good for you. If not, don’t be too hard to yourself. I am sure you still managed to enjoy your break.

As the long weekend ends, allow me to invite you and cry out as loud as you can this one….

“Pasukan na naman bukas! Waaaaaaaaaaaaaa!”

Will travel in awhile,

DB

Photos taken by: Dorm Boy

Title: Sleeping Giant

Location: Coron Palawan, Circa 2008

Bisikleta

April of 1995

Summer is always a good time to learn how to bike. For a kid like me who grew up in  province, learning how to balance myself on a bike was one of my greatest accomplishments. It took me almost a week to learn how to bike. All my mornings and afternoons were spent along the street.  I kept on pedaling until my legs ached. Each time I struggled to move I would lose my balance. My stronger left foot was always ready to extend each time I was about to fall.

Wise people in our community said you cannot learn how to bike if you never stumbled,  fall and wounded. I guess they were right. I was not an exception. I tasted my first fall and I cherished my wounds and scratches- thinking I would eventually learn how to bike.

But I still failed.

My kuya came into picture when after a  couple of days I didn’t show any progress. He volunteered to  hold the back portion of my seat as I kept on slowly pedaling. I was thinking he was still at my back but ho and behold he was meters away from me! I did not notice how he released his hold of me. I was on my own!

Finally, I felt like a king riding and driving a bike!

July of 1995

July is Nutrition month in our school. I was part of the group who would participate in a Nutri Jingle contest. Prior to the day of the contest my teacher allowed us to go home early and to get some rest after days of practice. On that fateful day, as I arrived from school I excitedly took out my bike.

I drove along the street of our community. I was a typical kaskero during my younger days. I look forward for the fast wind and cool breeze of afternoon. I love the intersections and the streets in between the blocks of our community. On my way to the sloppy intersection near our house, I noticed another bike was also going to my way. I  did not mind him since he was distanced away from me, but I was approaching so fast. Then, all things went so fast, I was already tailing the other bike. Without any hesitation he took an unceremonious turn. Our bikes collided just like two smashing Titans. We both summer surfed finding our own self away from our bikes. At a certain point I lost consciousness as I temporarily blacked out. When I gained consciousness, I feel a slight pain on my back and in my right leg. I saw the other kid standing and fixing his bike. I tried to hide the pain and gathered myself up. Credit to the adrenaline rushing in my veins, I still managed to pedal my way back to our house.

When I arrived home, I could no longer walk straight. I felt pricking pain each time I make a small step or stand. A small bruise appeared at the lower part of my right leg near my ankle.

I broke my foot.

On the contest day I did not join my group. My teacher got mad at me… totally. I was lost and depressed thinking how would I continue my life. I thought I could never walk again.  After a day in the hospital, I saw my leg totally casted.

Clutches became my ally.

I was banned to bike again after the accident.

My biking ended… temporarily.

DB

Photo by: Arnel Vergara

Eleven

Last Friday people got frenzied with the date 11-11-11. People from all walks of life stopped for a moment when the digital clocks showed 11:11 AM 11/11/11. I also looked forward for this day. I even asked my students and some of my close friends how would they celebrate this special day. I could see in their eyes that they don’t have any idea. They just shrugged their shoulders. Maybe because I asked about it too early. That’s how eager I was.

Many people said it was the best day to make a wish. Aside on our birthdays, we got another day to make a wish. There’s no harm believing about the mystical effect of elevens so I whispered silently my wish (sana manalo sa lotto lol!). I will not blog what my wish is, so as not to add jinx on it. I am crossing my fingers though and feeling optimistic that my wish will do come true.

Going back to number eleven, I am not actually a fan of this number. I rather choose 3 or 17 given the chance to choose a number for my basketball jersey. But I remember the story of my mom when my siblings and I were still kids. She said number 11 was her special number. To narrate one of her fun memories with number eleven, it was her lucky number when she won a Bingo game when she was still renting a room with Bai Carmen (our neighbour).  Just like my Mom, I tried to believe that 11 would bring extra luck on me, or even make my day special.

Back in the office, we started our Kris Kringle with a theme- Everything About Eleven. I jokingly said hindi ako magbibigay ng regalo para magka Onsehan, lol! I actually proposed this idea to Events Committee and they bought it. On that very special day, some of my creative and imaginative officemates made extra effort in buying and choosing their gifts with the twist of eleven. Some had deep (lalim pare) explanation about their gifts. I like what I received. I received 4 bars of Cloud 9 (if you pair them up it’s double eleven) and San Marino 2na (Tuna). Well 9+2= 11 (ang galeng!).  I knew from the start that most of the guys in the office would give food bought from 7- Eleven or chocolate Bars mimicking the number 11. So I decided to buy something else. I bought something that could be a memorabilia of 11/11 in the future. I settled buying an Entreprenuer Magazine November 2011 copy (11/11).  I hope it could stimulate the entrepreneurial skill of the recipient and bring extra business idea on 11/11. And what fascinated me more was that the one who gave me Cloud 9 and Tuna earlier got the magazine. Literally we exchanged gift! Uno-por-Uno! Cool isn’t it?

Beyond the Kris Kringle, my 11-11-11 turned out just like a normal Friday. No fireworks or new acquaintance I met. I gave exams to my first evening class and lectured about Process Costing to my other class. (Oh well!)

I capped the night hanging out with my audit friends. It was our Friday- Movie Night so we all headed to Glorietta. We watched Tower Heist starring Ben Stiller. It was a feel-good movie. This movie is a heaven-sent – good enough to break the cycle of office work and classroom duties. My audit friends and I ended our night with our usual good byes  with “till-next-week-text-text-na-lang-ingats greetings!”

As I opened my laptop I wanted to blog about my 11-11-11 day but my battery was already crying for a charge. I hit the sack leaving no blog or any Facebook status commemorating the day when eleven became a star.

So what’s next to look forward to next year, 12-12-12? How about the year next to it, 11-12-13?

As I crossed the line between alertness and REM stage, I could only smile that this day is a day of Cloud Nine and Tuna…

Luck…

Wishes…

and Numbers.