What Was, Is and Will Be

I published this note here and not on facebook because it’s very personal in nature. Whereas facebook is a social utility tool, where everyone can see your profile, posts, notes, the goings on in your life, your friends and acquaintances, Seasons, my blog, is my personal niche on the internet. I have no control over what gets published on facebook. Seasons, however, is all about me. I control all the content. I can talk about anything and not have a care in the world who sees. I can go to the most personal, deepest, darkest corners of my being and not feel any awkwardness, as I could in facebook, since the truth of the matter is that only the people who care enough will read my blog and read the entirety of my entries. To those who do read, thank you, and I hope this note sends a truthful message that you can relate to.

Thus, here I am, once again beginning a piece of writing. I don’t know exactly what it will contain, or how it will end. I don’t know if it will be as formal and speech-like as most of my writings are, or if, finally, I get so engaged in the writing-process that my barriers finally fall off to reveal my rawest emotions. I don’t know. I just hope that it does justice to who I am and what I feel.

As the title suggests, this note will talk about my life in the past, present and future. I know that I will talk about the challenges I’ve encountered, and how they affected the present. I will touch upon how I feel right this minute, but I don’t know to what extent. As with all my notes, I will express my hopes for the future, and where I’d like to be. To note, that place in the future is magnificent and beautiful. I hope to get there. I hope that you, the reader, will be good company as I traverse the steep, winding road of life.

The past couple of years have been especially tough. My values have been tested time and time again, and to degrees I thought impossible. Many of us have this fantasy-self-image of being good, moral, and strong. We think that our values are untouchable. When asked, “Would you ever put your life before a good friend’s”, most of us would say in a heartbeat, “yeah!”. I was one of them. But today, I say bull.

For one, if you’ve never been in that situation, you can’t know for certain what you’d do. To simplify the matter is to misunderstand it. But secondly, to be certain about these things is next to impossible. Confusion and frustration are healthy feelings. It’s what makes us human. We think, and we think, and then we think some more. To question relentlessly is a part of resilience, and resilience is a characteristic of our species. For example, not many of us would actually follow through if given the opportunity to steal a billion dollars without being caught. We would think about it though. It doesn’t matter how good we are; it`s normal to question. What does matter is that almost all us would refuse to commit the illicit act, and that act of refusal shows character.  I’m glad to report that thus far, on the most challenging question I’ve ever had to answer in my life, I’ve sided on the good. And I’m committed to continuing on with this.

My friendships have both blossomed and extinguished. Truest of friends, you’d think, but then you see their colours and you are repulsed. I’m not an infant, and I don’t play games. Friendships are always to be treated seriously. Now, I don’t mean that friends should always be serious and always be talking about their inner-most sentiments. I mean that friends always respect each other.

I love my friends. I wouldn’t trade a single one of them for Barack Obama (and those who know me would know how big a declaration this is). I will guide them as much as I could, protect them as reasonably as I could, and am committed not to betray them. After all, that is one of the tenets of friendship – friends don’t betray each other.  To my credit, I`ve succeeded on this most difficult task thus far, which is staying true to my friendship with this particular person. I think you`re awesome, and I hold you in high esteem. I vow not to impede in any way in your happiness. You will not even know that I`m talking about you. The precious gem is yours to keep. I will sometimes take a peek, or even stare at your treasure, which I long for so ardently, but that is as far as I`ll go. In fact, I`ve made a resolution to stay as far away from the vicinity of your treasure as possible. I pray that time will erode my longing for this gem. It pains me to know that the gem is yours and yours alone, and the gem seems to feel equally as strongly that you are its owner. I hate that. That`s the reason why I couldn`t go to one of my dearest friends` birthday dinner, which we were both excited about for a long time. I knew, and am still convinced, that the experience would just have been torture for me. I die whenever you`re talked about with such devotion. God, am I the dumbest person in the world or what.

Also, I have learned through a long and painful lesson, not to take the risk of confessing to the one you`re infatuated with. My case is unique and arduously complex. I had done that before – confessing – and it compromised my friendship. Never again. Never ever ever again. Lesson learned.

I am in pain. I long, but as persistently as the longing comes, my ferocious will crushes it as swiftly. I suffer. But, through my pillars – my friends, that is – and through prayers, I continue to live. The thing that sucks the most is that                nothing makes me cry anymore. I used to cry a lot. Crying, as it were, is such an emotional, sacred feeling. You feel cleansed after crying. But the compilation of my experiences, and the lessons I`ve learned from them, seems to have turned me into a battle-hardened war veteran. I am not alone, I`m sure, when I say that no tribulation strikes deeper in our being than matters of the heart. Those made me cry, but not any longer. How emo is this, but, as some of you know, I would even like to title a book I am to write in the future, “I Long to Weep“. I long to weep! But that`s not to be seen in the horizon. What did almost make me cry was when I had to break the news to my friend that I couldn`t go to her very important dinner. Haha, that was a moment. Too bad, though, the tears didn`t come.

I just hope peace, happiness and love for everyone I know. I want them to reach a place of contentment and understanding. I want each and every one of my friends to live a fulfilling life, full of depth. I pray for that whenever I get the chance to. I encourage my friends to be open to me. The more open we are to each other, the more fulfilling our friendships become. On one particular case in my life, however, that cannot be. Things are complex, and I just hope you trust me. Trust. Let`s trust each other. Let`s be there for each other. There`s no reason why we can`t start now, right this very minute. I promise you that if you just open up to me, and let me in, I`ll welcome you into my life with open arms. That goes for everyone.  Really, that`s my only criteria. A place of understanding is a nice place to be.

Well, that`s a sucky ending. That`s it for now, folks. I wake up in less time than I should to go back to work. Let me know.

Truly,

C.

The True Friend

No human is exempt from the enslavement of powerful emotions – love, hate, anguish, happiness – that tug at the intellect, ever challenging one’s rationale. What a “normal”, reasonable person would do is not the question; the world of passions is not subject to the human, wordly laws. It is a world unto itself, separate from the one on which our feet are planted. On one hand, rationality would clearly state which path to take; on the other hand, our passions could be lobbying for a completely opposite way. Fortunately, I possess an instrument that helps me navigate through these utterly perplexing, winding roads. Writing.

Writing is my tool. Through it I could reconcile my wild, volatile passions with my trained, disciplined mind. It is not merely attributing words that somewhat portray what we are thinking. It requires precision and meditation. Meditation because we want the piece of writing to be as truthful to our being as possible. Precision because we want the outcome of the writing to be as truthful as possible. It’s all about the truth.

Days and days would pass when I’d hear these thoughts, fluttering inside my head. I would get an urge to write about it, but not get the chance to. I used to carry a small pad of paper with me everywhere I went, writing random thoughts. It was useless. It wasn’t my process. For me to be able to write, I have to allocate a significant amount of time and be in the appropriate environment. The physical act of writing takes little time, but contemplating on the topic takes forever. In any case, the most recent universe my ponderings have taken me to is the universe of friends and friendships.

Many celebrated philosophers, foremost among them Plato and Aristotle, wrote extensively on friendship. In their writings they define the role of friends, what qualities a friend must possess and so on. The following is not a proposed doctrine, but is the simple, subjective view of a twenty-year-old amateur thinker. It’s my view on friendship, my experiences with friends, and where I dream my friendships will eventually go. This is by no means an exhausted list or explanation. In fact I encourage everyone to add to this, or simply weigh in on the issue.

I remember hearing about the television show “FRIENDS” when I was in elementary, but I didn’t give it too much mind. Not only did I not get the jokes, but of course, I also didn’t give too much value on sturdy, thoughtful relationships at the age. Those reading this have all seen the show, though, and the vast majority love it  for good reason. We all want to be a part of something remotely close to what Phoebe, Chandler, Monica, Rachel, Ross and Joey have. They had so much fun together, they cried together, they faced the future together – boy did they live.

The entirety of the series spanned ten seasons, which means that there were many many shows. They were able to portray complex relationships that developed in the span of an entire life. That is one of the possible attributes of friendship: history. Although I don’t believe that the longer relationships are necessarily better, I do believe that time is essential for the development of relationships. I recently had to face some “difficulty” with several… distinctly different people. I must admit it was bothersome beyond belief. It was because I gave them my friendship and held them to such high regard, that the heartbreak of not having the same esteem reciprocated was doubly harder. Amidst the tumult, a realization dawned on me.

I was comforted by a group of friends over dinner. As I looked around, I realized that this group around the table all graduated from the same high school! I was probably misunderstood by my antagonists. What the group around the table had, however, was history, and history explains a lot of things. We knew what we had done in high school: what classes we took, which subjects we excelled in, the accolades we garnered, the setbacks we encountered, the trips taken, venues during the lunch hour, work ethic, teachers loved, teachers.. not so loved, our habits, mannerisms, likes and dislikes – all in all, our character. Character not just explained with words through a conversation, but as eyewitnessed through the events of the wild roller-coaster ride called high school. The sense of history, as I sat with them at that table, flooded me with comfort.

There is a term among scholars and researchers called “history of the present”. It basically means that in order to understand the present fully, one must know the history of the subject, that is, the series of events that led to the fruition of the subject. If you don’t know the person’s past, you can’t possibly explain or understand the person’s present.

Another attribute that friends share for each other is respect. A Dictionary.com (link: http://dictionary.reference.com) definition states that respect is:

“Deference to a right, privilege, privileged position, or someone or something considered to have certain rights or privileges; proper acceptance or courtesy; acknowledgment: respect for a suspect’s right to counsel; to show respect for the flag; respect for the elderly.”

Blah blah blah. This definition is inadequate even in this single context of our composition.  There are times when disagreements turn into disputes, and what could have been a promising relationship turns awry. Friends do not have to agree about everything that there is under the sun. Provided there is respect. Respecting a view that is different from ours. All too often disagreements persist because of the absence of listening. Trust that your friend is not insane; that there is a reason for the action; hear out the entire explanation. Then and only then do we speak. Listen. Acquaintanceship crosses over into friendship once we accept our friend for his or her whole being, his or her soul. Acceptance not despite the flaws, but acceptance of the flaws. Respect, as we see, is the realization of one’s being.

Lastly, love.

What is the opposite of love?

["Jeopardy" theme song playing]

I pondered over this quite devotedly for a couple of years. I finally came to the conclusion that it’s not hate. It’s indifference. Hate is such a heated, passionate emotion. This passion exists because one still cares. Indifference is the total opposite. An indifferent person would have no care whatsoever. Mindless destruction without remorse would come from indifference. It wouldn’t even cross an indifferent person’s mind whether one lived or died.

I talk about the opposite of love to make it easier to explain love. A friend loves. This means absolute care for a friend’s well-being. The friend’s welfare over yours. In fact there would be times when tough decisions have to be made; and a choice would have to be taken between the truth that hurts, or blissful ignorance. But the true friend is wiser. He is not making a choice between the two options; he considers the only option, which is what’s good for the friend, and this regardless of the consequences.

Finally, join me in a movement to elevate the status of friendship once again. Let’s give the word the disctinction and respect that it deserves. Let’s use it appropriately. In as much as we are awed by kings, actors, and distinguished clergymen, the true friend is equally as awe-inspiring. The true friend.

President Obama, in the introduction of his eulogy for one of the most revered, most loved, most influential United States senators of all-time, Senator Edward Kennedy, said:

” The world will long remember their son Edward as the heir to a weighty legacy; a champion for those who had none; the soul of the Democratic Party; and the lion of the United States Senate — a man who graces nearly 1,000 laws, and who penned more than 300 laws himself. But those of us who loved him, and ache with his passing, know Ted Kennedy by the other titles he held: Father. Brother. Husband. Grandfather. Uncle Teddy, or as he was often known to his younger nieces and nephews, “The Grand Fromage,” or “The Big Cheese.” I, like so many others in the city where he worked for nearly half a century, knew him as a colleague, a mentor, and above all, as a friend.”

To my truest friends, you know who you are, from the bottom of my heart, thank you, and I look forward to the rest of our years, together forging our history.

Philippines Visit Statistics

I recorded pretty much everything worth recording during our visit to the Philippines. Re: tallies,  the number ones (1) indicate one tick, hence, for example, 1111 means I’ve done/visited that item four times.

Restaurants Visited:

Chowking (11)
Jollibee (111111111)
Omakase
Sbarro’s
Gerry’s Grill (Tagaytay)
Rastro
Cuzina (Dampa)
KFC
TopGrill
Hen-Lin
Aristocrat
Razon’s of Gua Gua
Max’s
Tempura
Grace, Sister of Rose
Iceberg
Mangkok
Muang Thai
Red Ribbon
Kenny Roger’s Roasters
Kimono

Malls Visited:

Mall of Asia
SM City North Edsa
Festival Supermall
Greenhills
Trinoma
168
Tutuban Center Mall
SM San Lazaro

Tallies:

Shower:1111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111 (average of twice a day)

Street Food: 1111111111111111 (fish balls, taho and the like)

Highlights:

Taal Volcano (Tagaytay)
Manila Bay
Cory Aquino’s Funeral March
San Pablo, Laguna
Pansol, Laguna (Hot Springs)

President Cory Aquino

Throngs of Filipinos gathered to catch a glimpse of their arguably most beloved president.

One of the definite highlights of my trip to the Philippines was taking part in the funeral march for President Cory Aquino. What with the uncontrollable traffic and the constant tirade of obscenities in many parts of Metro Manila, I couldn’t help but think that the essence of the Philippines as a nation has gone. This event changed my view. True, the Filipinos’ respect for each other is still trapped underneath, as I can give countless evidence to (but I will not), but it is there, and I witnessed it. How great is that?

Most of the participants in the procession were raising their L-shaped hands, standing for "Laban" (to fight).

The Filipinos displayed solidarity under the wing of their beloved president , Cory Aquino, who, with her husband, gave her life for the Philippines, who showed that it is possible to be honest and achieve something, be someone – The one – in politics, who constantly gave pride to her country, and was the perfect and constant example of love for family, country and God. Thank you president Cory.

Main flag at half-mast at the Luneta Park

Philippines Visit – Days 26 to 29

DAY 26, AUGUST 15th

Wow, read New Moon until 5:30 in the morning. This is bad.

On the way to Naic, Cavite, when we got a call that led us to detour en route to Jose Reyes Memorial Medical Center. Visited tito Philip in the hospital; he had a brain operation. Hope all is well.

Proceeded on with the trip; got to Naic at about 8 pm. Saw cousins, and a niece and a nephew! So much things have changed since we were last here. Went back to Balut, and left the family house for the last time this visit. Sad!

DAY 27, AUGUST 16th

Woke up bright and early today, after three hours of sleep, because we were going to Pansol, Laguna today for tita Malot’s birthday bash. Slept in the car, as per usual, en route. When I woke up, Mount Makiling greeted me, one of the most famous mountains in the Philippines. Its glamour comes from the story that, while hiking in the Makiling woods, hikers often get lost. It goes that when this occurs, a sumptuous voice will call on you from behind, that of Maria Makiling. If you look back, she’ll drag you to the middle of the woods, never to return.

Tita Malot rented a resort house, and it’s very nice. Modern design, thick white pillars in sharp perpendicular angles, forming L’s and rectangular boxes. You’ll see pics eventually. Two swimming pool, both with hot spring waters from the mountain area. Rec room with a basketball court, billiard table and table tennis table. We, unfortunately, won’t be spending the night there.

Went back to the condo for some recharging; planning on getting a massage tomorrow!

DAY 28, AUGUST 17th

Got a massage at Splendour! It’s the place where my tito Nate and tita Matet apparently always get their massage. It was good! Had an almost 2-hour Swedish massage. Good experience!

Follow up on the Nat’l Book Store incident: I went to buy more things, and when I was about to pay, the manager processed my payment. It went very smoothly. She told me that she had already talked to the evil sales person from before, and she apologized profusely. Thank you!

Went home, saw my Lola, whom we’ve given the nickname of Mommy Lo (pronounced looh). She always inspires me to be good.

Went to SM North Edsa to play bowling with Vam Vam, kuya and Angelo. Kat Kat and her university mates followed.

Went back to the condo to do some serious packing. I’m starting to feel really sad.

DAY 29, AUGUST 18th

Last day in the Philippines; it’s getting real sad.

I struggled to wake up early today, because I wanted to cherish the entirety of the 18th of August. Started the day by picking up my tailored pants. Good stuff! Went to SM to do last minute shopping and to meet up with our ate Paola.

Went back to the condo, saw tito Ed and Vam Vam. Bought them footwear. Went home again and packed.

Slept in the Philippines for the last time, this time around.

DAY 30, AUGUST 19th

Woke up feeling conflicted; on one hand, I’d love to see my friends and my parents; on the other, I love the Philippines for what it is, what living in it entails, and especially the people.

Got dropped off to the airport by the Balut gang. “No good byes,” they said, “just ’till then’s!” We’ll definitely be back. To my lola, Mommy Lo, you continually inspire me. To Tita Ceng and the Balut folks, thank you so very much for the hospitality. To Tito Boy, thank you for picking us up and dropping us off whenever no one else would.To Tito Ed, thanks for showing us around! Let’s gamble again soon! Said our good byes, met up with Lorenz, friend from Canada, boarded the plane and off we went.

–

When we got to Vancouver, we left the airport and took the newly-built (in fact it was only opened yesterday) Sky Train. Pretty cool! Walked around the Waterfront, ate at Kimono’s. Back again to the aiport through the Sky Train, and off to Winnipeg!

–

Back! Thanks to all who came out to greet us! Went home to freshen up a bit, then went to Daureen’s for some good ol’ story time! By the way, baby BK, you’re an adult now. Good stuff!

Truly, wholeheartedly, it was a good trip. We’ll be back Philippines.

Philippines Visit – Days 22 to 25

DAY 22, AUGUST 11th

Another day with a hectic itinerary.

Kuya and I just wanted to go to Trinoma, but we got a call from our tito Ed asking us to go to their house. We ended up going to Quiapo to buy something that my dad wants us to bring back to Canada. I was able to buy 10 Cory shirts.

Briefly went back to the condo to get clothes, ’cause we will be sleeping at Munoz tonight.

Plans: Poker, Tong Its, Movie Night and a lot more gambling!

DAY 23, AUGUST 12th

Oh no! Woke up today feeling sick. My throat hurts, and I think I’m also going to get a cold. Will employ the best preventative measures I know: (1) Ingest mild medication, (2) Gargle with some antibacterial solution, and lastly, (3) drink lots of hot tea.

Played more Tong Its, won about 80 pesos. Went to Greenhills, but didn’t buy anything. Went home to play more Tong Its, won about the same amount. Moved on to poker. Took a break to get a snack at Iceberg, then went back to play poker. Lost to kuya. Last thing: I think I’ll beat the cold.

DAY 24, AUGUST 13th 

The tides have turned. Lost looots of money! My mom will not like it when she sees this post, by the way, finding out that we wasted away two whole days just gambling. ‘My, it was for good ol’ quality bonding time with tito Edward!

 

Had three pants tailor-made; found out that I’m a size 37 now. Went home to gamble a little bit more, and lost a little bit more. Got ready, then Lola Teng treated us out at Muang Thai, a 5-star Thai restaurant.  There was live music; a pianist and a violinist. So cool!

Went to Balut to spend a little bit more time with them. Guess what? Gambled with yet another tito, tito Boy! Haha.

DAY 25, AUGUST 14th

I think I have a bit of a fever. This sucks! Our schedule’s getting more hectic too.

Need to visit tito Philip. Take care, tito. Went to San Lazaro to buy more formal wear.

 

 

Philippines Visit – Days 18 to 21

DAY 18, AUGUST 7th

Let me start by saying that shopping in the Philippines is so much more pleasurable than in Canada, or in North America for that matter. Of course the foremost reason behind this would be the more powerful North American currency, which would make it seem to those who live there like they are getting so much more for so much less.

It seems, however, to my brother and I, that we are waging a war against the Filipino salespeople. They are so persistent, so annoying and so much more feisty!

Yesterday, it was my brother against the insurance girl; today, it’s the National Bookstore lady and me.

I had shopped for books in the upper floor before the incident, using my credit card to pay. We went down to the lower level because I had wanted to shop for supplies. Hey, if you know you need something – anything – buy it while you’re here, ’cause it’ll definitely be cheaper! I took sticky notes, paper clips, pencil holders and a whole lot more!

Come the payment time, I gave my credit card to the cashier person. After I presented my credit card, the cashier looked at me with incredulous eyes, perhaps because I was not wearing the attire of a person who would own one, let alone an international platinum credit card. She asked for an ID, which I thought was reasonable. After all, in the States, you have to present an ID whenever you use your credit card. Unfortunately I couldn’t provide for one, because my brother had warned me earlier not to bring my wallet, in fear that it might get stolen. I offered my receipt from the prior purchase instead. Here is where my anger started to creep up.

Usual practise when purchasing something in the Philippines is that the cashier would tape the receipt on the bag she had placed your merchandise in. This cashier looked at me like I was an idiot, then tore the receipt off of my bag in a rough way. She looked at it for 3 seconds then swiped my credit card. After literally 5 seconds, she, with her annoyed look, returned my card and said it was declined. I patiently asked her to try again, and I said, as per usual practise in all of my F*(@#U$* purchases, you have to insert my card, not swipe it, and I have to enter my pin. She wouldn’t hear it. I asked her (rhetorically, in disbelief) why it was declined and here’s what she said, I’m positive almost word for word:

“Pano ko malalaman, kayo naman po ang gumagamit ng card ninyo. Baka sumobra na po; baka wala na kayong pera.”
(Translated: How would I know? You, sir, are the one who uses the card. Perhaps it went over the limit; perhaps you’ve run out of money.)

ERUPTION!

The following I said (mostly in English, but Tagalog here and there) without yelling, but in the arrogant, furious tone that I usually assume when I’m personally feeling indignant, as perhaps some work people would attest to:

Me: Sorry? Why would you assume that?

Cashier: Hindi naman po eh, pinakita ko naman po sa inyo diba? (Oh no no, sir, didn’t I show you?)

Me: What did you show me? You didn’t show me anything. How dare you assume that.

[At this point the cashier didn't know what to say, and the other people around her started to panic]

Me: Should I go and grab my ID?

Cashier: ‘Wag na po… (That’s not necessary)

Me: You know what, just grab me a cart. I’ll just pay upstairs. (murmuring audibly to myself, mocking the cashier, “you’ve gone over the limit…”

…After which they were running back and forth, scrambling to get a shopping cart for me. They finally called the security guard to fetch one, and they hastily placed the merchandise in it. I took it from them and went upstairs and paid there, no hassle.

I wasn’t indignant over the asking for identification, because, as I’ve said, that’s not beyond usual practise. I was really only fuming over her misjudged, misplaced assumption. To end the incident there, after paying, I went back to the stupendous cashier, and in the calmest voice I could muster, I informed her about the new PIN technology, which really she should be aware about, then thanked her, and walked away.

DAY 19, AUGUST 8th

Went to Juana 3 with my brother, where we spent the entirety of our childhood. Welcomed warmly by tito Danny and tita Connie, who immediately offered us food. We accepted, almost without embarassment, because, first, we were hungry, and second, because we truly felt like the neighbourhood was still our home.

Drank several beers with our childhood friends, Ipe, Jordan and Nonoy, while ate Neng and tito Efren entertained us. Played cards for hours while chatting (felt really comfortable), then was asked to play basketball. I couldn’t resist and said yes. Despite my rickety basketball skills, I was still able to play and keep up with all the running. Only scored one point though; my in-miss ration probably 1/100. I huge piece of skin on the bottom of my left foot came off (it still stings right now) because I was only wearing flip-flops although running quite rapidly. Caught up with the neighbours, and exchanged many kind words. Overall, it was a fun and treasured day, and my brother and I left Juana feeling unsatisfied and wanting to go back.

DAY 20, AUGUST 9th

Culig Reunion! Whole family was here in the condo. Caught up with the titos, titas, lolas and lolos. Saw and met quite a few little cousins whom I haven’t yet met. It was striking how the roles have changed. From the rowdy, noisy, playful bunch of children, we (my Kuya, myself and my cousin VAM) have now turned into the more senior batch among the cousins, controlling them and sometimes disciplining them. Some went swimming while some, like myself, stayed in the club house with the adults where delightful, reminiscing conversations were taking place.

Watched G.I. Joe with my Kuya, Vam Vam, Mak Mak, Patrick, Kat Kat and a cousin whose name I fail to remember (bad on me!). Their theatres are a lot roomier and nicer, and they have assigned seating!

DAY 21, AUGUST 10th

Ate Cleng woke me up today at 9:30 in the morning, to say that my tito Edward will pick us up in 30 minutes. The next half an hour was then spent by my brother and I frantically trying to get ready.

We were finally picked up, and we headed for San Pablo, Laguna. Saw our Lolo Greg’s property, which had geese, chickens and lots and lots of random vegetables and trees. No electricity and faucet water, might I add. I will not survive a single night there.

Then went to Rockwell Center to do more shopping.

Philippines Visit – Days 14 to 17

DAY 14, AUGUST 3rd

Started reading Twilight. Why? Well, why not? It’s mainly because I want to start a series before my flight back. I’m already dreading it! Thirteen hours straight, and then when we get to Vancouver, we’re stuck there for eight hours. I need a good, long series to read, hence Twilight! It’s also because I want to get into the reading mode again, before University starts. Did I mention I got offered to take part in the Criminal Justice Honours Program? I accepted. What does this mean? Lots and lots more reading.

Went out to grab merienda with tita Ceng at Razon’s. Had their famous halo-halo. What made their halo-halo special is its simplicity. None of the uninteresting, unnecessary sahogs, just plain old macapuno, saging, leche flan and fresh cow’s milk. Love it. She then took us to a very unsuccessful tour of Manila. It was raining like mad! The ridiculous part about it is that whenever we went out of some sort of a building, it’d rain violently. Huge rain drops man! Then when we’d take cover, the rain will stop. It went on like that the whole night. It was as if there was someone in the clouds holding a fire hose, waiting for us to come out so that he could spray us.

Went to Philippine Children’s Hospital for a bit, ’cause my tita had to attend to a patient. Ended up going to the Manila Bay area around Roxas Boulevard, Sofitel and Luneta. Ate at Max’s after.

DAY 15, AUGUST 4th

I will go to tita Cory’s wake no matter what!

Kuya and I went microphone shopping for his karaoke machine. Ate at Jollibee again, haha! On a side note, my restaurant in Restaurant City is thriving. I’m spending way too much time on the internet! Also, I really miss people in Winnipeg. Oh, and Winnipeg, for that matter.

Spent the rest of the evening watching Gran Torino, and searching online for more classes to register in. I need two more!

DAY 16, AUGUST 5th

Finally, we went to see Tita Cory. Slept for two hours or less, but it was really all worth it. Drove to Roxas Boulevard, waited in the car and tuned in with Ted Failon on the radio for the coverage. It was raining like there’s no tomorrow, the sun was shining like it won’t smile at the Earth again, all alternating for what it seemed like a billion times before tita Cory showed up. When we had heard that Tita Cory’s party was on its way, we braved the winds and waited outside. Positioned ourselves on the actual boulevard.

Felt one with the Filipinos. Felt proud to be a Filipino.

We were all waving the Laban sign in the air, at one another. We acknowledged each other, smiling or staring into each other’s eyes. Really, it could seem corny, but there aren’t many instances in one’s life when such acts can be pulled off.

Finally, she passed by us. Laban sign in the air. Respect, sadness and awe passed by me. Our most righteous leader had passed away.

Saw Erap, Mikee Cojuangco, Kris Aquino et. al., Satur Ocampo, Bishop Soc Villegas and maybe others, but that’s all I can recall.

Highlight of the Philippines trip, without a doubt, this whole experience.

DAY 17, AUGUST 6th

An overall uneventful day, and then we lost another lolo, lolo Turing, brother to our lola.

Oh! I suppose, it was a bit eventful. Kuya and I went to Crossings, our hang out spot across the street, and after circling the whole mini-mall after 10 minutes, I asked him if he wanted to go to SM. He obliged, to my surprise. I was dressed in the most haggard, shortest pair of shorts in the world, and an unbranded shirt, which is to say I looked homeless and hungry, but for my ever-increasing girth. We took a cab, and that was, to be honest, a bit scary.

This is good, I thought, because the salespeople didn’t bother us as much. They were shocked whenever I entered their store, actually buying their merchandise. Then, there was this insurance person.

Gina was her name, my brother’s girlfriend’s name. She was persistent, but none of that would have worked on me. She talked about insurance, and I might’ve known more about insurance than she did. My brother, however, couldn’t decline her request to spare 45 minutes of his time for a small presentation. I was hesitant, almost rude to her, but, again, he obliged. Well, long story short, she ruined my brother’s day, and the 45 minutes turned into 4 hours.

For those hours, I was alone. I wandered around SM City on my own. Ended up buying books and a couple of accessories.

We went to the viewing of my lolo Turing, went home, tried to tie ties, and there my day ended.

Philippines Visit – Days 10 to 13

DAY 10, JULY 30th

Mom called from Canada. She just had her operation. Take care and rest lots mom! Had a tita buy ice cream. She bought a gallon of Selecta Queso Real and a gallon of Rocky Road. Can’t get enough of it; I’ve already had 4 cups haha. Went to SM San Lazaro. Let’s just say we made our relatives happy. Bought a gift for our godson, Marty. It’s a Thomas or Tomas or somethin’ toy. He’s that creepy train with a face at the front thing. He actually kissed us on the cheek this evening; yes, because of the gift. Kids are funny. Bought fire-roasted chicken and liempo. It doesn’t sound appealing, but some of you would know that it’s good. Key word? Andok’s.

DAY 11, JULY 31st

This day started off slow, as it was raining. In a way, though, it was in preparation for where we were going. We visited the North Cemetery, where my lolo, recently deceased lola and cousin are buried. It was almost surreal seeing their names on a tombstone. I wanted to crack jokes, even a sarcastic remark as I usually do, but none came out.

Really, after this visit, one of our most important obligations for this trip has been accomplished.

In the evening, our tito Boy (all Filipino families have a tito Boy, often several) invited us to go bar-hopping. We didn’t quite bar-hop, as it poured rain again. It was so fun, though, ’cause he’s so refreshingly hip and funny, our tito Boy. He’s turning 60 soon. Yes, I was partying with a 60-year-old.

DAY 12, AUGUST 1st

After the long and entertaining night with my uncle, I woke up having to take the day slowly. Beer sucks. Beer sucks! On a more sombering tone, though, I found out that the former Philippine President Corazon “Cory” Aquino had passed away.

This is a real loss for all Filipinos with functioning brains. She was the champion of democracy, the symbol of peace and hope for Filipinos at the wake of Marcos’ martial rule. Thank you so much, Tita Cory, for making everything possible.

Played Tong Its with my tito Boy and kuya for 5 hours. It was tons of fun! Won about 100 pesos, which isn’t much, but is quite a bit considering our bets only start at 1 peso. Had good long chats with the boys. My other uncle came, Daddy Willy, and he also played with us. It felt right; a sense of belongingness in a family.

Ate at Aristocrat, my lolo’s (we called him Papa) favourite restaurant. Good food, and moreover, good company. Everyone was there.

DAY 13, AUGUST 2nd

Second day of Tita Cory’s memorial services. I really want to go. I think I’ll drag someone with me. Anyone.

Last day in Balut, but there was no water! I couldn’t take a shower! Man, I’ll just wait until I get to tita Ceng’s condo. As it turned out, we ended up swimming in penthouse pool again. This time with Cholo. He’s like my brother! The resemblance of their mannerisms is uncanny. Bad for the world! Just kidding kuya. You’re cool. Kinda.

Tita Ceng arranged merienda for us. Buko Pandan, Filipino bbq, sio mai, ginatan, pancit and BIKO, all but for the sio mai prepared by ate Cleng Cleng. Thanks ate Cleng! She’ll be the reason for my weight gain. Yes, I will gain weight, so don’t be shocked Winnipeg people. No limits, I’m just eating like a pig. Ended the day with karaoke-ing with the condo gang.

Philippines Visit – Days 5 to 9

DAY 5, JULY 25th

Got picked up by driver, en route to Greenhills Mall. Along the way, we receive a call from our uncle asking us to go to the Greenhills Subdivision Clubhouse. As it turned out, we crashed a one-year-old’s party. Ate good food at the clubhouse. After, we went to the Greenhills Malls. So much stalls! Cellphones everywhere from who-knows-where! If I happened to have been alone, I’m pretty sure I would’ve bought so much crap that I’d be in debt up to my neck. Instead, I bargained (yes!) and purchased a remote control for my camera for 1500 pesos, instead of 1800. Pat on the shoulder. Went to Lola Teng’s house, waited for Kat Kat. Headed for SM North Edsa when she came. Ate at Sbarro’s, then walked around a bit.

DAY 6, JULY 26th

After breakfast, we headed for church. After church, headed to Binan, where we lived. Visited childhood friends. Saw our old house. Shocked by the differences. Humbled by our beginnings. Grateful for our blessings. That really brought back a lot of memories! Well, we’ll come back for sure before we leave the country.

Headed for Tagaytay when it started to rain like there’s no tomorrow. Hey, we’re lucky we even got to 5 days without rain, since it’s apparently the rainy season here right now. Ate at Gerry’s Grill. Good freakin’ food! Again, had there been no titos and titas with us there, I would’ve ordered the entire menu. Constraint, Christian, constraint. Headed back to the condo; taught the kids poker and blackjack. Spreading good ol’ gambling to the younger cousins.

DAY 7, JULY 27th

PGMA’s going to give her last SONA. There will be a huge rally in and around the Batasan area. Ate siomai from across the street, then had bam bam (cousin) buy Jollibee for lunch. Went to Trinoma and SM City North Edsa around 3pm. Bought a whole bunch of crap. Bought a whole bunch of presents for cousins. Treated Tita Ceng et. al. to Rastro, a Spanish restaurant. The paella was good, and so was the deep fried ice cream. Spent a total of approximately 7 hours in the mall. According to my brother, this was the most tiring day of the 7 thus far. I disagree. This was the most productive, I think.

DAY 8, JULY 28th

So we Filipinos in Winnipeg think that we’ve mastered “Filipino time”; we really haven’t. We were supposed to be picked up today, to live with the mother’s side of the family (we had stayed with the Father’s side when we had gotten here). Time to be picked up? 4:00 pm. Actual time picked up? 10:30 pm. No worries, they were just late 6.5 hours. Needless to say, we really weren’t able to do anything this day. Oh! I hate cockroaches. They freak me out, and I would really wish for them to be eradicated. Highlight of this day was a good long conversation with my Ninang. She’s really cool. I think I could talk to her about almost anything.

DAY 9, JULY 29th

Saw a rat the size of a lion. I’m scared. We went to Tutuban Center and 168. They say that you can’t really get quality things for cheaper prices than in these malls. Didn’t buy anything, though. SM all the way. Had Zagu, which is the ancestor of ancestors of Bubble Tea. It’s was so darn good! My brother bought a mouse pad, which was worth mentioning because of its design. I’ll post pictures at another time. Ate at Cuzina at the dampa area. How it works is outside the whole line of restaurants is a wet market with fresh products. You can find all the seafood there, from fish, lobster, crab and shrimp, to the exotics such as frogs and eel. A restaurant employee will accompany you as you shop from the market. They will then cook what you buy for a per kilo charge. So I kind of went overboard, and had a lot of crab, shrimp, fish and pork. I mean a lot. We had more than enough food for 10 people, when there were only 5 of us.Price for our seafood feast? About $60.00 for the whole company. Not bad!