Great dinner and the dog

My colleagues in our section had a meeting/Christmas dinner at Dad’s in Glorietta last night. As usual, we had fun. Magkaroon ka ng mga kasamang makulit at fun-loving people, I don’t think you would be able to hold back laughing. We rode in Tessa’s road-testing vehicle in which the interior resembles that of the inside of an airplane. I just forgot to ask the model and manufacturer.

However, my spirit was dampened when Raqz and I saw a wandering dog just across our office when we were about to go home. He/she looks like a cute sweet dog. He/she seems to be of a mixed breed of mongrel and whippet or dachshund. We crossed the street to take a look. He/she has a collar so we suspected that the dog has an owner. I’m just so afraid that he/she might be lost. When we tried to approach, he/she went away but not too far. I couldn’t help myself but cry. Nakakaawa kasi. The dog seemed not to be familiar with the street. Raqz said he/she was almost run over by a coming vehicle. I cannot imagine how confused the dog is. Ang hina pa naman ng loob ko sa ganyan.

When I got home, I immediately hugged my dogs and whispered to them to tell that “lost” dog that he will soon find his/her way home. I also dedicated all my prayers for him/her. I just hope that the cute dog lives just around the corner. I will go and check him/her out when I get to the office later. God, please let the dog find his/her way to the owners.

Christmas 2005

I’m happy during this time of the year regardless of what’s happening to the world. This is one time that I forget about everything and just focus on being happy.

I don’t know but I just feel so glad and joyful seeing people all in a festive mood. When we went to church, I saw many kids running around sporting their new dresses. Even adults are in their Sunday’s best.

I received quite many text messages greeting me a Merry Christmas as early as yesterday. I woke up at 6 a.m. and sent all my friends and business contacts a simple greeting.

I opened my gifts late in the afternoon because I watched all the kids passing by from our window. They are all cute. Colors of the season: red and yellow.

I am glad and wanted to laugh when I saw my closest friend’s (Sharon) gift to me: a sweater. And I also gave her a pink sweater. I guess friends really know each other. I am always happy receiving gifts. All of them are equal to my heart, there’s no small or big package. A simple greeting is very much appreciated. This year, I realize that my friends are getting to know me more. I received a notepad and a notebook (I collect all types of paper or writing materials). A dog pillow (I’m a dog-lover). I got three books!: Da Vinci Code, Angels and Demons, and Red Dog. Hmmm… what else? Animal keychain, nice cards for use, a table clock, and more jackets. I’ve been collecting jackets since last year. I don’t know why I got into this, perhaps because some companies always have jackets for giveaways so I decided that I’ll keep them and have a collection.

I guess the greatest gift that I received is the thing that I have always been asking for: peace in my heart. I’ve been through hard times but today, I felt like nothing can suppress my spirit to fight. I am happy to see my dad; I am happy that my dear mom loves me so much; I am happy that Vincent is growing up to be a nice animal-loving boy; but most of all, I am extremely happy for the gift of love of my two boys: doggie dearest Bitoy and James. They are my source of joy when joy seems to run out; my source of unconditional love; and my source of determination to pursue my advocacy. They are part of my family.

This Christmas is one of the happiest in my life. And I thank God for that.

Brrrr

It’s been a really cold December. I often wake up in the middle of the night grappling for my jacket. Today, the air is really chilly and the sky is a bit gloomy. The mood of people, however, is not. Everyone is busy for tomorrow’s pamamasko. I saw on the news that there are still many people doing last-minute shopping. I’m just glad I did mine earlier.

Christmas is always a simple celebration for us. We’ll hear Mass, visit my sister, and will treat my mom and nephew to lunch. If there is still time, I want to bring them to Baywalk.

For the rest of the day? I will watch some featured animes on Animax.

I did sing!

I did sing in public for the first time! Can’t imagine I would.

There was a small appreciation “party” for two of my colleagues in the advertising department. There was a short program. I thought someone would sing. But it turned out, everyone would have to sing a few lines from the song With a little help from my friends.

I am forced to so I just braved that challenge.

I just did some comical (pathetic) stunt to overshadow that “humiliation.”

I felt good even if some people laughed. I mean I’m relieved because I always refuse to sing. At least now, they know why I really wouldn’t.

Christmas Party 05

We had our department’s Christmas party last night. Even without a sound system, we surely had fun. There were nice prizes and gifts. The food was good. That’s where all the hilarity started. Everyone was eyeing the shrimp and crab. Once we dug in, they were literally swept from planet earth.

The games would’ve been really fun if it were accompanied by music. But, the jokes and cheerfulness provided by my colleagues so much made up for that. No person went home empty-handed. That’s one thing I enjoy most in our department’s party, because we are a small group each person has something to bring home.

The exchange gift portion was really fun. My boss, who happened to be the emcee, made it storytelling type with words “right” and “left” then we’ll pass the gifts everytime he mentioned those two words. It was really hilarious.

The perfect couple

I admit. I HAD a huge crush on TJ many years ago. He is the perfect man any girl would want. But Edlyn is such a very good friend, and a very nice person indeed.

I am very happy for them. They look good together. And I know they're perfect for each other. Both are two of the nicest people I know. Both never compromised their principles. And both are my good friends who truly make this world a better place.

I almost did not attend the wedding because namaga ang right eye ko. It hurt. But then, after an hour of dilly-dallying, I decided to go. I'm late of course. But I made it a point that they saw me in the church and in the reception. I cannot forget that when my sister died, TJ was the first one from the office na nakiramay. And he didn't even know our place! Also, during my three-month training in the field, he took care of me. Edlyn, of course is my constant source for resource persons for my stories. So there really was no question if I should've gone or not.

After I got home, I went to Tutuban with my nephew to buy some gifts for friends and family. I am amazed at how cheap stuff are at Divisoria. Before, I used to buy in malls and department stores because I didn't want the rush of people. But these are hard times, so I braved the rush.

Surprisingly, there aren't many people in department store, supermarket, and even in tiangge. I mean, there still are "many" people, but not as many as before. I'm happy because for a little more than P1,000 I'm able to buy gifts for more than 10 people. (Now they know how much my gift is worth.) But they are really good stuff. Unless I tell them the cost, they won't be able to tell the difference from the branded ones.

If there are good things that happen amid the economic crisis, well at least for me, I guess that is I value money now more than ever. And I'm beginning to become a wise buyer and spender. I just have to look at the brighter side of things.

Rest, finally?

Work’s all done, I hope. I didn’t realize that Christmas is already next week. I haven’t bought anything yet. Not one gift and I’m on a rush this weekend.

I’m still not sure if I will attend Edlyn and TJ’s wedding this Saturday. It’s so early, 7:30 a.m.

I’ve been catching up on my reading. I’m almost halfway of the WOT Book 4: The Shadow Rising . I’m so engrossed with the story that I sometimes forget that I’m not part of their world. Robert Jordan is one hell of a good storyteller. I’m glad I’ve learned to appreciate his books.

Fantasy helps me forget about the real world. Not that I despise it but there are just times when I want to stop thinking about the not-so-nice things in this world.

Oh well, at least I have some escape.

Maximo Oliveros

Much is said about this movie. Reason I decided to see it. And I’m glad I did not pass up the chance to watch a really good film.

Ang Pagdadalaga ni Maximo Oliveros has gotten rave reviews from critics and a number of awards here and abroad. To think that it’s a digital indie film. I’m glad that many people went to see it but maybe not enough to call it a blockbuster. Well, that’s reality. You offer a really good film and not many like it; produce a mediocre movie and you’re sure to rake millions. I don’t blame the people though, sometimes they just want to have a good time and don’t want to rack their brains trying to decipher the many puzzling dialogues in a movie.

Anyway, Maximo didn’t make me whine or wish that I didn’t see it. Presentation is simple: everyday life in the slum, the coming of age of a gay preteener; falling in love with the “predator”; reality of first trying to put food on the table setting aside principles. Maximo moved me, in many ways.

My favorite scene is when Maxi experienced his first heartbreak and was comforted by his brother. It moved me to tears. A brother…comforting his gay brother. Beat that.

These are just my observations as I am not a movie critic. But I have recommended it to many of my friends to watch it, not only to help the producers recoup their expenses and encourage them to produce more quality films, but also as Conrad de Quiros put it: Do yourself a favor, go watch and see it.

1. It hit me how the acceptance of gay people is easier in the “lower” class of society. Maxi’s brothers are all that macho, siga sa lugar nila. His father is like a padrino and commands respect in the neighborhood. And yet, they didn’t find Maxi being gay any different from them. In fact, Maxi is showered with so much love especially by his second eldest brother. His dad loves him just like any bunso. He would always get special attention but his brothers never get jealous of him.

2. The reality of poverty seeps through the system of society. No matter how much money the family get from robbing other people, they didn’t decide to leave the slum they live in.

3. The familiar slum where a one-room house serves as the dining, living, and bedroom area.

4. The reality that no matter how much you dream of the moon, something will always bring you back to planet earth and you will eventually embrace that rotting reality. As in the case of the neophyte cop who wanted to change the neighborhood and was forced to just swallow that dream and pikit-matang tanggapin ang pagkabigo.

5. In spite what others see in slum areas, family values are always present.

The movie may look simple, but reality written all over it pierces to my heart and senses.

Company anniversary

The company I am working with celebrated its 20th anniversary yesterday. It was…ho-hum… for such a milestone. But it’s okay, I’m not much of a party person so I just stayed in the office after dinner. I just watched my colleagues in the advertising department rehearse for their production number. They had a really nice presentation of the catchy song “Under Pressure” with my boss as the lead vocals. They did it with a live band, mind you.

Well, they didn’t win. That’s life. But in my heart, and I suppose in some others hearts who saw the two presentation, they are the winners. No hard feelings. What’s important to us, I guess, is that we are really like a family in our department. There may be some problems along the way, but at the end of the day, we are one big, and really happy, family.

There were very few prizes this year, as compared to previous years. At least I won something and I’m already thankful to that.

I think next year I won’t be attending the celebration unless my friends will perform again. I don’t really enjoy parties…

Birthday quiz

Your Birthdate: October 21

You're a restless rebel with an unpredictable nature. Bright but unbridled, you tend to seek out wild experiences over new ideas. People are frustrated by your great potential, but you love your unconventional life. You're a heartbreaker. People get attached to you, and then you're gone. Your strength: Your thirst for adventure Your weakness: Not taking time for slow pleasures Your power color: Hot pink Your power symbol: Figure eight Your power month: March

What Does Your Birth Date Mean?

The Kid

I always see this kind along Taft Avenue and Vito Cruz in Manila. The first time I saw him/her, he/she was just a baby. Along with the parents they seem to live in a kariton.

One time, while heading toward the LRT station I saw the kid again, and this time, he/she was already walking. I pointed the kid to my friend, Raquel, and she said, “Alam mong matanda na tayo pag nakita nating nag-binata o nag-dalaga yan.”

Indeed, the child is growing before our eyes suffering the poverty he never wanted. If people ever have a choice, would we want to be born in a world like this? I pity the child because he/she could have a better life, and yet I still don’t pity him/her that much because he/she still has parents looking after him.

I felt a personal connection with the child when I gave him/her a waffle last Thursday night. He didn’t say a word nor looked at me. He just ate the food I gave him/her, and the smile on the child’s face lit up my otherwise weary heart.

Scolio

I had my first check-up for my dextroscoliosis today. My spine is curving to the right. I feel a pain but not much. The doctor said it can’t be corrected anymore. In fact, he said I already have this before I was 18 years old. But, the good news is, it can be prevented.

I might undergo therapy. My movements are limited. I can’t bend fully to the right; my computer monitor should always be in front of me not right; when I have to pick up something I should sit instead of bending. Hindi rin puwedeng magbuhat ng mabigat.

He also said that even with the therapy, it will still curve a little when I gain much weight or pregnant.

Nakakainis pag maysakit. Ako na nga lang nakakagawa ng mabibigat sa bahay tapos ganito pa. And some people even laugh about it saying, "uy sakit ng mayaman." They don't even know how hard it is during the cold months. It's painful.