Para kay M

Kaibigang M,

Noong huli tayong mag-usap, sinabi ko sa’yo na kaya na kitang patawarin sa lahat ng iyong nagawa maliban sa isa. Ang ipagkaila mo ako. Bagama’t hindi na ako bahagi ng iyong kasalukuyan, kailangan mo rin bang panindigang hindi kailanman umiral ang ating nakaraan?

A Countdown

In ten days, I'll be off to three months of traveling south of the equator. More than dreading the discomfort of the unfamiliar, I am beyond ecstatic to explore new places, visit world-renowned spots (Yes, I am a tourist first and foremost lol) and take billions of photos as an attempt to capture the thrill of traveling. Hopefully, I shall have the time (and the internet connection) to occasionally update you on my whereabouts in Peru, Bolivia, Brazil and South Africa. 

Side note: Of course, this blog will still be peppered with delicious emo entries on the side since I know some of my old readers look forward to that teeeheee

As a prelude to the travel photos that will soon populate this blog, here are two pictures that remind me of that giddy feeling of your first day in a foreign continent. Both of these were taken within a day of my arrival.

Paris | Outside the Louvre | September 2007

New York | Times Square | August 2012

Quarter Quell

Quarter Quell, the special edition of the Hunger Games that happens every quarter of a century, highlights the premium we put on the 25^th year of anything. More commonly referred to as silver anniversaries, they signify a milestone arguably coveted more than the others that have come before it.

This sense of accomplishment entwined with the celebration of 25 years has triggered fear and anxiety as I turn a quarter of a century today. Out of all the birthdays I have had in recent years, this is the one I have made the biggest fuss about. Coincidentally, I have my scheduled quarter life crisis commence today. Kidding!

I know this entry will leave some with eyebrows raised but cannot you just give me this day since it’s my birthday? LOL. Thank you!

Ang Mundo ay Isang Malaking Recto

Or Quiapo as the infamous line from Star Cinema’s No Other Woman goes. Maraming snatcher, maaagawan ka, lumaban ka! After reading or hearing the line, don’t you just feel the need to heed the call for that gladiatorial or Amazonian instinct inside you?

I did. The first few times I traveled alone to the Bronx. I’m sure you know Bronx’s reputation so I don’t need to elaborate on how that stimulated such instinct. As part of acquainting myself better with my new neighborhood, I immediately associated the Bronx with Recto back in Manila. The Bronx is Recto for me because the latter was the most immediate corner of the city that came to mind the first time I glimpsed this side of New York. The association did not actually help since I have had always been on guard every time I have been to Recto. It even heightened my “Ang mundo ay isang malaking Quiapo” mindset and left me too worried and paranoid.

Recto (source: wikipilipinas.org)

The Arrival of the Inevitable, Part II

Three months later, and the supposedly inevitable part two has not yet arrived. And so, here I am facing the inevitability of finally writing it. 

The entry before I left was supposed to be the first of a two-part series about my feelings on leaving for New York. However, primarily as a result of being a certified crammer, I encountered unexpected delays along the way. I can guarantee that despite the delay, my sentiments remain the same albeit my first three months have even lent more proof of the arrival of the inevitable. 

The Arrival of the Inevitable, Part One

Tomorrow, I shall leave for New York and begin the next chapter book in my enchanted life. Tomorrow! I remember when the days still numbered more than a hundred and how I’d often wish that waking up the following morning meant that the day of my departure has come. That day is today! However, it has also become a seesaw between wanting to haste/delay my departure.

In between doing nothing and spending much time with my loved ones, the inevitability of being homesick has already arrived long before I have even set foot in the Big Apple. No, I don’t think I’d miss the hustle and bustle of urban Manila (especially commuting during the monsoon season!) that much especially that New York is the cosmopolitan behemoth. 

Pathways loves at mi despedida

Cliché as it may sound, the aspect of Manila I would miss the most would be the people. My family, my friends, Pathways co-staff, volunteers and participants and all other significant people who may not fall within any of the aforementioned circles.

I Choose to Hope and Trust.

President Aquino delivered his 2012 State of the Nation Address today. Despite critics expectedly expressing their discontent over the address, I agree with the prevailing opinion that the SONA indicates a promise of a brighter future under PNoy.

Certainly, we still need to see if his plans pan out. Will a bigger budget allotment for the education sector translate to better student performance? Will more tourists come to experience the country since “it’s more fun here?” Will pensioners receive their promised increase from GSIS? Will the roads and infrastructures he mentioned materialize in the next few years? Will the economy continue to boom despite the global slowdown? These are questions to be answered and measures to refer to once the next SONA’s come.

Personally, the SONA reinstated my hope and trust in the government through tangible proof that positive change, once thought as impossible, is upon us. Despite a political system that may still be mired in corruption and the seemingly intangible effects of macroeconomic growth, I believe that the government is working doubly hard to fulfill its prime duty of serving the people. It’s always easier to doubt that plans will work and that positive change is going to come but I choose to trust in the government.

A Wish

Sometimes, I wish that the tables were turned. Even for a day.

Not because I want you to savor the pain nor wallow in depression nor occasionally swathe yourself with the vestiges of the relationship (or friendship as you probably define it by now) we once had. I do not want any of that for you.

I wish that the tables were turned because I want you to understand us enough for you to muster the sincerity and self-transcendence our situation calls for.

Though bleak, I still hold hope that my wish would come true. Just as how it all began before.

Chasing Dreams

If you asked me around a year ago about my graduate school plans, I would have probably told you that I wanted to pursue an MBA abroad. By June last year, I have already begun reviewing for the GMAT and have browsed through a lot of websites focused on choosing the most appropriate school, achieving the highest GMAT score and providing the most comprehensive set of tips on how to ace the application.

However, my dismal GMAT score guaranteed bleak chances of being accepted into my dream schools. Thus, I found myself in what I’d call a life limbo. I had to rethink my plans because the original one did not turn out successful. It took me a month of wallowing in the uncertain and the negative and a case of dengue fever to chase a similar dream yet set in a grander city.

Till the World Ends

A confession: I have convinced myself that the Mayan prediction of doomsday 2012 will come true despite the fact that many have debunked it. At this moment, I cannot picture myself living through 2013 and beyond. Creepy and weird.

A Sorta Gaga Comeback

forever an inspiration

It’s been a long time since I came around, been a long time but I’m back in town, this time I’m not leaving without you. – You and I, Lady Gaga

Of course, I had to begin my pseudo-comeback with none other than Lady Gaga! Actually, I just had to put the lyrics up since she’s been my gal whenever life decides to become a pain in the butt. Listening to her songs simultaneously soothes my soul and empowers me to face tomorrow proud of the scars of yesterday.

Thus, let today be another reminder of the comebacks we’re meant to live and accomplish. Despite the multitude of setbacks we may have endured over the years, we’re still capable of pursuing those dreams we thought would never come true. We only have to believe in ourselves. We only have to believe in our comeback.

Don’t hide yourself in regret, just love yourself and you’re set, I’m on the right track baby I was born this way. – Born This Way, Lady Gaga

Kaya Pala. (TBTue)

Bilang pagpapatuloy ng paggunita sa sariling wika ang tema pa rin ng Turnback Tuesdays, sinulit ko na ang paglathala ng mga isinulat ko sa aking multiply blog. Isinulat ko ito sa kasagsagan ng aking klase sa Pilosopiya noong Disyembre 2008. Hanggang sa ngayon, isa pa rin ito sa pinakabumubulabog sa aking diwa. Ano ito? Halina't basahin! (Iniklian ko na rin ang Turnback Tuesdays upang makatipid sa titik)

To the Tune of Two Left Feet

Last Friday, I finally watched Alvin Yapan's Ang Sayaw ng Dalawang Kaliwang Paa with Yeng. I have been aching to watch this since the trailer came out a few months ago but just didn’t have the time. Thank God for a showing in the Ateneo.

Crazy, Stupid, Watermelon #replacetitleswithwatermelon

Must-see!

After an almost futile search for somebody to watch with me, I finally watched Crazy, Stupid, Love with my good friend Andrew last Tuesday. Though I had a few qualms, I still enjoyed watching Cal go crazy over the events that transpire after Emily proposes a divorce. Of course, how can you not love a film with such an endearing cast with an ANTM alum to boot? I actually hope though that Analeigh, who plays Jessica the babysitter, doesn’t look like that in real life because she was way beautiful in her ANTM cycle.

Since I don’t want to spoil anything about the film, I skirted the juicier snippets and would like to focus first on this conversation between Cal and his boss.

Cal: Who told you that Emily and I are getting divorced

Cal’s Boss: Amy heard you crying in the bathroom - we all thought it was cancer.
Cal: Oh…

Cal’s Boss: Thank God, man... *laughing*
Cal: Yeah, just my relationship... 

The scene ends with the whole office applauding after his boss shares the good news. Way to go, Cal’s douche boss officemates!

Is This Really Necessary? (Whatchathink Wednesdays)

A former participant who prefers to remain anonymous asked for advice regarding her current predicament in school.

She said that she finds her tests this semester much more difficult compared to the previous ones. She attributes the difficulty to her professor’s outrageous test types, her lack of a definite place and time to study and her bout with the expectations of her peers.

What should she do? Here’s a more cohesive version of my advice.

In Short, Affected. (Turnback Tuesdays)

Dahil nga nilulubos ko na ang paggamit ng wikang Filipino rito, isang talang isinulat sa sarili nating wika ang ating babalikan ngayon. Opo, nakasulat po ito sa Filipino bagama't Inggles ang pamagat. Inilathala ito sa pahina ko sa Multiply noong Setyembre 2008. Kung personal ninyo akong kilala, alam ninyong totoo ang talinhagang ginamit ko rito. Hala basa na!

Huwag ka lang sanang mabulunan.

Minsan, mayroon lang talagang mga taong inuunahan ng damdamin ang isip sa kanilang reaksyon. Sa gayon, nakasasalita o nakasusulat sila ng mga reaksyong walang naidaragdag na mabuti sa sitwasyon.

Ilabas na ang mga Kaliskis

Aaminin ko, noong una kong basahin ang isinulat ni James Soriano para sa Manila Bulletin, gusto kong kaliskisan siya ng buhay dahil taliwas sa kanyang karanasan ang naging karanasan ko sa wikang Filipino. Sa unang tingin, nakaiinsulto para sa isang tulad kong aminadong higit na gamay ang pag-isip, pagsulat at pagsalita sa wikang Filipino ang sabihing hindi ito language of the learned.

Innocence is Super Bass Bliss

I’ve recently been crazy listening to Nicki Minaj’s Super Bass. Who wouldn’t? The catchy melody and playful lyrics invite you to lose yourself in four minutes of sugary sweet bliss.

Personally, the song resonates childplay for me. It whirls me into the carefree eight year old that I was a decade and a half ago who delighted in afternoon street games with the neighbors, cheated summer afternoon naps, indulged in chocolate and candies, threw tantrums to avoid eating vegetables and bullied my toddler brother. Who doesn’t want to be that carefree again, right? To think, we wanted to hurry into adolescence back then.

The Need to Dream (Whatchathink Wednesdays)

To celebrate the 100th entry for 2011, we begin Whatchathink Wednesdays. (WTHW)

What is WTHW?

Well, I’ve always wanted this site to be a haven where readers can send in their own issues, stories or musings either for a piece of advice or insight or the simple pleasure of sharing it with the world.

You can send in your thoughts through the following:

Tweet/DM via twitter: koreokei

Ask via tumblr: koreoke

Message via FB: Personal FB page

E-mail via kangelesiv@gmail.com

Our first WTHW comes from Bernadee Uy who sent in her question via Facebook two weeks ago. It read:

Accdg to the businessman in the Little Prince: "As for me, I am concerned with matters of consequence. There is no time for idle dreaming in my life."

What do you think of this statement? joke, parang thesis =))) actually gusto ko lang malaman, what do you think are matters of consequence. and siguro yun nga, what does it mean to "idly dream"?