Living on Serendipity

It's funny how my day starts like a quote from Ghost Ship: "The plan is there is no plan" and yet it can turn out to be a really great day.

I just love it when both my worlds collide- my High School friends and my College friends. To think all this happened by coincidence.

During Marketing Principles, we had a gruelling time presenting our case study. Higher batches were not kidding when they said that there was bound to be 1 competitive section among the 2 sections.

Sad to say, I'm in THAT competitive section where some people are really willing to have you for desert. Never mind that you are friends and classmates- once they believe they have some criticism on your work, they won't hesitate to go and say it.

Thus, our presentation ended with some tempers rising. I know it's not anything personal but I found it annoying since this one guy doesn't really read ahead and tries to make himself known to the teacher by his biased opinions which he is not afraid to say.

He is the ultimate Comm student. Oh, and welcome to the real dog-eat-dog world, Bundi.

After class, Li, I and Ate Liza headed straight to Ateneo for this Youth Action Forum thingy organized by the Development Society.

First coincidence of the day was that during class, I texted my High School friend Plim that I would be in Ateneo for the forum thingy. It turns out that he is one of the forum's head organizers and I had no knowledge about it beforehand.

We get to Ateneo and catch the leg of the forum, since it started around 7.30 and we couldn't make it 'till afternoon because of class. We caught the last set of talks.

Since ORCA is an environmental org, we got put into talks focused on the environment. The speakers were from Luntian Pilipinas (which I believe is Sen. Legarda-Leviste's political propaganda) and Bantay Kalikasan.

On a side note, I am not really a dyed-in-the-wool environmentalist. I just got stuck in this org because of Li and the next thing I know, I'm a finance officer. But I'm having fun, mind you.

It's just that too much talk on the environment is a bit saturating. Don't get me wrong- I believe in the cause. It's just that I think I've attended one too many cheesy environmental conferences. More action is needed and less debates and talks.

During the closing ceremonies where all the delegates were brought together for closing remarks, I look around and see Kenneth, another very close High School friend. He was representing ACLC.

So there I was, with my college friends and 2 of my good High School friends.

After the whole thing, I let Li and Ate Liza go ahead. On the spot plans led me to spend the rest of the afternoon with Kenneth, as Plim was still a bit tied up.

I got a tour of the new Church of the Gesu in Ateneo and headed for merienda at World Popps or something like that.

Thing about Kenneth and I is that we share the same wavelength. He is about one of few people I can get into discussions about religion, current events, history and all that with.

He is also one of those people who are just like me- no sports, not into cars, not into computer games. Yeah, we can relate.

A day spent unexpectedly in the company of friends- interesting where living serendipitously can get you.

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"Pretend that you're a confused... sex kitten!"

This is what being cooped up in a windowless room for 6 hours does to you. It loosens up your screws a little.

This was what one of my groupmates Mia said to Sam, my model, for our case study on Lowe's Home Improvement Warehouse due tomorrow.

That's what we did the whole day- work, plan and work some more. I swear, by the time I graduate, I'm going to be the Presentation by Power Point king of the world!

In fact, my best friend the whole afternoon was a couch and Joy's laptop.

But what's great is that the classes we are taking up for Comm these days have begun to become relevant and useful to us- something we actually find applicable.

Gone are the days of trying to figure out how Calculus or Biology are going to apply in your future career, aside from being stock knowledge. We are now getting to the nitty-gritty of things!

One thing about our case study is that we are insecure. We've discussed the problems and the solutions at length, but there is this nagging feeling of insecurity in the knowledge that the answer came about too easily.

In a very cynical society such as this, things aren't handed to you on a silver platter. There has got to be a catch.

And now, the word "Lowe's" is running out of my ears. So is "marketing", "ads" and all that.

One fun thing I got out of the afternoon was to indulge in my private desire to be a photographer. I was the one who shot the new ads we were making for the case study.

We were using this really big Sony Mavica digital camera- a bit primitive, but it made me consider getting a digital camera of my own.

But the fun has ended and I am still up to my elbows in work.

I am working while others are living up their Friday night. In fact, many of my friends are at the Stephen Speaks concert now at Ateneo.

And work is the only thing I accomplished today. I had hoped to make a little trip to the gym but traffic was hellish and it took me 2 hours to get home. The gym could wait another day.

On a lighter side, 3rd Groupmate was supposed to report solo today- and he doesn't show up for his own report.

I feel vindicated. I know I come across as really nasty and downright vindictive but at least the guy deserves what he gets! My anger is somewhat satiated.

* * *

While working this afternoon, I discovered a new song.

It's "If You're Not the One" by Daniel Beddingfield. Part of the lyrics are

I don't wanna run away but I can't take it , I don't understand
If I'm not made for you then why does my heart tell me that I am?
Is there any way that I can stay in your arms?

It's a bit cheesy, but I like it!

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Homeground

I found myself back on familiar territory today, after Loida (one of my sister's closest friends) called last night asking me for a big favor.

So today, I found myself meeting Loidz right after Anthro class (and cutting another class) to go and inquire at Brig's, this Chinese language center of some sort.

Loidz is on the verge of graduating and she only has a few remaining units left to finish. Mandarin (foreign language) is one of them. And she would rather walk on burning coals than take Mandarin up in school, with the notorious "Dragon Lady".

And since Brig's was in the vicinty of Xavier, I was the best person to navigate for her since I was pretty much familiar with Little Baguio. And true enough, I was on home ground. Almost, anyway.

After inquiring, I took her to lunch at Teriyaki Boy, in the somewhat new Madison Square across Xavier. We also made our way around the vicinity of Xavier and ICA.

Up to now, I cannot help but feel astonished at the numerous changes that have taken place around Xavier within the span of 2 years. There are around 5 arcade malls around, the traffic routing system is bogus and the facade of Xavier looks way different.

Imagine, when I was a senior, we only had Burger King and I became so sick of it (I refuse to eat BK to this day). If we wanted Starbucks, we walked to Greenhills. Now, the Xaverians have it across the street!

Oh, but the Xaverians are still maangas. Some things will always stay the same.

* * *

Corner Cutters

Cheaters annoy me. They are parasites who feed off the efforts of others and they are happy to get away with it.

Honestly, I also succumb to the temptation of cheating. The peak of this was in High School, where I employed all known methods to conceal codigo. I even stole the odd glance at my seatmate's paper. This was especially to get by in Chinese, where I was grasping at straws.

These days, I don't do it much anymore more for the fear of being caught over anything else. Besides, I have realized that not even your friends are dependable and 100% correct during tests.

Although I am also happy to give a "helping hand" to those in need. Most of my friends do study and take things seriously and oftentimes need a little "push" to get things going.

I also need that little "push" and "encouragement" at times. But even back in High School, cheating has never been a way of life.

Really, I do study. And if I don't, well, I just face the music and accept whatever grade I deserve.

That's why people who make cheating a way of life drive me crazy. These are the people who don't study and would put more effort in making arrangements with me or my seatmates to get hold of our answers before passing.

And they have the nerve to gloat whenever they get higher marks, even when it was I who studied his ass off.

I just don't see any justice in that.

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Teeny-Bopper

I am not ashamed to admit that I am a celebrity watcher. Or a teeny-bopper at heart.

So imagine my surprise and delight when I found out that Stephen Speaks would be making a short appearance at Hotshots Burgers right across school.

It all started during a 45 minute break in-between Spanish class. I met up with Habanapz to get some lunch across school since she was looking for a lunch companion and I was also hungry.

Crossing the street, we noticed some banners about Stephen Speaks at Hotshots but we didn't pay attention. We only got confirmation when, while buying lunch, the owner of Hotshots (one of the people I interviewed) approached me to tell me that the band indeed was coming.

She was even gracious enough to tell me to drop by later when the band came in case I could coax out an interview and perhaps get some pictures.

Thoughts then start running through my mind: how to get out of Spanish class quick and how could I lay my hands on a tape recorder. I was also praying that the camera was still in the locker.

Of course, more than the interview, I wanted to meet Stephen Speaks and have my picture taken with them.

I mean, how many times in your life can you get THISCLOSE to one of your favorite bands, right? I mean, these are the people who brought out songs like "Passenger Seat", "Complete" and "Out of My League".

These songs hit home. And I wanted to meet and get the autogrpah of the geniuses behind these compositions. They get this everyday, but yeah, I'm one of their biggest fans!

... and I don't have tickets to their concert. Meeting them would be an extra bonus.

Luckily, Spanish class let out really early. I was also ready with the camera. Habanapz and I then proceeded to the eating area across school to await the band's coming.

And did they come! Initially, Habanapz and I were to shy to go near them. I also was too shy to approach the owners of Hotshots to see if we could take pictures.

Unfortunately, the band only allowed 2 students to ask for their autograph. Habanapz overheard that one member was sick and they didn't want to be incomplete or something like that.

I eventually got the nerve to approach the owner. She told me that indeed, the band did not want to sign autographs. But the lady referred me to one of the coordinators. Unfortunately, my request for a picture wouldn't be granted- she'd be happy to send me one, though. Duh.

Undeterred, Habanapz and I... well, persisted in taking pictures. So most of the shots here are "stolen shots". I think we have around 8 shots.

I mean, really, how often is it that you're in the right place, at the right time, with a camera? Carpe Diem, right?

We took pictures behind them, beside them and all. In fact, when the group posed for the official photographer, we took pcitures right alongside him. Together with other students armed with 7650s.

Habanapz and I were eventually able to have pictures taken "with" Stephen Speaks. hehe!

That's me "with" Stephen Speaks

That is also me "with" Stephen Speaks" had the backpack man not covered the guy

It was quite an adventure, I must say. The peak of an otherwise boring afternoon.

We even waved goodbye to them when they boarded their cars.

We were teeny-boppers to the end. The thrill has and will always be the same.

So who needs the concert? Seeing them today was good enough for me.

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Mediocrity

Mediocrity drives me crazy.

Sad to say, I've fallen into this temptaion loads of times. This is especially when I am pulling one of my infamous last minute miracles.

Actually, my values are messed up. I'd rather submit something late but beautiful rather than give something on time that is not up to scratch.

This has actually gotten my grades in hot water more than once.

But if I can help it, I always aim to do my best.

This is why it drives me crazy when, in a groupwork, I see that the effort being given by someone is not at par with the way others are working.

Because of this, I am on hostile terms with 3rd Groupmate. And I think this treatment is even much better than what he deserves.

While Li and I were panicking early Friday morning last week after our meeting in Starbucks, I later learned that 3rd Groupmate decided to have a beer or 2 before working on his report. The report I never got. The report he never showed up for.

I have tried to be mature about the whole thing. But I refuse to put up a facade with someone who I want to throttle with my bare hands everytime I see him.

I mean, I don't really mind if he digs his own grave. I'd even gladly help him do it- it's just that he doesn't have to drag everyone down with him, the thoughtless a^^hole. Ang kapal ng apog niya!

My last brawl was back in Grade 7. I try to tell myself that I am college now, and that I am passive, non-combative and non-confrontational.

It also gets my blood boiling that he was allowed to report by himself. And he has the nerve to actually face me and Li without apologizing! I am really seething.

I see mediocrity in how groupmates don't pay attention to the discussion by doodling and dishing out half-wit points .

I see blatant mediocrity in this country, which is crying out for change.

Just had to get that off my chest. I'm a bit uptight now.

Day One

My new cellphone's debut into my world. Or is it my trial by fire?

My friends seem to be having a great time with the Bowling game in the phone, but I still can't seem to figure it out.

Tell me when the fun begins, actually. It's taking me longer to text on account of the keypads, which I still can't get the hang of.

"8" and "0" happen to share a button, so whenever I make one of those umlaut smileys, I end up making a space instead.

I also found out that the phone saves every message sent in the outbox. So what happens is that I have to continuously delete from the outbox after several sent messages.

And folders! What am I going to do with folders???

Don't get me wrong- I'm not griping. It's just that it's a case of teaching an old (ag!) dog new tricks.

Talking with Habanapz awhile ago, we were comparing our cell phones and I was saying that I'd rather have my 6110 since my life was so much simpler.

Habanapz then reminded me that I was starting to sound like my dad, who absolutely refuses to embrace new technology and innovations until he sees how important and needed it is. His rationale is that he doesn't want to complicate his life.

This got me scared. I've always prided myself on being really, really liberal and open-minded. And now, would my difficulty with newer technology be a sign that I am indeed getting old??!

Is my mind starting to shut like a steel trap?!?!?! Heaven forbid!!!

So don't mind my griping. Eventually, I'm going to come to grips with this new-fangled technology.

I'm still young and growing, so Nokia can bring on all the latest upon me.

Viva la future! Viva technology!

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Out With the Old, In With the New

Thanks to Globe Telecoms and its Loyalty Plan, I am now blessed with a new cellphone- for free!

... well, for P1,600 anyway. I now have a 3rd generation Nokia 3530!

Nothing big, anyway- I'm sure it will be the 3rd generation's 3310 (hey! I went through 2 3310s) but it's new and it's mine!

Anyways, I'm one of those people who don't believe in keeping up with the latest phone model. I mean, as long as you can text and call then what else do you need?

Besides, at the rate Nokia puts out phones, there is no stopping the new models and your phone will be outdated in a month or 2 so there's no longer any point. They devaluate fast!

It saddens me to put away my 4-year old, hand-me-down 6110 that has been my phone for more than a year now.

My beloved black 6110 was a total wreck when it was passed on to me after my sister got herself a unit. It was refurbished and made like new at Nokia care.

These days, the black case has traces of a crack, the battery has let me down on countless occasions and the "7" button gives me trouble. But otherwise, it's great!

I have a special attachment to that phone since it was the only phone that lasted with me for more than a year. All previous phones were stolen.

Not to be superstitious or anything, but I'm slightly apprehensive that once I give up the 6110, my bad luck cellphone streak will start again.

In any case, I've got the instruction manual in front of me now and trying to figure out the intricacies of this phone. And the keypad takes getting used to!

I think that when the novelty is through, I'm still going back to basics where I'm comfortable- my beloved 6110.

Wannabe

I am such a wannabe. Something tantamount to a fake. It's something I've been realizing over the past few days and the thought amuses me completely.

I am a fake Chinese School graduate. Or a Chinese School reject, as I prefer to call it.

This is in the sense that I spent 13 of my academic years in a genuine Chinese school. And what do I get out of it? Certainly not the Chinese culture.

Imagine- I speak barok Chinese, I hate hopia, I despise mooncake and I wouldn't touch tikoy with a ten-foot pole! Oh, on top of all that, I still don't know how to use chopsticks eventhough countless people have tried to teach me. Yep, I still ask for a spoon and fork in a Chinese or Japanese restaurant.

I am also a fake (trying hard!) Ilonggo. My dad's from Iloilo and I have been wanting to learn the dialect for quite awhile now. At times, I can understand but when someone speaks to me in Ilonggo, I can only return a blank stare.

But to put it in Ilonggo terms, my knowledge of the dialect is best described as "gamay". Or is it "jutay"?

A Cebuano friend of mine as well as another one from Cagayan de Oro and I were clowning around during Philosophical Anthropology class. We were chatting with each other using Cebuano and Ilonggo.

I would tell my Cebuano friend what I wanted to ask Fran, who was from CDO. He would then write it down and pass the note to Fran.

Later on, they were writing notes linking me to some girl. Of course, I couldn't understand a thing.

At the end of the period, Jay (the Cebuano) writes "Nag-lo-lo si Bundi" on my notebook and he tells me to ask Fran. Fran is horrified and starts laughing but she won't tell me the meaning.

I've bugged her all throughout our next class but she still wouldn't tell me. I kept on saying the word out loud and I think the teacher was looking at me funny. I learned at the end of the period that the teacher was also from CDO.

But I still don't know what the word means. Any ideas, anyone?

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Boracay Dreaming

Boracay Sunset, November 2002

I was rifling through some pictures awhile ago when I came across this shot. Got me wishing for the summer.

At this point of the semester, I am at the stage where I want to get away from it all. I want out of all the deadlines, the quizzes, the cramming and the stress.

Summer is a mere 2 months away but there are scores of hurdles to endure before I get there.

I know I was in Boracay only 3 months ago but I am already dying to go back. Boracay is literally my utopia.

The island holds the good times, adventures and moments immortalized by memory with friends and family.

The place symbolizes a getaway from the hassle of everyday life. It is a peaceful memory of paradise, and a memory that I go back to when things get to tough.

Many of the best memories I have are in Boracay. They are thoughts of solitary peace, such as sitting by myself in the middle of the beach, under the calm glow of moonlight, hearing the waves gently lap the shore while looking out for shooting stars.

Boracay was quiet then. It was November. It is moments like those where I can take stock of my life. It is moments like those where you realize that life can't get any better than that.

This is why I want to go back. I long to actualize my memories of this happy place.

A place in my mind that can never be overrated by memory, for it is simply paradise in actuality.

Bhen & the "H"

It was the legenday Comm impromptu speech last Friday. Though I tried not to be, it was no doubt that I was nervous.

It was that feeling where you are inexplicably cold. Your stomach is tight. And where your fears are partying in unchartered territory.

This was the feeling that was pervading throughout the room. Everybody had his or her way of expressing fear. One was doing pushups and another was trying to hold in screams. That was how bad it was.

I tried to tell myself that "There is nothing to fear but fear itself" and that the impromptus were overblown. Nothing helped, though.

I don't even understand why I was afraid. I mean, I was used to being in front of people. I was used to performing and I've been in very embarassing situations before onstage. So why was my heart pounding like a jackhammer?

Also, I had just finished a very gruelling report for APS-Japan. We had to fend off hard questions from the teacher and deal with an incomplete report.

I got called 2nd. It was a stoke of good luck- before, Habanapz and I were saying that being called 2nd was the best since you are not pressured to set any benchmark yet you don't have to sit out your fear for long.

Dr. K. asks me to pick out a number from 38 to 50. I pick 45 since, well, 5 is my "favorite number" and the topic assigned is "The 'H' in Bhen".

Initially, my mind goes blank. And then I try to relate it to something deeper- something like going past the name and looking at the substance behind.

From there, I try to think of ideas that will lead to that bottomline. I think of classic Filipino names and all. Before I know it, 5 minutes is over and I taker the stage.

The 5 minutes of my speech goes by in a blur. I remember ideas coming to me while talking in front. But if anything, I can't remember most of what I said.

All I remember next is a round of applause. People say I did well, but I really don't know. I'm not good with compliments, but for my own sake, I just hope that I did at least decently.

All that anticipation and now it's over. It was, I'm pretty sure, the unspoken initiation into comm (as a lot of upperclassmen have their own stories about it).

And now, after going through that, I think I can face much more in this course of mine.

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