On Top of the World...

"O pag-ibig na makapangyarihan,
kapag ika'y nasok sa puso ninuman,
hahamakin ang lahat, masunod ka lamang."

Atop a 40-storey condo, John and I stood, gazing at the view. The scene was breathtaking; the whole metro is beautified with a blanket of lights and fireworks; the SM Mall of Asia is highlighted with the Global Fun Carnival, the towers of Makati stood like gigantic totems from afar, the Manila Bay shines with the flaming balls of light from Baywalk and the Harbor. People and cars looked miniature that we think can move it with our fingers. We felt like we own the world, though the only thing we have that moment is a few minutes of being together.

Earlier, I surprised John by not telling him I'm attending Alvin's house blessing ceremony. All that John know was I'm grounded and will not be around for the ceremony. Luckily, I was tasked to buy ingredients for the desserts to be prepared for the me Media Noche. I grabbed the chance to attend the ceremony and to see him. When I arrived at the condo, Alvin and John went out to buy some household paraphernalias. I proceeded at the eighth floor and waited for them infront of the elevator. When they arrived, I shouted "Surprise!" and John was dumbfounded. We ate at the party while keeping ourselves 'friends' in front of Alvin's family and relatives. It was a great feat for me to make surprise appearances. In fact, this is the first time I did it. After a few talks and some minutes of rest, we proceeded to the penthouse. Its in the fortieth floor of the Pacific Regency condominium in Vito Cruz. There was a plan of a swimming at the pool there, everyone having brought trunks and swim gear, but everyone came tired with the preparations and everything so we just decided to stroll along the penthouse. We found the highest point and we strolled there. John and I found the perfect place mingled there for a few yet meaningful minutes.

It was then I realized three things: The simplest things we do for others are the ones that gives us incomparable happiness. Its the changes in our lives that makes us new persons that gives us undiminished courage and strength. And the simplest moments sharing the truest of feelings two people have gives us undying love, devotion and faith.

A meaningful New Year to everyone!!

Raptusinco! Part 11

Patapos na ang araw ng Pasko.

Maraming nang namasko at nabiyayaan, marami nang ninong at ninang na naholdap ng mga inaanak, marami nang nabusog sa noche buena, marami nang nakapagbukas ng regalo sa ilalim ng Christmas tree, marami nang namaos kakakanta ng mga favorite Christmas jingles, marami nang nakaramdam ng malamig na simoy ng hangin habang patungo ng simbahan para mas Misa de Gallo. Ikaw, naging masaya ka ba ngayong Pasko?

Masaya ka ba dahil marami kang natanggap na regalo? O dahil buong puso mong naipamahagi ang mga biyayang natanggap mo?

Ilan nga ba sa ating mga Pilipino ang nakakaalam ng tunay ng diwa ng Pasko? Ito ba ang handog ng mga regalong natanggap mo o ang kasiyahan nagmumula sa puso mo dahil sa bawat kawanggawang ibinigay mo, mapasalapi o serbisyo?

Sa ikalabing-isang edisyon ng Raptusinco! ay ibabahagi ko ang lima sa mga simple ngunit makabuluhang pagdiriwang ng Pasko. Ninanais kong ipadama sa aking mga mambabasa ang tunay na kahulugan ng Pasko.

Sa Piling Mo...

Hindi kayang pantayan ang saya ng Pasko basta't magkakasama ang mag-anak sa Noche Buena. Hindi ba't napakasaya sa damdamin na muling nakaraos ang isang taong sa mag-anak na walang masamang nangyari at walang banta sa kalusugan. Pero bilib ako para sa mga mag-anak na magkakalayo sa panahon ng Kapaskuhan. Dito nasusubok ang katatagan at pagkakabuklod ng isang pamilya sa pamamagitan ng makabagong komunikasyon tulad ng cellplone at email ay magagawa nang matawid maging ang mga karagatan upang ipahatid sa ating mga minamahal ang pagbati ng okasyon. Sa panahong nagkakawatak-watak ang isang pamilya ay nagiging maintidihin ang bawat isa. Ang mahalaga, pagmamahal sa bawat miyembro ng pamilya ang mangibabaw ngayong Pasko, kapiling man natin sila o hindi.

Pinagtagumpayang Pagsubok at Pag-asa...

Sa bawat unos na dumaan sa buhay natin na ating kinaya at nalampasan, hindi ba't nakagandang regalo ang Pasko? Hindi ba't napakasayang ipagdiwang ang Pasko na alam mong napatunayan mo sa lahat na hindi ka susuko sa bawat problemang kinaharap mo ng nagdaang taon? O kung hindi pa nasusulusyunan ang isang problema, hindi ba't isang napakagandang ehemplo ang Pasko ng pag-asa? Na sa bawat pagsubok ay may nakalaan na solusyon, isang paraan na gagawin ng Diyos hindi man upang makaraos, ngunit para bigyan ka ng lakas na pasanin ito.

Tinig ng Puso ko...

Hindi lilipas ang Pasko na hindi tayo makakarinig ng mga awitin. Makarinig pa lang tayo ng tonong pamilyar, tila tumatalon na ang ating puso sa kagalakan dahil sadyang ginawa ang mga awiting upang ipahayag ang diwa ng pasko. Ito ay mga awit ng kagalakan, paghihintay, pagdiriwang at pag-ibig. Maraming mga koro ang umaawit sa atin ng mga ito hindi lamang upang tayo ay aliwin kundi upang ibaon sa ating puso ang mga bagay na meron sa Pasko na hindi nakukuha ng ating paningin, pang-amoy, pandinig, panlasa o pandamdam.

Iabot ang Kamay...

Hindi po matatawaran ang sayang hatid ng isang serbiyong totoo. Mapasalapi man o serbisyo o maliit na kasiyahan ang ating taos-pusong naibigay, hindi ba't napakagaan sa loob na makakita tayo ng mga buhay na nabago dahil sa ating mumunting paraan at sandaling pagbibigay ng oras upang makatulong. Isang simpleng ngiti o pasasalamat sa ating mga natulungan lamang ay walang kapalit na kasiyahan para sa atin hindi ba? Mapapasko man o hindi, ang pagtulong ng walang pag-iimbot ay siya dapat na isaisip, dahil ito ang magbibigay kulay sa bawat Paskong daraan sa buhay natin.

Pag-ibig na Pinagsasaluhan...

Hindi ko maitatangging isa ako sa mga biniyayaan ng pag-ibig na wagas ngayong Pasko. Hindi ko hinanap ngunit kusang dumating. Nakilala ko ang isang taong higit na nagmamahal sa akin kaysa sa pagmamahal ko sa sarili ko. Isang siyang taong handa kong saklawin ang bawat bahagi ng kanyang pagkatao; ang kanyang nakaraan, at ang mga ugali, ang mga pangarap na gusto niyang maabot. Lahat ng sandaling kaulayaw mo siya ay nagbabadya ng hindi matapos-tapos na kasiyahan at bawat sandaling hindi mo sya kasama ay mayroon kang hindi mapawi-pawing pananabik. Hindi sa lahat ng panahon ay maradama ako ang mga ganitong bagay sa buhay, na hindi maialis sa aking mukha at saya sa bawat umagang gigising ako at maiisip ko ang taong ito. Higit pa sa Pasko ang aking ipinagdiriwang dahil sa loob ng mahabang panahon ay nakadama ako ng pagmamahal na higit pa sa aking pinapangarap at inaasam. Naging higit na makulay ang aking Pasko dahil sa taong ito, at hindi kayang bayaran ng kahit na ano pa man ang aking nararamdaman.

Nagsimula ang Pasko nang isilang ating Manunubos sa isang munting sabsaban mula sa isang malayong paglalakbay. Napakasimple ngunit napakamakabuluhan. Nawa, sa ehemplong ito ng Panginoon natin madama ang tunay na diwa ng Pasko. Hindi sa mga bagay na materyal, ngunit sa mga bagay na hindi kayang palitan na kahit na ano. Hindi sa mga natanggap, ngunit sa mga taos-pusong ibinigay. Hindi sa mga gawa, kundi sa mga nadarama.

Isang makabuluhang Pasko sa lahat!!!

Seven Hundred and Sixty-One

After a short procedure at PRC last Monday, I'm finally considered a professional. Someone who will be shouldered with the responsibilities that the license comes with. I'm about to recieve the license after the oathtaking ceremony. After then, I will be named as a full-blooded Aeronautical Engineer.

At some point, I still can't believe it. But then, the family and the rest of my colleagues are very proud of the feat I was able to overcome and made it with flying colors. There are no expectations of a ranking, just passing will do. People say I deserve the slot becuase I was a good son or was a good leader to a few that's why I was given the surprise of ranking with the highest scorers. But nevertheless, its really something I can be proud for and be eternally thankful for.

It seems, everything went into place after this battle ended. My sefl-esteem leveled once more, my trust in my abilities rose, my thankfulness for all the support and prayers heartfully given courtesy of the friends and love ones overflowing and overwhelming, my faith in God and His guidance ever stronger, my family ties went closer, and most of all...

The Bachelor of the Century - ship is just about to end! Right after the exams, this wonderful person came and showed me once again what a true relationship is and the things he did to me made me believe in unconditional love once again.

Korek dudes! I'm just about to love again... after a looooooong time...

And thank heavens it's the right person now...

The honesty, the openness, the faith... all rolled into one person...

ADIK na nga ako sa kanya eh... hahahaha

Love you ADIK!!!!


BTW, 761 is my license number...

Il Diluvio!

Natural disasters have been part of our lives ever since. It shaped our history, our culture, our persona, our perspectives.

--==o(0)o==--

The century takes its last decade when I first experienced nature's wrath. It was an Independence Day celebration, but it ended up that the Philippines turned out to be a colony... of ash. I was busily toying with the miniature cars that day, when my five or six-year-old eye saw all the furnitures shaking, the family pictures in wall frames swaying, the lights flickering.

"Mama, bakit gumagalaw yung mga frames?"

"Anak, lumilindol. Pumutok na ata ang bulkan."

"Ano yung bulkan, Mama?"

I can hear people rushing towards the clearings outside. Screaming.

"Pumutok na! Pumutok na!"

"Katapusan na ng mundo!"

All I can hear thereafter was my mom praying, clutching my young body into hers. When we came to a clearing, a basketball court some paces away from the house, I can well remember seeing that cylindrical column of gray cloud billowing from the north. It was high it literally touched the heavens.

Days after that Pinatubo explosion, it felt like noontime didn't want to show up. It was always twilight and late afternoon. We come sweeping inches of ash and dust at our roof in the fear of it collapsing should a few more inches of gray material pile up on it.

--==o(0)o==--

The name of the typhoon was irritating, Rosing. Sounds like an old lady in the marketplace shouting at everyone who passes by to catch the attention and take a peek at her veggies. Like the name, the typhoon was really irritating.

Our half-constructed home was the only elevated house among the vicinity. Naturally, our welcoming sanctuary became the shelter of the flooded families. Relatives to be exact.

The windows then were of no glasses but sack, and the rains come splashing through our sleeping faces one morning. There were no doors, but movable pieces of plywood to separate the furnitureless interior spaces from the outside havoc of rain and gusts of winds. The very few pieces of furnishings upstairs came being pushed back and forth due to the ever-changing winds that splashes rain drops inside the deck. There was few food for the multiude that currently resides.

--==o(0)o==--

After Milenyo battered Manila and the classes resumed, the countryside I saw was brutally devastated. It was the first time I saw gigantic signages fall to the ground like soldiers falling back from a war. There was one that fell into a bus along EDSA near MRT Magallanes and worse, one that fell right into a HOUSE! Somewhere in Pasay, it think. It took weeks and even months to restore the havoc, and the sight of the havoc made it hard for some of us to bear, but we have to be stronger for the less fortunate. There may be worse scenarios than these, but these are surely worth remembering and conquering.

--==o(0)o==--

Then again, most of us felt that sudden motion. Yes, that shudder. An earthquake. A big chunk of land mass has been in an unrestful pace that millions felt the tremors. Its was past lunchtime yesterday when a magnitude 3 earthquake struck Manila. I was turning the tv on to watch the boring noontime shows when the floor shook and the house cracked.

Then here comes hysteria; panic; heaven forbid, pandemonium. News flashed people rushing outside buildings. The power of the earth turns out to be so powerful that emotions and minds of the people are sometimes defied in the peak of the events.

The Baguio devastation of 1992 and the tsunami of 2004(?) were among the worst manifestations of an earthshake. Not a very good sight or event to remember, but this became the standard to be the worst to be prepared for. Ever since, everyone came weary when an earthquake strikes, because it is the aftermath that is being prepared for, not the earthquake itself.

--==o(0)o==--

But then, when the worst of the times has come, a few displays extraordinary heroism and courage, that shines even at the most hopeless cases. It is in this times that unity and the will to survive drives us to do something that we never dare doing before. It is as if God strikes us and holds us at the same time.

After the battle for survival has restored us to our normal lives, cherish the plot. Memories of these events and the story of our survival will surely be an inspiration to others, may it be big or small.

In Deep Gratitude

November 24, 2007: 2:24 am

Tililing! Tililing! Tililing! Tililing! Tililing!

Ate: (Inaantok na boses) Kuya, sagutin mo nga, baka importante yun, kanina pa ata nagriring yung fone.
Ako: Okey, okey. (Badtrip na babangon) Lintek naman, kaaga-aga, nambubulahaw!
Pag-angat ko ng fone...
Ako: (Antok) Hello, good morning!
John: (Nakasigaw) Boone, congrats! Pasado tayo sa board exam! Top 8 ka!
Ako: (Nagulat) Ay, sino to? (O diba, bumati na agad, wala nang pakilala-pakilala. Kaloka!)
John: John to. Topnotcher ako!
Ako: Gago ka, John, wag ka nagbibiro. Board exam yan. Sigurado ka dyan huh? Kakalbuhin kita kapag nalaman kong joke lang yan.
John: Hinde no. Eto nga't nasa harap ko na ang list ng topnotchers and yung mga pumasa. COngrats Boone!
Ako: Sure ka huh. Thank you John, thanks bes. Thank you! Thank you! Thank you! Thank you! Thank you!
John: Sige na Boone, magtatawag pa ako ng ibang pumasa na friendship natin!
Ako: Thanks talaga John. (Mangiyak-iyak nang boses)
John: Babay Boone. Congratulations ulit!
Pagbaba ng fone:
Ako: YYYYYYEEEEEEEEESSSSS!!! (Super lakas at super habang sigaw. Wafakels kung may magising na kapitbahay.)
Ate: Oy, ano ba yun kuya!
Ako: Pasado ako! Pasado ako! Top 8!

Halos alas-singko na nang madaling araw nang makatulog after that call. Hindi ako mapalagay. Hindi makapaniwala. Hindi sukat-akalain ang mga nagaganap. Kung tulog ako at kung panaginip lang ang lahat ng ito, sana hindi na ako magising.

Pero hindi. Totoo talaga!

I made it! Pasado ako! At akalain mo yun, nasa top 10 pa ako! And days from now, my name comes with the title Engineer. Wow.

When I woke up, I feel like I'm a new person. Gone are the anxieties, the pressure, the depression. All disappeared in thin air. Suddenly, hindi na ako takot. Hindi na galit sa sarili. I'm proud to face everyone. And most of all, I'm way closer to God. The faith, the gratitude overflowing.

Words may not express how thankful I am...

- to the PATTS Registrar's Office, especially to Ma'am Pines and Dr. Andy, na naghabol ng transcript ko. Yung karaniwang one month makukuha, nakuha ko in two days' time.
- to Engrs. Roberto Renigen and Denis Desolo, na nagbigay ng completion exam para maihabol ang grades ko for the transcript. Weird, the questions they gave sa completion exam CAME OUT SA BOARD EXAM!
- to Engrs. Rano, Ampraro, Villegas, Reyes, Rabaino, Alicaway and to the rest of the FEATI Review Center staff. Thanks for all the techniques, the knowledge and the advices.
_ to the batchmates and friends Osman, Ronald, John, Wewel, John, Toto, Jewish, Paul, Matt, Eli, Ellyn... Salamat sa mga review and gimik times.
- to the PATTS Office of Student Affairs, Ma'am Emy, Sir Boyet, Mommy Lets, and Sir Deo.
- to Sir Rivera, na nagpunta pa sa Ched to certify the transcipt.
- to the staff and admin of Manuel Luis Quezon University. Thanks for making us at home for the three-day exam.
- to the PATTS Universal League of Singing Enthusiasts: Ma'am Rish, Eloi, Chardie, Brigitte, Lea, Steph, Ysa, Kharim, Mark, Baba Hannah, RS Jin, Chi, Jaspher, Herbie, Theena, Happy, Shades, Ernie, Airen, Reginne, Kuya JC and Tupe, Gids, Aerol. Salamat sa mga awiting naging inspiration ko.
- to the boys of CBIT, na walang sawang nagggm para lang mareach ako kahit na sira ang fone ko (peace guys!). Kuya Joel, Kuya Rex, JP, Alvin, JF, Roldan, AJ, Raymond, Kuya Nelson.
- to my Inspiration once... kahit na mayroon ka nang iba. Salamat na rin.
- to the G4m pals: Bryan, Dants.
- to my Mom, who has passed away six years ago. I could never forget what you were always telling me. 'Kaya mo yan anak!'
- to Ate, Papa and Peps. Love you guys!
- to the Almighty God, who has been the source of my faith, courage and strength. Thy will be done. Amen.

We Made It!!

Thank God we made it!!

Congratulations to all the newest batch of Aeronautical Engineers!!

Read the article.

God bless you all!!

Thank you for all the support and prayers guys...

Judgement Day!

Today is THE day!

Good luck and God bless all the Aeronautical Engineering Licensure examinees!!!

Go AERO!!!

The World Needs Villains, Not Superheroes!

"It's better to cheat that to repeat!"
- student na pitong taon na sa highschool

Wala pa ata akong naencounter na relationship, mapa-platonic or erotic o kung ano pa man -ic yan na hindi nagkaroon ng misunderstanding. May kilala ka bang mag-anak na hindi nag-away ni minsan, o magboyfriend na hindi nagkatampuhan ever or isang boss na hindi nagalit sa secretary o kaya eh magbiyenan na hindi nagkagalit o kaya naman eh isang taong hindi nagkasala sa Diyos?

Kahit sa mga napapanood natin sa tv or sa movies, basta may relationship na involved, siguradong may sigalot sa latter part ng story. Ikaw, may napanood ka na ba movie or series na in good terms ang relationship from start to finish? May napanood ka na ba kahit na ano na walang naging problema ang bida o naging conflict ang story?

Uuy, nag-isip.

Shempre, wala.

Naisip ko lang...

Siguro nga it pays off to do bad things.
Its good to cheat once in a while.
Life is worthwhile when you do stupid things at times.

Oops, huwag muna tataas ang kilay. May naisip lang ako.

Napansin ko kasi, what makes everything spicy is the arguments and the misunderstandings. Mas malalaman mong talagang mahal mo ang isang tao dahil nagagalit ka sa mga maling ginawa niya, at hindi sa kanya bilang tao. Hindi nating malalaman kung gaano kahalaga ang isang bagay hangga't hindi ito nawawala. Hindi natin malalaman na mali ang ginagawa natin hangga't hindi tayo napapahamak o nawawala sa landas. Hindi natin makikita ang ibang mga ideyalismo kung hindi tayo makikipagtalo. Hindi tayo makakatuklas ng mga bagong bagay kung hindi tayo magkakamali. Hindi natin malilinang ang ating galing kung hindi tayo manggagaya sa iba. Hindi natin malalaman na mahal tayo ng isang tao kung hindi natin pagseselosin (Ooops, stop me!) Hindi natin malalaman kung mahal tayo ng mga magulang natin kung hindi tayo pinagagalitan. In short, mas may kabuluhan ang buhay dahil sa mga maling gawain at mga tae-taeng desisyon.

Kaya kung sa tingin mo eh boring na ang buhay mo at malapit ka nang maging santo dahil wala kang ginawang mali, try mo kayang magpasaway?? Kahit minsan lang...

Maraming ways para magpasaway huh, let me name a few.

1. Lumabag ka sa batas. Kahit anong batas yan, basta alam mo ang parusa at kayang mong pangatawanan ok lang. Go!
2. Gumawa ka ng kasalanan. Basta ba ask for forgiveness after.
3. Break those promises. Kaya nga may promise para ma break diba wahahahaha!
4. Kung may bf/gf ka, have a third party. Go to hookups. Be unfaithful!
5. Don't follow those orders, kahit kanino pang herodes galing yan.
6. Be insensitive. Kahit nagkakagiyera na sa mundo... So what??
7. Do something you like in an obscene amount; Kumain ng isang banyerang pagkain, uminom ng isang drum na tubig, huwag matulog ng sampung taon...
8. Try to be late in anything. Deadlines, time-ins, meetings. Manira ka ng schedule!
9. Be selfish! Magdamot ka hangga't gusto mo!
10. Learn to stand out other than going in the flow. Papansin ka ba ng konti.

Ayan, sampu yan, mamili ka na lang, nang magkakulay naman ang boring mong talambuhay.

Hindi ko naman sinabi na do it regularly huh. Adik ka na kung ganon.

Its not that I'm encouraging everyone to be bad. Sometimes, we need to balance our lives. Yin yang ba. At least, pagdating ng araw, no regrets, kasi nagawa mo lahat ng bagay, tama man o mali. Hindi mo masasabing nasayang ang buhay mo. Hindi nasayang ang oras mo kakasira ng araw ng iba o ang pagcontribute mo sa pagkagunaw ng mundo, kundi dahil sa mga kagaguhang ginawa mo, higit mong makikilala ang mga tao who will be there for you, those who will have you both at your worst and at your best (teka, familiar ang line...) and above all, makikilala mo ang sarili mo. Malalaman mo kung ano ang kaya mong gawin at kung ano ang magagawa mo para sa iba and to make this world a great and worthwhile place to stay.

Amen.

Of License and What Nonsense?

Boone: Sir, if the force across the tube acts perpendicular to the cross-section, possible po ba na makuha natin ang longitudinal... longitudinal... uhh...
Prof: Yes, Mr. Grava, what is it? Kaya mo yan.
Boone: Sir, (stammers) the longitudinal... ahh... forgot the term...
Prof: Longitudinal what?
Boone: Longitudinal... (pause) Longitudinal chuvaness..
(Class laughs)
Prof: My God, Mr. Grava, What is chuvaness?

Imagine, five years has passed, and here I am, about to thread the last phase of the Degree: owning the license. From a lowly College boy to a promising Degree Holder and hopefully to be an Aeronautical Engineering license bearer, life was never been so exciting and worthwhile for me and for the rest of my colleagues in the same field. Aiming to work in the aviation industry bearing the title gives not just the opportunities, but the respect, the patriotism and the challenge as well.

But its sad to know, not everyone appreciates getting a license as much as we do. In fact, there are a few who despise it.

I can still remember an article from the school newspaper entitled "What's With the Title?". The article points out that most titles earned by people are made to boost their ego. Also, its states that titles made people invincible to blames and judgement in times to lapses and wrongdoings. Naturally, most leaders and popular people are the target of the propositions. If the writer of the article would just see me now, he'll definitely react. (by the way, the writer is a homophobic)

"Engineer nga, bakla naman. Magtago ka man sa titulo mo, bakla ka pa rin!"
"Engineer kuno, chuchupa din yan!"
"Ano naman kung maging engineer sya? The hell I care!"

O diba, kung hindi uminit ang ulo mo sa mga ganyang banat. I actually hear the writer say that to one of the engineering students who was allegedly gay. (Take note, alleged lang, wala pang patunay. Nalaman ko lang recently hahaha.) Pero nonetheless, the words are truly disturbing and really irritating. Kamusta naman ang pagiging judgemental ng taong ito, diba? I also have a few bad memories comes with this man, because he backstabbed me as well during the COllege days, sexuality din ang topic. Good thing, wala na sa school ang writer na yun years before I graduated, but I'm afraid I'd have to meet him again when I traverse the aviation industry. He works in one of the prominent airlines, and his work includes travels and visits to all aviation related companies. Sigh.

Nevertheless, with those people bahind me, a believer or a hater, no one can stop me from reaching my dreams. This license that I'm trying to acquire is just a stepping stone for me to extend service to the industry and to the Motherland as well. Professionalism has its final ticket at my sight, and we all take the challenge and dare to face and grab it. True, not everyone can have the benefits one license holder can have, but the responsibility and challenge that surrounds the license is more than a lifetime's worth. Sounds dramatic? Patriotic perhaps? Hmm...

Salamat sa Boxer Shorts!

"Mahuli man at dumating... Late pa rin!"

"Kuya! Bakit hindi ka pa umaalis?"

Naghuhuramentado na ang big sis ko kaninang umaga. May mock board akong nakaschedule ng alas otso at alas siyete na, nasa bahay pa rin ako. Gudlak naman sa isang oras na biyahe mula Pasig hanggang Quiapo diba?

Lintek naman kasing alarm clock yan, may snooze pa kasi. Kung hindi ka naman matuksong humingi pa ng ten minutes extension diba? Buti na nga lang parang piyesta ang ringtone ng alarm, kaya pati bangkay magigising kapag tumunog. Bwahahaha.

"O, bakit ganyan ang suot mo? Sa FEATI ka ba talaga pupunta?" Tanong ni big sis pagbaba ko ng hagdan. Napansin pala niya ang suot ko.

Hindi naman kasi ako mahilig sa blue. Blue na polo. Blue na cargo shorts. Blue na sapatos. Blue na body bag. San ka pa?

"Bakit? Okey lang yan no. That's what I call fashion!" Dumepensa pa amputah.

"Exam ba talaga pupuntahan mo? O gigimik ka lang?"

"Haller?? Alas osto ng umaga, gimik? Sa prayer meeting pupunta?"

"Eh bakit ganyan suot mo? Japorms na japorms?"

"Wala lang, for good luck?"

"Good luck ka pa dyan. Hala, alis na, malelelate ka na."

"Oki, bye."

Hindi alam ni sis, may date pa ako mamayang gabi after ng exams. At kung sino ang ka date ni kuya?

Hmmm. Chikwet. Ahihihi. (Bakla, showbiz!)

Umaalingasaw ang pabango ko ng lumabas ako ng bahay. Todo chin-up pa si gago habang naglalakad. Angas ng porma eh. Heartthrob look ba. (Ano daaaaaaaaw???)

Sa may hindi kalayuan, may pila ng traysikel. Andun si papa. Perfect! Dun ako sa traysikel namin sasakay para libre! Weee!

Pag-angkas ko ng traysikel...

RRRIIIIIIIIIIPPPPPPP!!

Parang may napunit sa pwetan ko!

Pero huli na para kapain ko. Nasa loob na ako ng traysikel. Hindi ako makagalaw. Masikip ang loob ng sasakyan, at umandar na ang traysikel.

"Kumain na?" Si papa, habang nagmamaneho.

"Opo."

"Si ate mo, gising na?"

"Gising na."

"Kumain?"

"Kumakain ng umalis ako."

"Anong oras ka nanaman uuwi mamaya?"

"Gagabihin ako mamaya, pa."

"San ka ba pupunta?"

"May mock exam ako mamaya."

"Galingan mo, huh, kapag hindi ka pumasa buntal ka sa akin."

"Ipapasa natin yan."

Hindi ako mapalagay dahil sa tumunog na napunit na yun. Parang hindi talaga maganda pakiramdam ko dun.

Pagdating sa kanto...

"Sige pa, alis na ako." Sabay baba ng traksikel.

Pagtalikod ko...

"Anak, may butas short mo!"

...

Kapa...

...

...

Waaaaaah!!! Butas nga short ko!!!!

Dali-dali akong bumalik sa traysikel.

"Pa, ibalik mo ako sa bahay, dali, nabutas short ko!!!"

"Hahaha!"

Biglang nagtinginan lahat ng tao sa kanto sa amin ni papa. Kainis, humagalpak pa kasi ng tawa.

Alangang maiyak ako dahil sa pagkapahiya. Maisip ko lang na kitang-kita ng ibang pasahero ng traysikel ang pagkapunit ng short ko, gusto ko nang magevaporate. Grrrrr...

Mabuti na lang at malapit ang bahay sa pila ng traysikel kaya diretso ako sa bahay hinatid ni papa. Nagmamadali akong kumatok sa pinto. Wafakels (walang nang pakialam Roldan version)
na kung makita ng mga kapitbahay ang butas kong pwetan.

"Ate, buksan ang gate dali!"

Nagmamadali si ate pumunta sa gate.

"O, bakit bumalik ka pa, malelelate ka na." Tanong ni ate habang nagmamadaling magbukas ng gate.

"Nabutas short ko eh."

"Ano, bakit?"

"Nabutas sa traysikel pagsakay ko. Buti kay papa ako nakasakay."

"Ano ba yan kuya. Ahahahahaha! Buti hindi nila nakita brief mo."

"Wala silang makikitang brief, no?"

"Wala kang brief??"

"Sira! Nakaboxer shorts ako!"

"Ahahahaha nakakahiya ka kuya."

Dali-dali akong umakyat at nagpalit ng pang-ibaba. Buti na lang may matinong pants akong nakita pero blue pa ren. Wala nang plantsa-plantsa, nagmamadali na eh. Bahala na, lintek yan.

Nagmamadali akong umalis ng bahay pagkatapos magpalit.

Kainis, nasayang ang porma at libre sa pamasahe, said ang pogi (?) points ko sa nabutas na short at LATE na ako sa exam!!!

Halos paliparin ako ang FX, MRT at LRT makarating lang sa FEATI ng mabilis. Kamusta naman, seven-thirty na. Wala nang malu-maluwag. Makisiksik kung makasiksik na. Wag lang ako mahipuan sa tren. Pucha, magkakamatayan tayo. (MATON?!)

Quarter to nine na nang makababa ako sa Carriedo Station ng LRT. Nanakbo akong binagtas ang daan papunta ng FEATI. Buti malapit na lang.

Pagdating ko sa gate...

"Sir, saan po sila?" tanong ng lady guard.

"Ma'am, sa aero review po."

"Meron pa bang review ngayon?" tanong ng lady sa guard dun sa isa pang guard.

Bakit hindi nila alam... NAKOOO... Don't tell me...

"Iradyo ko lang sir huh."

"Ma'am, may mock board kami ngayon."

Tumunog ang radyo ng guard.

"Sir, punta daw muna kayo sa Aero Department."

Teka, parang may mali talaga...

"Sige ma'am. Thank you po."

Pinuntahan ko muna yung dating testing center.

Walang tao...

Nggggrrr...

Punta ako sa Department Office ng Aero Eng'g.

Malayo pa lang, sinalubong na ako ni Sir Randy, isa sa mga instructor ko sa review.

"O, Boone, hindi mo natanggap yung text?"

"Sir, sira po cellphone ko ngayon eh. Ano yun?"

"Wala tayong mock board ngayon..."

...

...

...

Waaaaaaaahhhhhhh!!!!!!!

Raptusinco! Part 10

The Philippine Madrigal Singers once again bested amongst international choirs in the 2007 Grand Prix European du Chant Choral Competition held at Arrezo, Italy. Without any hesitation, PMS made itself as the world's best choir, yet again.

Countless audience and listeners around the world are continued to be enchanted by the heavenly blending of voices. From monarchy to the lowly peasants, Madz never fail to give their audience the satisfaction from a vocal performance a world-class level.

Its not surprising that the Madz choir has gained such success and citations, for the quality of the choir's performace is indeed notable, added to their versatility and heartfelt rendition of different tunes, from folklore to ballads and even novelty hits. Truly, this world-known choir stands as ambassadors of goodwill and inter-cultural understanding.

On their return to their motherland, apart from the usual resting, the choir spearheaded different programs and activities to gather, train and develop aspiring choral groups and conductors from around the country. The Cultural Center of the Philippines, being their home, was a witness to the venture in the hope of seeing a singing Philippines. The whole week of this venture concluded with a concert titled: A Whole Lot More at 44.

It was my first time (or so I thought) to watch a performace at the Tanghalang Nicanor Abelardo (CCP Main Theater) by none other than the Philippine Madrigal Singers. And for this very special tenth edition of Raptusinco!, I'm counting five of my hand-picked favorite numbers from the performance. Videos from YouTube are available for a look.

Love of My Life

The choirmaster and countertenor of Madz, Sir Mark Anthony Carpio, (who i have an exclusive autograph. Yihee!) recieved a crowd cheer as he does a solo of this Queen original. The crowd made a 'whoa!' as Sir Mark delivers the first line in classical, non-falsetto voice.

My Way

This Frank Sinatra classic astounded the audience as high-noted obligatos graced the song's foreign version. From the intro till coda, the song offered emotions to the masses. Credit should be extended to the sopranos who awed everyone in their climactic ending.

Pater Noster

The Lord's Prayer offered a solemn introuction of the program. Actually, this reminds me of medieval chants. An all-male combination which later was graced by the altos and sopranos.

Kaisa-Isa Niyan

Among the performances from the concert, Kaisa-isa Niyan was the first to capture my attention. This local folksong reminds everyone of Disney's Circle of Life. The ethnic delivery, the commotion of sounds and the unexpected movements of the performers deserves this number a standing ovation. No wonder, this is one of the pieces performed during the Grand Prix.

Riveder le Stelle

This is a personal favorite. The song, though in foreign tongue, created a soulful message to the audience. We have heard the cresendos and sustains turn to marcatos and fortes. This is the first of the contest clips I've watched from YouTube. If i'm not mistaken, the title says, 'We beheld the Stars'. Truly, they did.

A few of the songs I remember include Bulaklak, Hanggang, Tong Song, Austin Powers theme and a lot more.

Sigh, it was a night I'll eternally remember. Thank you Madz for that evening.

Medilaugh!!!

ACTUAL SENTENCES FOUND IN PATIENT'S MEDICAL CHARTS at PHILIPPINE GENERAL HOSPITAL (PGH):

1. Patient has chest pain if she lies on her left side for over a year..

2. On the second day the knee was better, and on the third day it disappeared.

3. She has no rigors or shaking chills, but her husband states she was very hot in bed last night.

4. The patient is tearful and crying constantly. She also appears to be depressed.

5. The patient has been depressed since she began Seeing me in 1993.

6. Discharge status: Alive but without permission.

7. The patient refused autopsy.

8. The patient has no previous history of suicides.

9. She is numb from her toes down.

10. While in ER, she was examined, X-rated and sent home.

11. The skin was moist and dry.

12. Occasional, constant, infrequent headaches.

13. Patient was alert and unresponsive.

14. Rectal examination revealed a normal size thyroid.

15. She stated that she had been constipated for most of her life, until she got a divorce.

16. The lab test indicated abnormal lover function.

17. The patient was to have a bowel resection. However, he took a job as a stockbroker instead.

18. Skin: somewhat pale but present.

19. Patient has two teenage children, but no other abnormalities.

(These came from an email! Peace docs!)

The Best Three Weeks of My Life...

Barely three weeks from now, its the Aeronautical Engineering Licensure Examinations. Six subjects in three days and a life to change in the future is just ahead. Ito na ang katuparan at kaganapan ng mga pangarap na binuo ng dalawampu't dalawang taon at pinagpaguran ng limang taon sa College.

Its more than just a challenge; its a life-changing event. From a lowly student to a promising professional na ang transition. A license to handle and a responsibility to shoulder, ika nga.

Hindi na biro ang review ngayon. Kung dati eh ok lang petiks-petiks, ngayon hindi na. Lahat dapat nang ipagsunog ng kilay. Para bang isang bagay na hindi mo alam eh isang tinik na nakabaon sa dibdib. Isang bagay na hindi mo maintindihan ay isang puntos na nawala sa exam. Kailangan extra effort at perseverance. Ito na lang kasi ang gift ko to my late mom, celebrating her 54th birthday supposedly today, but she passed away six years ago. All for you, ma!

Kailangan ng DISIPLINA. Bawal magsayang ng oras. Bawal maglakwatsa. Bawal ang gimik. Bawal ang textmate. Bawal ang jowa. Bawal ang bisyo. Maraming bawal. Aba'y dapat lang no!

Eh dahil adik ako magsulat ngayon, sasaglit muna ako sa blog ko para magpost. Konting sulat lang for my readers. Sandali lang naman. May konek naman itong isusulat ko. Ginawa ko kayo ng list nga mga bagay na nararanasan ng isang magboboard exam. Payagan nyo na ako magsulat bago magreview. Please!? Yehey! Here, enjoy!

Narito ang ilang bagay na alam kong senyales na malapit ang board exam.

1. Nagkukumahog kang mag-ayos ng requirements; TOR, Birth Certificate sa NSO, Cedula galing sa munisipyo AT ang pagpila sa PRC ahahahaha.

2. Walang kang gana magTV, maginternet, magDotA. Walang reply-reply sa text hanggat' hindi updated sa review.

3. Hindi ka makatulog ng maayos hangga't may nakalimutan kang term or equation o kung makakatulog ka naman, pati panaginip mo, puro terms at equations. (Putragis yan!)

4. Magsisimba sa St. Jude isang Huwebes at magpapabasbas ng lahat ng gagamitin sa board (calcu, lapis, ballpen, pati underwear na isusuot.)

5. Santambak ang materials mo, kahit hindi naman lahat nababasa. (Aminin!)

6. Makulay ang books na nababasa mo sa dami ng highlighter na gamit. Pasakitan ng mata ito sa neon colors. Pink, blue, neon green, yellow, orange. Name it, may ganyan kang highlighter. Tasado na rin pati lapis na gagamitin mo.

7. Maghahanap ka ng kasama magreview. Share materials ba kumbaga. Magugulat ka na lang, mas alam ka na hindi nila alam at may alam sila na hindi mo alam.

8. Hindi mo namamalayan, you skip meals, skip sleeping time, skip the favorite tv shows, skip texts ng bf/gf mo. Puro skip. Skip ng ina yan oh.

9. Nagbibilang ka ng araw before the exams at papapalnuhin mong magising ng 4:00 am para makarating sa testing center ng 6:30 am.

10. Kung medyo desperate measures na, susugod ka sa botika; malay mo, makuha kang model ng Gluthaphos at Memoplus ahihihi.

=====================

O sya, sya, magrereview na!

Raptusinco! Part 9

Tsk tsk…

Nasanay na ang mga tao sa mundo na kapag sasapit ang November 1, laging ang ibabati sa iyo ay

Happy Halloween!

Haller!

Hindi na ba natin naalala na higit na importanteng holiday kapag November 1 ay All Saints Day!?

Mas mahalaga na nga ba sa ating lahat na aalalahanin ang mga katatakutang gawa lamang ng ating mga mapaglarong isip kesa sa mga ehemplo ng mga taong walang takot na naniwala at nagsakripisyo para sa kanilang paniniwala?!

This is the theme of the ninth edition of the top five picks. Raptusinco!

Let me count the top five saints na may konek sa buhay ko. (Shempre, kailangan may konek talaga hahahaha) I came from a catholic school so adik ang administration na magpangalan ng section sa mga virtues, saints, biblical venues, apostles at lahat ng mga catholic related items pa. All except the last saint I will feature ay naging mga section ko.

So let’s start!

St. Matthew

The name Matthew (meaning "gift of God") came from Hebrew Mattija, being shortened to Mattai in post-Biblical Hebrew. In Greek it is sometimes spelled Maththaios, and sometimes Matthaios. According to the Bible, he was the son of Alpheus and was called to be an Apostle while mingling with the rest of the tax collectors at Capernaum. Like the rest of the Apostle, he has another name, as Saul became Paul. Matthew is also called as Levi. The first gospel is authored by him, where most accounts of Jesus’ preaching were chronicled.

Grade two ako nung naging section ko ang St. Matthew. I had very few memories in my fifth grade, the only ones I remembered was nung isang buwan bago ko naibalik ang report card ko. (Hahaha pasaway!)

St. Joachim

He is the father of the Virgin Mary. The canonical Gospel accounts in the New Testament do not explicitly name either of Mary's parents, but some argue that the genealogy in Luke 3 is that of Mary rather than Joseph, thereby naming her father as Eli. Catholic and Orthodox theologians who hold to this say "Eli" may be short for "Eliakim," which is similar to "Joachim." The story of Joachim and Anne appears in the apocryphal Proto-gospel of James. Feast day celebrated July 26.

Joachim naman ang section ko nung first year high school. First time kong nakaencounter ng mga girl na classmates ulit after seven years! Last batch kasi kami ng mga all-boys na batch so medyo may pride plus hiya moments pa after na makasama ng mga girls sa room. Dun ko naging classmate ang naging buddy ko sa CAT nung fourth year.

St. Ignatius de Loyola

Saint Ignatius of Loyola, or Ignacio (Íñigo) López de Loyola (December 24, 1491 – July 31, 1556), is the founder and first Superior General of the Society of Jesus, a religious order of the Catholic Church professing direct service to the Pope in terms of mission. Members of the order are called Jesuits. His conversion started after he sustained wound on a battle for freedom. On the time of his recovery, he read the Bible and from then on, he answered his call for service to God.

Third year naman ako nung maging section ko ang Ignatius. He was a soldier, and so I was. I was currently training for the Corps of Cadets that time. Akala ko, I will be assigned as field officer, pero I was not. Insted, I was assigned as a double duty officer, Intelligence and Operations. Opposite line of work. Isang maingay at isang tahimik. Challenging ang role ko sa Corps, and it all paid off. I was able to recieve an award on the Corps graduation. Hahaha.

St. John the Apostle

John was the son of Zebedee and Salome, and the brother of James the Greater. In the Gospels the two brothers are often called after their father "the sons of Zebedee" and received from Christ the honourable title of Boanerges, i.e. "sons of thunder" (Mark 3:17). Originally they were fishermen and fished with their father in the Lake of Genesareth. According to the usual and entirely probable explanation they became, however, for a time disciples of John the Baptist, and were called by Christ from the circle of John's followers, together with Peter and Andrew, to become His disciples (John 1:35-42).

Ito ang pinakamemorable amongst my sections. Aside from the pact that the class is composed of the 'PCC Cream of the Crop', puro mga prominenteng names ang mga nasa class. Student council, publications, CAT, electoral board, name it, meron kaming pambato. Maraming happy moments. Walang mukhang nerdy. Lahat adik.


St. Francis of Assisi

He is the patron saint of the environment, animals and birds. Born September 26, 1181. Rebellious toward his father's business and pursuit of wealth, Francis spent most of his youth lost in books. He was also known for drinking and enjoying the company of his many friends, who were usually the sons of nobles. His displays of disillusionment toward the world that surrounded him became evident fairly early, one of which is shown in the story of the beggar. In this account, he found himself out having fun with his friends one day when a beggar came along and asked for alms. While his friends ignored the beggar's cries, Francis gave the man everything he had in his pockets.

I chose this saint for my list because he is the author of the prayer that became by soulfully favorite choral piece, 'The Prayer of St. Francis'. Also, his simplicity and humility are great examples. Sana marami pang katulad nya sa mundo...

===================

Source: www.catholic.org, www.wikipedia.org

Diversions, Exploitations and Analogies!

The Arroyo Administration still embeds itself in hot waters. Numerous allegations, sensationalized intrigues and national issues are inherent in its grasp. The reopening of the "Hello Garci" investigation, the alleged half-a-million publicized bribery and the ZTE broadband deal are the most infamous events. In the heat of the political turmoil, the Administration's patience and strategies are being placed into a test of survival and rigidity.

The impact of the situation has indeed created a two-fold effect on the Motherland. The economy has gone mad playing highs and lows on the stock market. The populace has an unending struggle to place a side on their patriotism, having losing the trust to an unimaginable amount on the system due to the events.

And here comes a blast! A literal blast!

On of Makati's famous malls, Glorietta, was shattered by two explosions over the past weekend. Many were killed and hundreds were left injured.

One may cease to imagine the horror that the blast has made. People going from a gay strolling into pandemonium to find safety for themselves and the ones they cared for. A pleasure-filled trip turned into nightmare. Worst, the loss of lives in the most unprecedented account.

Speculations of a terrorist attack came floating around like juicy gossip. But then, its the diversion that counts. The Administration has made itself a knight-in-shining-armor move by flagging against anti-terrorism. Its a stress-relieving move from verifying accusations, one might say.

Investigation on the explosion concludes that the explosion MAY not be of any human atrocity cause but of negligence on sanitary precautions. It was found out that a sewage system from the mall was left unchecked and the fumes accumulated. Added with the volatile quality of the culinary-used fuel, the gases exploded.

The thought of thinking that methane, released from human waste to be added with our LPG's would be enough to churn our stomachs, apart of course from the accident it caused. Imagine the stench of our feces mixing with our food! Horrible, isn't it?

But it came to me, there seems to be an analogy to these events. The stench of the atrocities of the times, mixed with the aggression of the masses, if not resolved, may spell yet another explosion. And it will be gruesome to think that not just hundreds may be the casualties of this impending disaster.

Let's all pray this may not happen.

============================

source: http://www.philstar.com/

I'm a Man Without an Ego... Soon

As much as I can, I put my time and effort to propagate something that I love to do. I can make sacrifices and never regret it. I can take every responsibility as long as I can manage. I reach people and make things comfortable and easy. I hear both sides of an argument and give resolutions; not judgements. I can give my life as long as everyone can be happy and peaceful. I might have made mistakes in my time and I resolve to learn from it.

But why are you doing these to me?

Why am I judged?

Why am I ridiculed in front of everyone?

Why am I compared?

Why am I called names?

Why am I misunderstood?

Weren't I enough?

Weren't I good to everyone?

Am I bad?

Was I selfish?

Am I a man less because I'm not straight?

I have a huge problem. I can't be angry to you, because you're special to me. Every hit I take from you I abosrb, because there's no point in getting into arguments. Every time I'm embarrassed in front of everyone, I just bow my head in silence.

But you must understand:

Every hit I absorb, the heart ceases to love.

Every embarrasment I recieve, the ego is shattered.

Everytime I am judged, my respect for you lowers.

Every ego shattered, the man inside diminishes.

Every comparison made, a wall stands and heightens.

You almost won my heart, but you first shattered my manhood. I'll never get angry, but don't expect for me to be there for you.

With you around, I will always be a MAN without an EGO.

I'm sorry, but I cease to be ONE...

Manila Meets the Titan of the Skies!

The Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA) warmly welcomes the largest commercial aircraft ever constructed, the Airbus A380 in lieu of the aircraft’s world tour. The A380 MSN007 made its touchdown at the NAIA runway last October 11, 2007 at 1430H Manila Time.

0o0o[==ppp^( O )^qqq==]o0o0

Oct. 11, 2007; 1330H

Chard: Asan u? D2 me sa OFW area.
Ako: Wer yang OFW area?
Chard: D2 tapat ng Casino Filipino entrance ng NAIA.
Ako: Anuver! Nsa kabilang syd me. Y ka nandyan? Eh dulo na ng runway yan ah!
Chard: Sa port 13 daw ga2rahe ang A380. Kita fr hr ung 13.
Ako: Nyak! Sa kbila tayo. Dun la2nding yung A380 sa kabila.
Chard: Punta u dito.

Lintek! 1:30 ng hapon eh naglalakad ako sa ilalim ng araw. Buti na lang at may payong na ready. Pero gudlak sa pawis at lagkit. Pero keri lang. Kailangan bagtasin natin ang NAIA road sa kainitan ng araw dahuil kailangan maging bahagi ako ng kasaysayan. Its not an ordinary day to see the biggest commercial aircraft that’s why all aircraft fanatics are looking forward to this day.

Mabalik tayo. Uhaw at gutom na ako. Hindi na ako naglunch sa ofis para makarating sa NAIA ng maaga. Alam ko kasing magkakabuhol-buhol ang traffic. Dalawa ba namang bigaten ang darating. Isang bigateng kamao at isang bigateng eroplano. Pero ang sadya ko sa NAIA eh yung eroplano, hindi yung kamao. Haller.

0o0o[==ppp^( O )^qqq==]o0o0

The A380’s world tour shall embark its preparedness for commercial use. Among the airports that it visited are from South America, the USA, the Asia-Pacific region and Canada. The tour shall test the endurance of the four Engine Alliance GP7200 engines, as well as its performance on different airport conditions. Operating under typical airline conditions, the aircraft undergoes airport compatibility checks, ground handling and maintenance procedures to confirm its readiness to enter service. The total flight time estimated for the world tour counts to 150 hours.The A380’s British pilot Peter Chandler welcomed all the Filipinos from different local and international airlines. He toured the guests into the humongous cabin that can carry up to 825 passengers in three classes. The first and business classes houses amenities; bar and a few lounges for passengers. The rest of the four prototypes, offers duty free shops, beauty salons, double beds, a gym, showers and even a casino.

0o0o[==ppp^( O )^qqq==]o0o0

1345H

“Anu ba? Bakit dito ka kasi? Anlayo tuloy ng nilakad ko amputah.” Namamawis akong nilapitan si Richard. Conductor ng PULSE. Adik din sa eroplano.

“Kita mo ba yang port 13? Ayun oh. Dun gagarahe ang A380.” Sabi ni Richard habang tinuturo yung airport.

“Bakla, kotse? Gagarahe talaga ang term. Hahaha. Dun tayo sa taas, sa kabilang side ng airport tayo pumunta. Dun makikita yung landing ng A380.”

“Sige akyat tayo sa taas.”
“Saan yung OFW ekek na sinasabi mo kanina?”
“Dun sa taas yun.”
“Eh bakit sabi mo dito? Ililigaw pa ako.”
“Malapit lang yun.”

Umakyat kami ni Richard. Sa dulo ng hagdan na inakyat naming, bumulaga ang isang sign: ‘OFW Area’.

“Ah, dito pala.”

Sinipat-sipat ko ang paligid ng platform ng airport. Maraming tao. Pero organized. Nakapila. Naghihintay. Salamat sa mga pasensyosong empleyado ng airport.

Hindi na ako nagtataka kung lahat ng mga nakikita kong empleyado ng NAIA eh pamilyar ang mga mukha. Lahat naman halos ng graduate ng Alma Mater Dolorosa eh dito sa airport nagtatrabaho. That’s good to know. Talagang may pinatutunguhan ang mga pinag-aralan. Kudos to all gradutes who work sa NAIA!

“Announcing the arrival of Flight 35-9HD arriving from Bahrain.”

“Parang familiar ang boses na yun. Kay Joy ba yun?" Nagtatanong si Richard habang hinahanap ang pinanggagalingan ng boses.

“Yung crush mo nung nasa school pa tayo? Parang familiar nga.

"Kinikilig ka naman to the max?!”

“Naman!”

Lakad kami ni Chard. Nakipagpatintero kami sa mga tao at sasakyan.

“Dun sa kabila, Chard. Dali.”
“Wait lang Boone. Pasok kaya tayo sa loob? Airconditioned dun. Palamig tayo.”
“Bakla, mall lang? Ang higpit kaya ng security dito.”
“Sabihin natin magsusubmit ng resume sa OJT.”
“Puta ka. Malamigan lang eechos pa sa security.”
“Ang init naman kasi sa labas. Dali na, ako bahala.”
“Adik ka kuya.”

Kabado akong lumapit sa security personnel sa isa sa mga entrance ng NAIA. In fairness, wala kang bait na mababakas sa mukha ng security personnel na to. Takot ko lang manggoyo. Kaya si Richard na lang ang pinakausap ko.

“Ma’am, mgsusubmit lang po ng resume sa OJT.”

“Saang company sir?” Nakamangot na tanong ng security.

“Qatar Airways.”
“Ilang kayong magsusubmit ng resume?”
“Dalawa po.”
“Isa lang po pupunta sa airline. Ibigay na lang po ang resume dun sa isa.”
“Ay ganun. Sige ma’am, kunin ko lang yung resume.”

Labas kaming dalawa.

1400H

“Bakla, hindi effective.”
“Kerek! Hala dun na tayo sa kabila. Anytime soon, lalapag na A380.”

Pagdating namin sa kabila ng platform.

“Ano ba to Boone? Maaraw! Wala ako dala sunblock.”
“May payong ako. Keri na yan.”
“What time ba lalapag yun?”
“Two forty-five daw.”
“Wala ba schedule sa arrival?”
“Wala dun sa arrival scheds eh.”
“Baka dun sa baba, meron. Dali, tingnan natin.”
“Anuver? Maaraw na, mainit pa, tapos lalakad ka pa punta dun?”
“Tingnan lang natin kung anong oras talaga darating yun.”
“Malayo ang lalakarin.”
“Hindi, may alam akong shortcut.”
“Saan?”
“Dun sa may dinaanan ni Pacquiao kanina.”
“Taray! VIP?”
“Try lang natin.”

Bumaba kami sa may arrival area ng NAIA. As expected, higpit-higpitan ang mga security kaya napilitan kaming umikot. Forty miles ang nilakbay namin para makarating sa arrival area. Tingin agad kami ng sched.

“Wala sa sched yung A380.”

Biglang may nag-pop-out sa utak ko. Bakit nga ba hindi ko naisip?

“Wala talaga yun. Test flight kaya yun. Wala talaga yan sa sched. Puro commercial flight kaya yan.”
“Ay, hindi agad sinabi. Naglakad pa tayo ng malayo.”
“Ngayon lang narealize, sorry dong.”

Balik ang dynamic duo sa platform. Redi na ang payong at panyong ipapamunas sa pawisan naming mga ulo.

“Shet naman oh. Sa dami ng makakalimutan ko, panyo pa.” Naghihimutok si Richard.

“Yak, marungis! Gusto mo ng panyo?” Sabay abot ang panyo ko.

“Oh, sure!”

“Asa ka kuya.” Sabay bawi ng panyo.

0o0o[==ppp^( O )^qqq==]o0o0

Airbus A380 Specifications:

Overall Length: 73 meters
Overall Height: 21.4 meters
Wingspan: 79.8 meters
Engine: Four Trent 900 or GP 7000
Engine Thrust: 311 kN
Maximum Take-off Weight: 560 Tonnes
Maximum Mach Number: 0.89

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1425H

Mula sa kinatatayuan namin, kitang-kita ang mga nagtetake-off na eroplano. May malaki, may maliit. Pero nakakatuwa talagang makita ang pag-angat ng eroplano mula sa lupa. Dahan-dahan kahit na maingay ang makina. Parang humahagod lang sa manipis na hangin ang mga bakal na sasakyan. Maya-maya’y napakatayog na ng lipad nito; mataas. Sumululong pang pataas. Nakakauplift ng spirit tingnan. Added to the thought na may mga buhay na magiging maulad sa paglipad ng isang eroplano luluwas papuntang ibang bansa. Touching at inspiring ang feeling.

Napapansin naming dumadami na ang mga tao sa kinatatayuan naming. Dala ang mga handy cams at cellphone, nakapose na lahat para magisnan ang A380. Sumisikip. Nag-uunahan. Imbyerna mode na. Pero dapat calm.

“Dito lang tayo. Walang aa—“

Napatigil ako nung may sumigaw na babae sa likod namin ni Chard.

1430H

“Ayun na, ayun na!”

Kita-kita ng mga mata ko na lumalapag ang isang eroplano. Pero iba sa karaniwan ang laki nito. Kaagaw-agaw ng atensyon kumpara sa ibang mga eroplano. Apat ang makina pero walang ugong na maririnig. Tatlong palapag at malapad ang katawan. Mataas at malapad din ang buntot. Kulay bughaw ang pintura ng buntot na may nakaukit na pangalang A380. Napatulala ako habang sige ang pindot ng mga camera at cellphone ang mga katabi namin.

“Shit, ang laki nya pre, ang angas!” Sabi ko habang walang kurap na nakatitig sa eroplano.

Papabagal ang higanteng sasakyang panghimpapawid habang lumalapit sa paliparan. Nanamnamin ng bawat makakakita ang sandaling ito. Mabibighani ka sa taglay na sophistikasyon at alindog ng eroplano.

“Yan pala yung A380. Anlaki! Wow!” Nagtatatalon na sambit ng isang bata hindi kalayuan mula sa pwesto namin.

Kinalabit ako ni Richard.

“Dali, dun naman tayo sa kabila. Para makita natin kung saan paparada yun!”

“Ok. Go!”

Nanakbo uli kaming nakipagpatintero sa mga sasakyan at mga tao ng airport. Nang makarating kami sa kabilang ibayo, nakatigil na ang dambuhalang sasakyan. Parang mga langgam na naglapitan ang mga empleyado ng airport sa eroplano. Marami. Mayroon ding mga crew ng television at mga VIP mula sa DOTC at ATO. Pumasok sila sa eroplano para mainspect ang superjumbo liner.

"Naengget naman ako dun, Boone.” Nakapangalumbaba si Richard habang nakatingin sa laksa ng mga taong papalapit sa eroplano.

“Ako nga rin kaya. Pero at least, kita natin landing nya diba”, depensa ko.

“Oo nga.”

Nang tumalikod ako, nagulat ako dahil maraming sundalo at pulis sa likod namin.

Kudeta?!
Asan si Daddy Toni?! Dali autograph at kiss na ito!
Ay wait?! Huhulihin kami?! Bakit?! Bakit?! Idedeport na ba kami pabalik ng Africa?!
Nasa gitna pa ako ng hysteria nang naglabasan ng camera ang mga sundalo.

Ahhhh… Piktyur-piktyur sa eroplano din pala ang mga mokong. Akala ko tapos na ang Administrasyon. Kaloka.

Text galore ang Richard sa PULSE at ako naman sa CBIT. Walang balak mang-inggit amputah.

A380 landed at NAIA. Kita namin hehehehe.

Nang matapos nang magsend sa lahat ng gustong inggitin…

“Oh, ano, naniwala ka na makakalanding ang A380 sa Pinas?” tanong ko kay Richard

“Oo na, sige ililibre kita.”
“Talaga lang huh!?”
“Oo naman. Usapan natin yun diba?”
“Ok. Go!”

Umalis na kami ni Richard sa NAIA puntang CCP. Mahabang kainan to. Tamang-tama, gutom na ako.

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Source: www.philstar.com, www.airbus.com, www.flightglobal.com