The Calling....?

Three weeks has passed since I attended the mass and sang with The Singing Christians. After three, long gruesome weeks of work at school, finally, I'm free to sing on the mass and serve the Lord.

The mass starts at 6 pm but I intended to come an hour earlier to catch the rehearsals. Upon being dropped off infront of the EDSA Shrine, I immediately went to the rehearsal studios (studios talaga?? hahaha). Unfortunately, the rooms are full of relief goods for the victims of the typhoons so I have to wait someplace.

I went to the sacristi to drink a glass of water, hydrating my day-long dry throat.

I sat on one of the sofas in the area as I vocalize my low notes (I do sing Bass), not noticing an old lady with one of the lay ministers on our mass sitted across the room. The lady was 80-ish, judging from the way I see her, with the lay minister probably assisting her on her walks. The lady sweetly smiled and to my surprise or what, I smiled back.

A number of parishioners came in and upon seeing the old lady, paid respects by doing 'Mano po'. Now I'm wondering who this lady is.

A choirmember, JP, came inside and greeted me.

"Kamusta na? Tagal mo nawala ah." JP tapped my shoulder as he greets me.

"Daming trabaho sa school, 'pre. Ngayon lang naging free eh."

"Ah, ganun? O, andito pala si Lola." He approached the old lady and did 'Mano po'.

In an instant, I felt the urge to approach the old lady and do 'Mano po'. I stood up, walked a few steps and...

"Good afternoon po." I greeted her as I reached her hand and place it in my forehead. Never I did relaize something before doing that. I'm wearing a cap. Stupid.

Hastly, I removed my cap and did it again.

Suddenly, after doing my 'Mano po'. She reached out for my head and stroked my hair and saying with her shining eyes...

"Iho, bakit hindi ka magpari?"

The question hit me like a bomb. I took a few seconds before the question sink in.

"Ah... Eh... Hehehe," that was all that came from my lips. F^%K$#!t!!

"Iho, may nakakatawa ba sa sinabi ko?"

"Ah... Eh... Wala naman po. Bakit nyo naman po naitanong?"

"Aba'y bagay ka magpari. Unang kita ko pa lang sa iyo, alam ko na. Ilang taon ka na ba?"

"Twenty-four po." saying it with my callcenter accent. Bastos na bata.

"Oh, bata ka pa pala eh. Hindi masamang magpari ka, may itsura ka pa, maamo ang mukha."

"Naku, mahirap pong sagutin ang tanong nyo eh hehehe." I'm stupidly scratching my head.

"Naku, iho, mahirap tanggihan ang tawag ng Panginoon ha."

"Alam ko po, kaya nga po ako nagtuturo sa isang College eh."

"Ay ganun, tamang-tama pala, marunong ka rin maturo, marami siguradong nakikinig sa iyo."

Hindi ko alam kay lola kung binobola ako or pinipilit lang ako magpari. Pero mukhang pareho ata. Ilang segundo ring nakatitig si lola at maya-maya pa...

"May girlfriend ka na ba, iho?"

"Ahhh, meron po." Wala sa sariling sinagot ko ang tanong ni lola, sa pag-asang titigilan na nya ako.

"Hahaha, kaya naman pala. Pero kung alam mong may calling ka, wag nang tatanggi ha? Kukulit-kulitin ka ni Lord hangga't pumayag ka."

"Sige po, titingnan po natin."

Tumagilid nang bahagya ang lay minister na katabi nya at bumulong. "Nay, andyan na ata sundo natin."

"O sige, sige." sabi ni lola. Tumingin uli ang matanda sa akin at nagtanong. "Ano ang pangalan mo iho?"

"Phillippe po."

"Ano, Philipo?"

May pagkabingi na rin pala si lola. "Ay hindi po. Phillippe... ho."

"Ah, Phillippe, sige ha, magkikita pa tayo ulit. Kukulitin kita. Hala't aalis na ako."

"Sige po, ingat po kayo. Marami pong salamat."

Inakay ko ang matanda hanggang makalabas ng sacristi. Pagtalikod ko'y napakamot nanaman ako ng ulo. At dahil si JP ang unang taong nakita ko, tinanong ko agad siya.

"Pre, sino ba yun?"

"Ano ka ba? Hindi mo kilala yun? Nanay ni Bishop yun!"

It was then I realized how persuasive a mom is. I just don't get how did she realized that potential of me being a priest. Mukha namang akong sanggano pagpasok ko kanina, nakacap pa kahit nasa loob ng simbahan. Her words were like ice piercing ito my burning soul. Sa dami ng mga tao kanina sa sacristi eh ako ang nakita (or perhaps napagtripan) nya. There is a reason she asked me that question, and that's what I'm trying to guess...

-mukha akong pari?
-kailangan ko ng change of profession/career?
-nagwapuhan si lola saken? (cheesy!)
-kamukha ko ang anak nyang bishop na ngayon? (possibly!)

Buong misa akong balisa. Habang nagmimisa, parang bigla kong nakita ang sarili ko sa pari. Nagmimisa, may hawak na ostia, naghohomily, nakasutana at apitong, at habang nakataas ang dalawang daliri, nagsasabi ng "The Lord be with you..."

AAAAAAHHHHHHHHHHH!!!!!!!!!

Facebook... A Centennial Ago

Igalang Natin si Manny!!

Marco Antonio Barrera
Héctor Velázquez
Juan Manuel Márquez,
Fahsan Por Thawatchai
Erik Morales
Oscar Larios
Jorge Solis
David Díaz
Oscar dela Hoya

Ilan lang sila sa mga napatumba ni Manny 'Pacman' Pacquiao sa banyagang ring.

Kabog!

In fairness naman, malayo na rin ang narating ng ating kababayan sa larangan ng boksing. Mula sa pagiging bagitong manununtok ng Mindanao eh bumubulaga na ang ating bida sa padaigdigang boksing. Ngayon eh alamat na hindi lang ang mga laban nya kundi ang mga katagang binibitiwan nya pagkatapos ng laban ('ya know... ya know...'), na minsan talaga eh may pahangin effect pa. (Aminin, nakarinig kayo nyan!!) At in fairness at in fairview pa rin, hindi lang sya ngayon sikat na boksingero, kundi commercial model, aktor, host at kung anu-ano pa. Balak atang gawing National Artist for Entertainment si Manny.

Ahahaha.

Sa sobrang galing nga ng taong eto eh mukhang nakakasawa nang malaman na panalo sya sa mga laban nya. Parang nasusuya na ang mga Pinoy sa bawat panalo nya. mapapancin natin na hindi na maririnig ang mga kapitbahay mong nagsisisgaw sa kada suntok niya. Pero iba itong kakatapos na match niya with Oscar dela Hoya. Pinagusapan talaga; kesyo mismatch daw, malaki daw masyado ang itinapat kay Manny, mahaba ang braso at kung anek-anek pa. Pero wag ka, walong rounds lang at sumuko na ang kalaban. At ito pa, pati laban ni Manny eh ginawa na ring business. May mga sinehan nang nagpapalabas ng laban nya live via satellite, (shala dbuh?) kaya nawalan ng kwenta ang mga telebisyon, delayed telecast daw kasi. Naalala ko pang nagalit ang tatay ko kasi pagkauwi ko nang Linggo ng umaga eh inunahan ko na sya ng balita, "Pa, panalo na si Pacquiao, ruond 8, plakda si dela Hoya wahahahaha!!" Nasa sixth round pa lang noon sa tv kaya pinaghahahampas ako ni Papa ng dyaryong hawak nya. Nawala daw kasi excitement nya.

Pero ano ito?!

May mga kumakalat nang text kesyo may sumpa daw lahat ng panalo ni Manny. After daw nya manalo, may mga sakunang magaganap. Andyan ang Wowowee stampede, paglubog ng MV Princess of the Stars, at ngayon naman pati pagkamatay ni Marky Cielo eh associated din sa pagkapanalo ni Manny. At ito pa, ang siste pa eh binenta na daw ni Pacman ang kaluluwa nya kaya may kapalit na mga buhay ang bawat tagumpay nya.

Kaloka naman yon...

Sa halip na gumawa ng kung ano anong tsismis at haka-haka eh sana hindi nating nakalimutan pasalamatan si Manny. Aba, hindi madaling tumanggap ng suntok sa ibabaw ng ring ba? At dahil sa mga panalo nya, umaangat ang estado ng atletang pinoy sa loob at labas ng bansa. At hindi ba dapat nating ipasalamat na sa bawat laban ni Manny eh walang trapik sa kalsada, zero ang crime rate, tumataas ang piso sa pandaigdigan pamilihan? At higit sa lahat, marami nang nakakaintindi sa matigas ni Ingles ni Manny, kaya hindi ka kailangang mag-effort magpaka-slang ang mga Pinoy para maintindihan ng mga banyaga.

Ahihihi.

Anjan Ka Pala!?!

It was a table full of laughter at the dining area of Brooklyn Pizza in Tiendesitas. And yes, the laughter will be so loud, it covers the sound of the rain outside. Flunked with all the members of TSC, or The Singing Christians, this long table is the witness of the celebration of the choir's thirtieth anniversary.

Thirtieth... Wow!

While everyone is enjoying the multiple-flavored pizzas, pasta, garlic bread and spicy chicken, I approached Kuya Ronan, the choir's musical director, sitting on the far side of the table. Holding my K770i, I reread to him the text message I recieved from my boyfriend just a few minutes ago,

"Kuya, pinapatanong po ni Jon yung about sa school", and shows him the message on the cellphone.

"Ay, oo nga pala. Sige, pakisabi tawagan nya tong number na to", he picked up his own cellphone and showed me a number from his phonebook. "Pakisabi kailangan tawagan, huwag itext at hindi sya rereplyan nyan. Paki sabi kako siya yung student kong piyanista na nirefer ko..."

I felt apalled on the no-text, just call statement; this person must be too important not to waste time pushing buttons on a bussiness talk. While I was taking down the number on my phone, a question popped out of Kuya Ronan's lips.

"Saan kayo nagkakilala ni Jonathan?"

Whoa... I was surprised that question popped out of thin air. I swing my eyes sidewayd to see if anyone on the table was looking for me to answer..

"Uhhhmmm, common friend kuya." That answer was lightly sounded, but determined.

"Boyfriend mo ba sya?"

That statement seemed to have killed the talk on the table, everyone was looking at me, an answer they anxiously waiting. TSC doesn't know I'm bisexual; I'd rather be quiet about that issue, else being brought up. It took me seconds to answer that question, jokingly.

"Why not kuya? Hahaha!" That was a fake laugh, ignoring the reaction from the choir.

But then, a heartful laugh burst on the table.

"Phillippe, ikaw ha, may sikreto ka, hahaha!" says one of the members.

I myself gave a half-hearted laugh. Kuya Ronan faced me again, "Ako ata nagulat dun ah."

Since that little joke, I know I'll have to confess everything this evening, at least before we part our ways, or else an issue will cloud the singing with the choir.

After that noisy dinner, everyone packed up to proceed to the next activity. We will be proceeding to the house of one of the members to have the yearly assesment through a game and a few hard drinks. At first I have to say no, because I haven't slept for the last 38 hours (Gosh, that was a record, and it seems I'm breaking it again!) and I'm feeling a bit dizzy but then, everyone was persuading me to go. After a few minutes under the rain in the middle of the parking lot, I choose one of the vans and hopped in. What the hell, I have this murky feeling that I need to go. I need to go with them or I'm SUPPOSED to go with them, I will never understand why, but then I made a decision to go.

Inside one of vans, I have to rest myself to at least a few minutes while on travel. I laid my head backwards, lounging on the middle seats together with my co-basses. In a few minutes, I fell asleep.

"Oi, gising na, dito na tayo."

I woke up with a heavy, aching head. That was the first nap in 38 hours and its really pissing me off to have my little joy taken away from me. With a blurry vision, I see the rest of the convoy parked in a subdivision in Santolan, Pasig, facing a big house, (when I say big, its big!), a two story house with a garage and a small garden. This is the house where the anniversary continues.

The choir gathered at the sala, made a few announcements and the work was divided. Some have to cook the pulutan, others to mix the drinks, others to make the activity paraphernalia, others to collect contribution and others to prepare the venue. As per the sleepless me, I have to stay at the sala, watch tv, and left to fall asleep. The tv was showing the animated CLone Wars flick, but my eyes are yearning for something more essential; a few minutes to close.

It was past midnight when I was awaken by the laughter emanating from the garage. I noticed myself slacked on the sofa, one feet on the backrest and the other on the floor, left hands on my head, right on my chest, mouth open, drooling...

Gross..

Should someone took my picture in this state, I'll look like a freshly-raped homeless hooker.

Anyway, I went to the garage with the rest of the choir encircled on a table with whiskeys and brandies with juices and softdrinks for chaser. They gave me s shot of the drinks and that first shot burned my throat and chest that I necessarily have to take the chasers immediately. I took a seat. It was just that I realized, I'm the only one waited to arrive to start the festivities.

We did a truth or consequence type of game. A beer bottle was spinned and whoever is the person who the bottle points shall pick a question. Should the person decides not to answer the question, he/she pays P20 to the choir. (so much for fund raising, eh?)

Every after two persons picked a question, awards were given to the deserving people. And we say awards, they are like...

Am Baho mo!! (Bassist who stink the worst)
Anjan ka pa rin!?! (Most tenured choir member - winner has stayed 28 years, Bow!!)
Megaphone of the Year (loudest voice)
Tira Ru (choir laughstock)

And yes, I was lucky enough to recieve an award, hahahaha.. Presenting...

Anjan ka pala!?! (most quiet choir member, hmmmm seems to work for me)

Yes, I have to wear my award on the party..

When it was my turn to answer a question, I picked from the question basket and I have to read the question aloud. And alas! My question is this...

"Was there any instance that you feel attracted to the same sex in this choir?! How did you respond?"

It was actually the question I'm dreading to answer that night; but lo and behold, its the question I'm about to answer. After a deep breath, I smiled and said,

"This is the question that I am avoiding this night, but then mukhang ako talaga ang nakatokang sumagot ng tanong na ito. Since I was a child, I know I have this tendencies of same-sex attraction, and it will be unfair for myself and for the rest of the people who care for me to deny who I really am. If there are attractions, shempre I don't have to deny it, but I have put aside what I feel when it comes to this choir; I'm here to serve God, and that's what I will do to the best of my abilities."

The applause thundered the garage.

Everyone was tapping my shoulder as I returned the piece of paper with the question on the table. It was a big surprise to them, knowing that I never was too outspoken when inside the choir. Just singing and serving is all I could do, and hopefully, this part of me that I finally revealed to them will place another point in the history. Its a good thing the revelation was accepted with open arms, and that will surely make me stay in the choir in a years to come.

Before the night ended, I was again asked as a follow-up..

"Were you attracted to anyone in the choir??"

Hmmm.. the plot thickens...

"Uhh, yes, I think I did, pero eventually nawala din, na set ko na kase ang status na hindi pwede dito sa choir, tska para wala na ring tsismis."

"Uy, sino? Sino??"

The whole choir was excited to hear my answer.

All I did was to get myself a fresh twenty peso bill from my wallet and placed it on the table.

More Than Madrigals

It was 39 minutes past seven in the evening. From the cab that I took from EDSA Shrine after serving the 6 pm mass, I finally arrived at the Cultural Center of the Philippines. Indeed, this edifice has become the piece of history that the Philippines will be always proud of. CCP houses the line of culture only the Philippines can behold and cherish; the art, the memorabilia of history and of course, the world class performers and artist that made the world 'whoa!'.

The night closes in as the CCP lobby was packed with the audience who are about to watch the Philippine Madrigal Singers in their concert entitled 'More Than Madrigals'. The concert title itself is too catchy to miss the show indeed.

I was at the CCP lobby and grabbed a copy of the programme repertoire and then strolled to enjoy the scenes from the pre show. Its a cute crowd,i even saw one of the choirs that we used to watch with the rest of the pulseans. On my left hand are two center balcony tickets (can't afford the lower boxes, too costly! Well, that is, if I won't have to treat someone), one for me and one for Richard, the choirmaster and trainor of the PATTS Universal League of Singing Enthusiasts. One the right hand is the pamphlet for the show. Reading the pamphlet, I see that the MADZ will be joined by their former colleagues from the University of the Philippines to grace the show. And these former colleagues have made their own mark into a number of international voice competitions, so what else could we expect?

But then, there is someone missing... Richard

Its five minutes to 8 pm, and he is still nowhere in sight. The gates are about to be closed. Like me, he also came from a mass service at Parañaque. He's asked me for the tickets to pay him for my dues to him. Now, I have to get inside so I could save the seats I reserved. I took the elevators to proceed to the topmost box.

As I entered the auditorium, the soft siren that starts the program. After the no-cellphones reminder, then the national anthem was sung. The curtains are up and...

Whoa, MADZ in scattered position! Its looks very weird and unsual for me to see my favorite choir to be in a position other than the usual semi-circle stance, but then, it only show how they can be versatile. What do we expect from a world-acclaimed choir anyway?

Richard came texting me that he arrives after the second score so I have to step out of the auditorium to fetch him, we nearly missed the third performance. Grr...

Overall, the show themes on different classical music, mostly scores from operas and musicals, ranging from Mozart to West Side Story to Momma Mia.

It was a usual thing for the classical whores to hear these music through orchestras and operas. But with this show, MADZ made another feat to perform these pieces with their vocal prowess, aided with the Sonata String Ensemble.

A few scores to catch my ears are as follows:

Der Holle Rache (from Die Zauberflote) - as the Coloratura Soprano, Ma. Cristina Viguilla-Navarro hits the break-necking high notes of this pitch, something hit me. I know this piece, I've heard it once before, I know... Ow, yes, Miss Congeniality! This is the talent of one of the contestants there, remember? I think its Miss North Carolina, I'm not sure...

I Feel Pretty (from West Side Story) - this piece scored laughter from the audience as they sung and dance to the tune of the song. Not even the choirmaster was spared from the dancing that is. Hahahaha.

Bituing Marikit (from Dakilang Punlo) - such a captivating rendition. Nakakainlove kasi eh. The vocals and the soloist marks an A+ for me here.

March of the Toreadors (from Carmen) - I could still remember this piece played during a graduation recessional. Cool...

Somewhere (from West Side Story) - a very familiar piece, I sung this once, and scored an applause, from the schoolmates of course.

ABBA Medley (from Mamma Mia) - hey, who's never familiar with the hits of ABBA anyway? You're missing a lot in your life if you do. Or else, you're just old enough. You know how to sing Dancing Queen, Winner Takes It All, Money Money, Take A Chance On Me; and with Sir Mark's Thank You for the Music, it made the audience clapped and sing to the tune in joy.

Minsan Ang Minahal Ay Ako (from Katy)- a personal favorite. Ang ganda ng arrangement. Nakakatindig balahibo. I love the song and how they perform it. There's something in the song at hinahap-hanap ko ang lyrics. Way to go MADZ!

After the show, as much as the audience shouting "More! More!", the show has to end, but is, with a standing ovation. Not surprising though, because they're good, oh, great, that is.

And of course, after the show, we took a few pictures....

Yours truly with Miss Marivic Llamas, MADZ soprano.

And of course, the shot of a lifetime...

Yours truly with the MADZ Choirmaster himself, Mr. Mark Anthony Carpio!!

A Man's Measure

Friday evening.

It never felt better to have oneself ready for the day's, I mean, the night's work load, or so I thought...

I have the priviledge of coming to work early. I left the house with everything done; cooking, cleaning, sleeping for more than 5 hours. There was a smooth and fast traffic flow on my travel. I arrived at the building barely 40 minutes from log in, so I stopped by the lockers to get the usual stuff for the job; headsets, mug, stress ball (yes, we need one!) and pen. Before I proceeded to the workstations, I went to the pantry and poured iced tea to my mug. On the pantry television is the usual late night drama shows being aired. Watching the show after a few months has made me ignorant of the story, and its then I realized that there is so much in life that I missed having a graveyard shift. My eyes were glued on the show when I felt something cold running on my legs.

Alas, I left the mug's lid open and the iced tea I poured spilled all over my pants!

I immediately proceeded to the men's room and wiped my pants with scores of tissue paper. The air from the air conditioning systems shivers the wet pants as the coldness kicked in. I brushed my teeth after trying to dry the pants. After a few strokes and spitted the bubbles on the concrete sink, red lines are flowing from it. Blood. My gums are always bleeding after brushing. It looked gross so I opened the faucet and let the bloody bubbles and suds be washed away. Having no spare pants, I have no choice but to walk on the floors with my stained khakis. The essences of the iced tea left something sticky on my legs.

Great.

While walking on the floors, something in what I wear made the people I pass by giggle. Thought it must be the wet map on my pants or the stupidity of pouring my own drink on my pants while watching tv. I care less now, though much has been done. After a long embarrassing walk, I finally reached my station. I plugged my headset to the phones and pulled up my systems. I reached for my pants and discovered something worse. My zipper was open.

What a start.

The feeling of embarrassment has made me numb. I won't have to care what other people say with what happened. What's more important is that behind all the things that has happened, I will still walk on the floors and continue with what has to done; the most essential though the less appreciated. Though belittled with the stupidity, I have to walk forward, head up high, proud of having survived a war of pride and humility.

It is in this times that I ask myself, was I man enough? Did I made myself a stature of confidence over adversity?

Is this how a man is measured?

Should a man be measured by the strength of his muscle or the strength to his persona to accept the things he cannot change? Is it how he brings himself to others or his ability to survive and understand the toughest differences? Is it how he carries himself or how he carries for others welfare despite his struggles? Is he in his weakest when his ego is stepped on or when his heart is broken? Is he admired by his personal achievements or by his rising from failures?

Just when I think I can be man enough to be admired, it is but a great war. But then, at the end of the day, it is but the self to look back and ask oneself...

Was I man enough?
Or will I be the man everyone is hoping me to be..?

Ang Kyubikel

Ang buhay sa kolsenter, lahat dapat ipinapaalam. Lalo na sa lagay namin na mga kustomer ang tumatawag. Mahalaga ang bawat oras, bawat minuto, bawat segundo. Hindi ka basta pwedeng tumayo sa upuan at mag-alis ng headset. Maaring isang iritadong Kano ang tumawag at walang sumagot sa kabilang linya, patay kang bata ka...

"What the hell is wrong with you people? I've been waiting on the line since God knows when then it will took you long to answer the phone?? You assholes, bitches, motherfuckers.... Your company is like ... the hell with you all people from (pangalan ng company)!!!"

Kaya maging pag-ihi, pagtae, pagyosibreak, paglunch, kailangan rehistrado sa teleponong gamit namin (in fairness naman, haytek ang telepono sa opisina) para walang makapasok na tawag. Bago irehistro, kailangang ipaalam muna sa mga kinauukulan. Ang mga kinauukulan na ang bahalang magapprove (imagine kailangan pa iapprove!?) para marehistro ang telepono sa istasyon ko nang hindi mapasukan ng tawag. Siyempre, ang mga breaks at lunch eh hindi na kailangan ipaalam, nasa schedule kasi yan, pero kung tawag ng kalikasan, nako, malas mo lang kapag may kausap ka at sumiklab ang himagsikan sa tiyan mo...

"Sir, to be able to assist... ahm... to assist you, uuuuhhhh, I may ummm, need to uhhh..."
"Are you alright, son?"
"Uhhh... yes, sir, (phoooot!) perfectly fine sir, just having some ahh... technical issues here."
"Oi, sino ba yang umutot? Ambaboy naman oh!"
"(Habang nakamute si agent) Sorry, hindi na kaya, umiikot na talaga tiyan ko!"
"I-tae mo na yan dude!"
"Call the PAC (yan ang tinatawag namin para makapag biobreak), kesa magsabog ka ng lagim dito sa floor!!"
"Hello sir, I may need to call you back, do you have any call back number where I can reach you in about uhm... 15 minutes?
...Thank you sir, kindly wait for my call. You have a great day!"

Toot...

"Hello, may I have a biobreak?"
"Go ahead..."

Nagmamadali kong nilakad ang malamig na opisina para magtungo sa palikuran. Medyo may kalayuan ito, kaya pabilisan ito ng paglakad.

Pagpasok ko ng palikuran, isang bagay lang ang aking inapuhap. Isang tabo. Puro lang kasi tissue ang nakaambang upang maglinis na iyong pinagbugahan. At hindi-hindi ko ninais na tumayo ng inidoro na punas-punas lang ang katapat. KADIRI...

Aleluya! Naiwang bukas ang utility room ng palikuran. Pagbukas ng pintuan, isang malaking pulang tabo ang nasa maliit na lababo.

Ayos na to...

Pinuno ko ng tubig ang tabo at tsaka ako pumasok sa cubicle.

Maghuhubo pa lang ako ng karsonsilyo (*%^&$% tinagalog talaga hahahahaha), nang narinig kong bumukas ang pinto ng palikuran.

Dyahe naman 'to...

Hinubad ko muna ang jacket ko at sinampay sa may pintuan ng cubicle. Para lang malaman ng mga papasok sa palikuran na may naglalabas ng grasya.

Sinama talaga ang tyempo ko. Pagkaupong-pagkaupo ko sa inidoro...

Prhoooot.... Poooot... at umalingasaw ang hindi karapat-dapat.

Ay p*&^! Deadma na yan... Kailangan na syang mailabas...

Nagulat ako at sa kabilang cubicle ay may pumasok din. Mula sa anino mula sa awang ng mga cubicle, umupo rin sya sa inidoro.

Taray may kaduet ako sa cr.

At maya maya nga...

Phoot... prruuuuuttt... Phooophooott...

Pero mas malala ito...

Uuuuhhh... Oooohhhh.... Shit... Aaaahhhh

Tila umurong ang sikmura ko sa pagpigil ko ng tawa. Alangan akong magpigil kase baka sa ibang butas lumabas ang tawa ko. Mas pangit ang tunog. Nakisabay na lang ako sa saliw ng aming musika.

Phoot... krruuut... prrruuuuttttt....

Pero panalo talaga si kuya, pati bibig may tunog.

Oooohhhh.... Uhhhh...

Nagtakip na lang ako ng bibig para hindi nya marinig na tumatawa na talaga ako. Nauunawaan ko ang sarap ng pakiramdam na makapaglabas ng sama ng loob, pero kung makapagdiwang si kuya eh talaga namang katawa-tawa. Naramdaman kong wala na akong mailalabas kaya dali-dali kong kunuha ang tabong may lamang tubig at naghugas. Pagdaka'y nagflush ako ng inidoro upang maibsan ang mga hindi kanais-nais dito. Palabas na ako ng cubicle nang...

"Pre, pahiram naman ng tabo, palagyan na rin ng tubig..."

"Ah, oo sige.."

Phooot... kkrrrrrooookkk....

Ahhhhh....

Nilagyan ko ulit ng tubig galing sa gripo ang tabo at iniabot kay kuya..

"Eto na pre, sarap ng ungol mo diyan ah."

"Honga eh, sarap.."

Dali dali akong lumabas sa cr, sinara ang pinto at tumawa ng malakas.

Naglalakad ako pabalik ng stasyon na nakangisi. Hindi ko makalimutan si kuya, taga opisina man siya o hindi, hinding hindi ko makakalimutan ang mga pangyayari sa palikuran...

Pagupo ko sa aking istasyon...

"O, success ba friend?"

"Naman, ate, success..."

Nang makaupo ako sa stasyon, isang mapait na katotohanan ang bumulaga sa akin...

Lintek kasi si kuya, pinatawa kasi ako eh...

NAKALIMUTAN KO TULOY MAGHUAS NG KAMAY!!!!!!

Ang Salitang Tagalog...

Nabasa ko ang anekdotang ito sa aking pagaapuhap ng mga kakatwang bagay sa aking kompyuter sa trabaho. Hayaan nyong maibahagi ko ito sa inyo... Hindi ko mapagtanto kung sino ang may akda nito ngunit salamat sa pagsulat...

Kung ang I LOVE YOU ay INIIBIG KITA, bakit ang umiibig (I) at ang iniibig (YOU) ay mukhang tuwirang naglaho sa pagkakasalin? Dahil ba kung umibig ang Pilipino ay nawawala ang AKO at IKAW at nagiging isa at nagsasanib sa KITA? Iyon din marahil ang dahilan kung bakit ang kasal ay PAG-IISANG DIBDIB at ang asawa ay KABIYAK NG PUSO.

Bakit may tawag tayo sa limang daliri ng kamay---HINLALAKI, HINTUTURO, HINLALATO, PALASINSINGANat KALINGKINGAN-pero sa daliri ng paa ay wala? Kung ang bicycle ay BISIKLETA, bakit ang motorcycle ay MOTORSIKLO at hindi MOTORSIKLETA? O kaya'y BISIKLO?

Bakit ang SILANGAN (kung saan sumisilang ang araw) at KANLURAN (kung saan kumakanlong ang araw) ay maliwanag ang ibig sabihin, pero ang HILAGA at TIMOG ay ITAAS at IBABA, walang sumisikat at lumulubog. Kung ang likod ng tuhod ay ALAK-ALAKAN, bakit wala tayong tawag sa likod ng siko? Kung ang IN ay ginagamit sa gitlapi sa prito para maging PRINITO, sa gisa para maging GINISA, at sa paksiw para maging PINAKSIW, bakit sa laga ang ginagamit ay ang unlaping NI para maging NILAGA. Bakit hindi LINAGA dahil hind naman natin sinasabing NIPRITO o NIGISA o NIPAKSIW? Alin ba ang tama?

Bakit may tawag tayo sa four seasons-TAGLAMIG, TAGSIBOL, TAG-INIT at TAGLAGAS-gayong ang panahon saPilipinas ay TAG-ARAW at TAG-ULAN lamang? Kung may inang PUTA, bakit walang amang PUTO? Lahat ba nglalaking kalapati ay matataas ang lipad?

Bakit nakagawian na nating sabihing isang SENTIMO at limang SENTIMOS? Wala naman sa balarilang Tagalog angpagdudugtong ng "s" sa pangngalan para ito maging maramihan. Hindi naman natin sinasabing limang PISOS, 'di ba? Kung ang left-handed ay KALIWETE, ang right-handed, bakit hindi KANANETE? Kung tradisyunal na nating itinuturing na ang ama ang HALIGI ng tahanan, bakit ang asawang babae ay ang MAYBAHAY at ang asawang lalaking ay ang TAO lamang? Bakit nakasanayan na nating sabihin NAKAKAINIS, NAKAKATAKOT o NAKAKAALIW? Hindi ba ang dapat na inuulit ay ang unang pantig ng salitang-ugat? Kaya dapat ay NAKAIINIS, NAKATATAKOT at NAKAAALIW. Kung sinasabi nating AMUY-ARAW, LASANG IPIS o MUKHANG ANGHEL, mayroon na ba talagang nakalanghap ng araw, nakatikim ng ipis or nakakita ng anghel?

Mayroon naman tayong LOLO at LOLA, AMA at INA, at TIYOat TIYA, bakit wala tayong isang-salitang katumbas ngSON at DAUGHTER, NEPHEW at NIECE, at GRANDSON at GRANDDAUGHTER? Itinuturing ba nating asexual angANAK, PAMANGKIN at APO? Bakit sa Tagalog maraming katumbas ang LOVE---PAG-IBIG, PAGMAMAHAL, PAGSINTA, PAG-IROG, PAGLIYAG, PAGGILIW? Dahil ba ang Pilipino ay likas na mapagmahal?

Hmmm.....

A Song In Heart

Kung ndi ka naman namatay kakatawa sa video na ito. Pero deep inside ever queer man's heart, the message is so striking... Uy nakarelate... hahahaha

The Philippine Madrigal Singers sings Boy...

Yakap Ni Spongebob

Paglabas ng opisina, dumudugo ang cellphone ko sa dami ng text. Hindi ko mahawakan ang cp dahil bawal sa loob. Sa locker lang iiwan. Eto at busy-busyhan ang lolo nyo na magbasa ng messages. Hindi na kase mapasukan ng text ang cp. Puno na ang inbox.

'Boone, san ka na? Dito na kami sa resort.'
'Ansaya dito kuya. Sunod ka huh?'
'Andami na namin. Sunod kayo.'

May schedule na outing ang CBIT sa isang resort sa Malabon. Alas otso ng umaga ang meeting time pero alas diyes na, wala pa ako. Kakalabas ko lang ng opisina kase. At hindi halatang magswiswimming ako. Parang mamumundok sa laki ang dala kong bag. Ilang damit, isang twalyang Spongebob na favorite ko, kaunting chichirya para may makukutkot ang barkadings sa cottage.

From Makati, sumakay ako ng bus papuntang LRT. Nagtren naman ako mula Gil Puyat hanggang Monumento. Naglakad ako hanggang sakayan ng jeep na may signboard na Polo. Bumaba ako ng Maysilo Petron. Mula doon ay sinundo ako ni Ceejay at Dennis.

In fairness at in fairview naman, maganda ang resort. Hindi man kalakihan ang pool pero ayos naman ang cottage. Sulit ang bayad. 1.5K lang sa isang malaking cottage. Good for 40+ na tao para sa maghapon at magdamag na ang rate. P300 lang ang contribution ng bawat isa. May bonggang-bonggang lunch at dinner na yon. Panalo diba? Kaso, hindi lang kami ang nasa resort. May mga hampas-lupa, may mga lasenggero, may mga pasosyal, butas naman ang trunks (ahihihi!!), may mga harabas kung lumangoy na akala mo balyena pero kaliliit naman ng mga katawan. At ang pinakamalala, dahil sa dami ng naliligo sa pool, nangangamoy na ang tubig. Sabi ko nga kay Icko,"Ano ba to, nagkakanal na yung tubig!" Yun lang.

Almost 1 pm na nang nakarating ako. Keri nang wala pang tulog since kahapon basta makalangoy at makapagunwind. Minsan lang naman kasi dumarating ang mga ganitong chances so go na.

Pagdating ko pa lang, sarap na sarap na ang mga hinayupak sa kakalangoy. Eto ang ilan sa mga pictures nila. Hala't matawa at matuwa kayo hahaha....

Afternoon Splash!!!

Kinahapunan, nagkaroon ng Videoke Idol, wherein pumili ang mga organizers na mga kakantahin, sampung OPM na panlalake at sampung foreign songs na puro pambirit na pambabae. But there's a catch; lahat ng OPM, nakafalsetto sila, octave higher (kaya kamusta ang Gaya ng Dati... hahahaha) tapos lahat ng pambirit octave lower. Ayun, we have Mothy as the Videoke Idol...

After the Videoke challenge is the main event; the very first Ms. Gay CBIT. Akala namin, walang sasali. Pero wag ka, effort kung effort ang mga candiates, namitas ng mga dahon for props, kumuha ng mga alampay at ginawang gown, may nagsuot ng bra at panty (at in fairness at fairview, wichikels jukat ang hunchback of NOTREdam ni bakla hahaha). May special participation ang lolo Kyle as the makeup artist, yours truly and Lee as the hosts.

Mothy - Ms. Philippines

Iñakie - Ms. USA

Kaito - Ms. Japan

Larryl - Ms. Australia

With the matching background ng Annie's Song, rampadoodledoo ang mga becky sa serenade number, at ang mga audience, walang humpay sa kakatawa.

Eto ang video ng huli nilang rampa.

Rampadoodledoo!!!

At dahil pageant, may matching talent portion pa na talaga namang ineffort talaga isipin at gawin ng mga candidates. May question and answer din na pinadugo ang ilong ng mga becky ahihi. Natapos ang pageant na namigay pa ng mga prizes (as in prizes!) sa mga special awardees; Ms. Creamsilk para kay Larryl na kalbo (with the matching Creamsilk sachets as sash wahahahaha!!!), cash prizes for the runners up and title holder. Btw, Kaito won the title. Eto ang ilang eksena sa pageant.

Winner!!!

Ayan, at natapos din ang maghapong kabaklaan sa resort. Enjoy at sad ako at the same time. Hindi kasi nakarating ang aking asawa dahil pagod. Inaalagaan pa kasi ang mga anak namin eh. Hahaha. Btw, suot ko sa resort ang aking favorite flip-flops shown below.

Plakda!!

Ayan. ilang minuto na lang... tapos na ulit ang shift.
Ilang ikot pa ng orasan, makakauwi na ako.
Umaga na.
Patapos na ang magdamagang trabaho.

Maiinitan na din ang nangangatog kong kalamnan.
Hindi ko na kasi matiis ang lamig ng opis.
Kuntodo jaket pa, kahit na summer pa ngayon.
Ganun talaga, eh malakas ang aircon eh.

Matatapos na rin ang trabaho.
Sa dami ng pinipindot ko sa computer.
Sa dami ng iuupdate na system.
Sa dami ng tawag.
Sa dami ng mga makukulit.
Sa dami ng mga maarte.
Sa dami na mga nagmamakaawa pero wala akong magawa.
Sa dami ng mga nakakairitang kausap.
Sa dami ng mga tatanga-tanga. Banyaga kuno. Che!

Ayan na, ika-sampu at kalahati na ng umaga.
Sa wakas.
Tapos na ang araw.
Pero kailangan pang may ayusin.
Kailangang magligpit.
Mag-ayos ng pinagtrabahuhan.

Aba, lintek, isang oras na pala ang nakalipas ng matapos ang shift.
Kakatapos ko lang ayusin ang aking cubicle.
Makakalabas na rin sa malamig na ofis.

Matagal ang elevator.
Umaga kasi.
Lahat sila papasok pa lang.
Kami paalis na.
Puro puno ang elevator pagbukas.
ANO BA?? PAUWIIIN NA KAMI PWEDE??
Hay salamat, may isang bakanteng elevator.
Sugod ang lahat ng baba.
Ang labas...
Sardinas ang elevator.
Sarsa na lang ang kulang.

Nakababa na rin. Makakalabas na ng gusali.
Anak ng...
Umuulan???
Wala akong dalang payong.
Buti may underpass. Makakatawid ako sa kabilang ibayo.
Sugod na lang sa ulan.
Pauwi naman eh.
Kaya na yan.

Pasakay ako sa bus.
Sosyal ang bus.
Dalawa ang tv.
Pero ndi yun ang pakay ko.
Kailangang kumportable ang upo ko.
Yakap ang bag, umupo ako sa pinakasulok ng bus.
Eto na ang kundoktor.
"Manong, Crossing po, isa lang."
Binigyan na ako ng tiket ni manong.
Malamig sa bus.
Parang opis lang.
Ansarap umidlip.
Inaantok na talaga ako.
Iidlip lang.
Ambigat ng mata ako...

Naalimpungatan ako.
May tumabi pala sa akin.
Mamang mataba.
Tumingin ako sa bintana ng bus.

PUTIK!!!

CUBAO NA TO AH!!!!

My Best Breakfast...

Perhaps this day would just be as bad as the graveyard shifts.

While on the jeep going to work, I could feel the hassles of an early bird. I didn't have my breakfast before leaving home. I could feel the emptiness of my stomach as if blurbs to have something to fill it. Having a day shift (for the first time in three weeks, sigh!) is the most convenient thing that I have now. Waking early in the morning and sleeping at nighttime. Hahahaha. Just like the old days. Schooling days. But then, the habit of missing breakfast (literal breakfast, that is) is a big no no. I could miss my vanity routines, yes, but never the breakfast.

Here I go, struggling for the Mr. Punctual 2008 awardee. I should be at work at least a few hours before the shift. Kamusta naman ang maagang pumasok??

Kabababa ko lang ng jeep. Hindi pa ako nakakababa eh langhap ko na ang simoy ng Libis. Mabangong mabaho. Medyo mausok ang sidewalk na lalakaran ko. Smoggy kase. Kamusta ang polusyon sa paligid.

Eto na, nasa ibaba na ako ng building. Aakyat na ako para makapaglog-in sa biometrics. Pero parang may nakalimutan ako...

Hindi pa nga pala ako nagbreakfast.

Punta ako sa matandang puti ang balbas. Bumili ako ng manok at dinurog na patatas. Wala nang inuming kasama. Marami nun sa pantry. Dun na lang ako kukuha.

Pumasok ako ng gusali. Parang galing sa department store ang eksena. Andaming dala. May bag, may mug, may plastic na may pagkain. Parang nagshopping lang ba.

Ang haba ng pila sa elevator. Keri lang. Wait patiently for the turn.

Bumukas ang elevator. Hanapin ang button na may katabing numerong 21. Doon ang palapag namin. Nangangamoy ang pagkain ko. Pasensya sa mga magugutom. Madamot ako today hahaha.

Bumukas ang elevator. Iniwan kay 'Menung Gurd' ang cellphone at bag. Bawal sa loob eh. Parang department store talaga antaray. May number pa. Baggage counter. Plang!

Pumasok na ako sa pantry. Kitang kita ang kabuuan ng Pasig sa aking kinatatayuan. Kasama na ang bulubundukin ng Rizal. Ang ganda tingnan. Inspiring kumain. Humanap ako ng pwesto sa tabi ng salaming bintana.

Hindi ko alintana ang oras habang kumakain at nakatingin sa malayo. Nakakaaliw ang paligid. Napakarelaxing. Nakatatanggal ng stress. Parang higit pa sa biyaya ng pagkain ang aking natamo ng mga oras na iyon. Ang kagandahan ng tanawin. Ang katiwasayan ng paligid. Ang unti-unting pagsikat ng araw sa silangan. Hay...

BUUUURRRRPPP!!!

Sorry sa malakas na dighay. Ahahaha

Touching Naman!

On an afternoon break, nilapitan ako ng isa sa mga co-trainees ko. Naglalakad ako sa likod ng PBCom tower ng may humawak sa balikat ko.

"Boone, alam mo, bilib ako sa iyo."

"Oy, ikaw pala yan." Napalingon ako sa kanya. "O bakit naman?"

Marahil nagtataka ka nagtatagalog kami. Haller! Labas to ng office no.

"Ikaw kasi yung type ng tao na may sense."

"Ganun? Ndi naman siguro." Pahumble efek amputah.

"Oo, ganun ka nga, tapos malakas ka rin magpatawa."

"Ganun? Hindi ba nakakainis na sa iba na masyado tayong masahayin?"

"Hindi no. Nabubuhay nga ang klase eh. Kung wala ka nga siguro, amboring ng training namin."

Awwwwww.....

"Napapatawa mo kaming lahat. Tapos may sense ka rin kapag seryoso ang usapan. Yan ang maganda sa iyo. May sense. Tapos may humor din. Alam mo yun..."

Tigil kami ng usapan. Mukhang nag-iisip ng sunod na term na sasabihin.

"...meron kang SENSE OF HUMOR!!!"

Feeling Inspired...

Before a shattering announcement that we won't be continuing for the next level of training, we have this activity wherein the trainer calls an employee number and the owner of the number are asked to stand in front of the class and pick a piece of paper from a plastic cup. The piece of papers have questions in it. Read the question aloud and try (as in try lang 'ne) to answer (Mga Bakla, akala ko ba pageant to? Eh quiz bee to eh ahihihihi.)

Maloloka ka naman talaga sa mga tanong.

"How would you like the world to remember you?" (Emotelya ituh!)
"What is your idea of slurging?" (Dugo ilong ko dyan pwamis. Ndi ko alam meaning eh hahahahaha)
"If you will be given an one-year supply of a food, what would it be?" (Ndi ko alam sagutin yan patay tayo dyan.)
"Do you consider yourself as an honest person?" (Gumaganon talaga amputah hahahaha!)
"If you are single, why should someone marry you? If you are married or committed, why do you think that person chose you?" (Oh, taray sa tanong!)
"What is the weirdest thing you've eaten?" (Lesbian friend ko ang tinanong. Wala pa syang sagot hagalpak na kami lahat ng tawa. Kepyas daw. Pero lalo kaming tumawa sa sagot nya. "Mahilig ako sa saging na may gatas!")

Eto na ang moment ng lolo nyo. Tinawag ang numerong "two two seven six four!!"
"That would be me." Tumayo ako at pumunta sa harap.
"Go Boone!!" Cheer and buong class. Star lang ang eksena ahehehehe.
"Pick a question here." Inabot ng trainor ang plastic cup at dumukot ako ng papel.
"Here it goes."
Binasa ng tahimik ang tanong. Sumimangot
"I hate this question!"
"Hahahaha. Say the question!" nangungulit ang mga classmates ko.
I cleared my throat and started reading.
"If I could be a person other than myself, I would be dot dot dot."
Buntong-hininga ulit. Prepare lang sa answer. Isang hinga ulit.
"Sadly, I wouldn't want to be anyone else. First, I am a creation of God, and I'm unique.."
"Panalo ka bakla!!!!!!!!!" Sigawan ang mga puta. Keber na sa English Only Zone sign sa harap. With the matching palakpakan. Imbyerna...
"...secondly, I would know the people who made person I am today if I'm not myself..."
"Bakla, hindi Miss Universe to! Klase lang 'te, klase... hahahaha." Parang parlor ang training room.
"...lastly, the world will never be the same without me. I thank you. With a schwa and a twang."
"Korona, bakla, sa iyo na ang korona! Hahahahaha." Palakpakan ulit. Kaloka. Kakatawa.

Pero in fairness, ganun naman talaga no. Kung ibang tao ako, sino ang magiging Editor-in-Chief ng Aeroscope nung 2003-2004 sa PATTS? Sino ang magiging first Chieftain ng PULSE? Sino ang magiging alibughang anak ni Pidot? At higit sa lahat, sino ang magiging butihing maybahay (Ano daaaawwww???) ni Juan???

Huwag na kumontra. At wag na magmaganda. Hindi ka perpekto. Period

Bituing Walang Ningning

“Mabuti pa kaya’y
Maging butuing walang ningning
Kung kapalit nito’y
Walang paglaho mong pagtingin…”

Two years ago, during the first anniversary of Cute Boys in Town (CBIT), I recieved three awards: Mr. Congeniality (O diba, parang pageant lang?), Bachelor of the Year and Outstanding CBITean. I don't know kung talagang deserving akong makarecieve ng awards or the people right for the citations were not around during the anniversary, I'm not sure. It’s a rule that recipients of the awards are present during the ceremonies. But among the awards, the Bachelor of the Year award is the one I consider as a crown. A true title only I can have. Imagine staying single for a year while being in a group where everyone (Yes, everyone!) may be a potential partner. Well I guess I prioritized my studies then so I chose to be single.

Another year has passed, and it was a lie-low year for CBIT. Naturally, all titles are carried out for the next year. (Ayaw ko daw talaga matanggalan ng title hahahaha!) Naging busy ang mga tao sa kanya-kanyang jobs at studies at shempre, karir. Hays.

Tempus fugit. Another year has passed for the group. CBIT was revived sometime August 2007 through group text messaging and it proved to be a huge success. New members were introduced properly, old ties were reinstated, the friendship and camaraderie were restored. I graduated, passed and ranked in the board exams. We have celebrated the 3rd anniversary of CBIT last December 2007 without citing the next batch of awardees. Sabi kasi ni Kuya Joel (CBIT President) while on a meeting, "Hay naku, Boone, palibhasa alam mong may award ka nanamang matatanggap kaya gusto mong may award-award pa?”
Hotly, I said, “Hinde no?! Hindi ko na aasamin pa yang mga award-award na yan. Andami na nating members kuya. Siguro naman eh makakahanap na sila ng iba.”
“Then why not through group message surveys (gms) na lang kaya?” Kuya Joel suggested.
“Oo nga naman kuya, pwede, tutal adik naman sila maggm these days.” JP, a co-moderator agreed.
“Sige, go ako dyan. Start tayo ng January” Kuya Rex, the CBIT Founder, seconded.

January 2008 came. Eto na nga, gms came floating around like wildfire. Surveys like:
“Sino sa CBIT ang gusto mong ipaglaba ng underwear? Pm your choice”
“Sino ang top 3 CBIT Darling of the Crowd? Pm your choices. A selected texter from the top 1 entry shall have a one night stand with the winner.” (Kurik! May ganyang factor ang laban. Kaya tawa ako ng tawa sa result. Kasi ang napiling texter ay ang nanalo din mismo. One night stand sa sarili? Ano yun, sariling sikap? Bwahahahahaha!)
“Sino ang gusto mong kulitin sa CBIT?”
“Sino ang pinakafriendly sa CBIT?”
“Sino ang Bachelor of the Year sa CBIT?”

One morning, I woke up and WHOA! 75 messages received ang sumalubong sa akin. Nakakatuwa basahin lahat kasi basta gms, andaming pumapasok sa messages, samu’t sari. Iuupdate every hour and results para mas exciting. May mga nakikitext pa para lang makaboto. May mga halatang karir kung karir kasi iisang tao lang ang binoboto. May mga oozing sa confidence at super vote sa sarili. Kabog diba? May mga todo acceptance speech dahil nanominate o kaya e binoto sila. May mga nagpaparinig na iboto sila ng iba at may mga nangangampanya pa para iboto ang favorite nila! Tarrrraaayyyyy!!!!!

Then here comes the result. I-ggm ng promotor ang survery results. Shempre ang first instinct, maghanap ng pangalan. Maaring sariling pangalan o pangalan ng mga inaasahang manalo. Kung wagi, flattered, kung ligwak, bitter.

Funny, because I didn’t see my name anywhere. True as what I have said, Nakakita na ang members ng ibang dapat tumanggap ng mga coveted awards sa CBIT. (Coveted daw? Sabeeehhh!!!!???) Pero walang bitterness or anything in my part anymore. I know nagexpand na ang group kaya mas marami nang mapagpipilian ang mga members na talaga namang deserving sa mga awards. Hindi na rin sila magsasawa sa mga mukhang lagi nilang nakikitang may mga ganyang titulo. Especially the Bachelor of the Year title. Kailangan ko nang idispatsa ang award na yan dahil butihing maybahay na ako (Hahahahah maybahay talaga!?) ni Juan.

Its not really a big deal to have such titles from the group, but the title holder shall hold responsible to be an example for the rest of the members. I believe that for the last three years eh nagampanan ko naman ang mga tungkulin ko as an example to the rest of CBIT, so I need to rest my case and put my time and effort to the more essential; the relationship and commitment I currently are heartfully enjoying and cherishing. Hindi man ako ang bida sa group, ngunit alam kong hari ako ng puso ni Juan. Hindi ko na nga dapat asamin ang pagiging isang bituin ng CBIT, dahil ang pag-ibig namin ni Juan ang magpapakinang ng panibagong Boone sa CBIT.

Nagising ako isang umaga na may GM si kuya Rex and it says,
…Boone and John, kamusta ang Couple of the Year??...

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!"

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Kapa...

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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..."

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Waaaaaaaahhhhhhh!!!!!!!