DOUBLE TREAT

This is a very late post for my two friends who celebrated their birthdays. I opted to write this entry anyway because I felt that I owe this to them considering the impact they brought to my life. This is my way of thanking them and letting them know that their birth is a blessing to me, their family and friends whom they touched – one way or another.

IT’S OUR MIKAY’S BIRTHDAY

We had a deal some 14 years ago that if we reached 30 and we’re still single, we’ll pull the strings and marry each other. Fast forward to today, I am currently in a relationship and very happy for that matter while Mikay is single and is having the time of her life travelling the world. I guess the deal is off (thank God!) which means that she will not be able to enjoy my delicious and to die for appeal hahaha

But seriously, I guess, we are still marrying each other – as friends. For me, marriage is not just a legal contract that creates kinship. It is more of an intimate relationship and a commitment to someone that you will be there for each other, for better or worse. So Mikay, am giving you my commitment of friendship, loyalty, generosity and honesty. I commit that I will make you smile when you feel alone; I commit to stand beside you and comfort you when needed; I commit to say the most honest things like you look awful in the camera crying when you and your ex-boyfriend broke up (but the hair and the outfit was smashin’ hot that time)

And lastly, I commit to be the same person you loved 14 years ago and I will love you just the same.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY MIKAY!

Mikay 

Mikay and Migraine Boy

IT’S OUR QUOKAI’S BIRTHDAY

There are a lot of qualities that I admire about this person but the best of them all is her humility and her modesty to say thank you. I’ve noticed that with fake friends, their gratitude level is a complete disappointment. They would either use you or take advantage of what you got. Quokai never fails to make me feel that am doing something good, relevant and special because she never fails to show her gratitude. During my last birthday, she called and candidly thanked me for the “things” I’ve done for her. ‘Twas unexpected and I was truly appreciative of her gesture.

Quokai, it’s my turn now to say thank you for all the things you’ve done for me. Thank you for not doubting my character most especially during the time when people questioned it. Thank you for making the rest of our friends smile…no..laugh most especially during those times when laughter and joy is our only refuge. Thank you for letting me watch Ally Mcbeal every Tuesday back in your house at Nazareth. Thank you for giving me a reason to believe that indeed life is no joke but you have to take time as well to smile and laugh.

Words may fail me but you didn’t. Thank you for the love.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY QUOKAI!

Quokai

Quokai and Migraine Boy

OF BATCHOY AND SIOPAO

These past few days, I have been craving for batchoy and siopao. Since Friday last week, I have been bugging my friends to accompany me to a “batchoyan” just for me to satisfy this hunger but to no avail. We always end up eating at the diner across the office, at Mabolo or the siomai-yan sa Tisa in Labangon.  Not that am complaining because although you don’t sometimes get what you crave for, but the company of people, or friends for that matter you share lunch or dinner with is sometimes the best part of the meal.

My friends and I bond over food. We talk about our lives and the lives of other people over food. We discuss about work, showbiz, politics, religion, tv shows, relationships – successful or not and a lot more over humba, or fried chicken, skinless longganisa, sinigang na baboy and CUPS of rice. I believe that eating tastes best when the people am eating with brings me to a homely place, where I can just be myself. An author of an article I read once said that precisely because of these ordinary but intimate associations, lunch or dinner can be sacred grounds that permit few offenses. That is why if we eat with friends, we don’t really care if he uses the toothpick without covering his mouth while doing his business, or that funny smile due to the squid cooked in inky broth. So what right?

Am writing this article to all my friends I had lunch and dinner with. Regardless if we ate in a fancy restaurant, in the pantry, in the office, the sidewalk, my apartment or your apartment, the best part of it is the fact that I shared that moment with you. Because of your company, lunch or dinner is not just a necessity but an intimate experience we share.

So, batchoy and siopao anyone?

IT'S OUR ALDZ'S BIRTHDAY

The picture that launched his second Friendster account with 300+ pending friend requests in his first account

Our first conversation ever was when I conducted his interview for the position he was applying for. November last year, we opened the Specialist post for the Cebu Communications center and he was one of the applicants who submitted his resume. I guess there were five or seven of them who braved to try for the post.  In hindsight, I think 'twas an extensive interview since I consumed more than an hour of his and my time questioning him about his credentials, his motives for applying and other pertinent queries that will help me gauge his aptness for the vacancy. You see, my basis for hiring people is not only rooted on talent or the applicant’s dexterity with his/her skills but apart from that, I hire for attitude.

To make the long recruitment story short, he got shortlisted, was endorsed for final interview and got hired. As Cebu  Comms Specialist, he handles the documentation of company events, project management, copy writing, external employee engagement activities and other tasks and responsibilities not written in his JD.

But more than just being a team mate, he is friendly but can be brutality frank at times.

A person of character but can be naughty and daring.

Loud and proud but can be moody and temperamental.

Helpful and dependable but can bitch around when the occasion calls for it.

Is currently single but kisses random strangers (hahahaha)

That’s Aldz.

Happy Birthday, Yoyok nga Bongoton!

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Post script:

Well, I started this during Demi’s birthday. I mentioned that every time a close friend celebrates his/her birthday, as my birthday gift, I will be featuring his/her TOP FIVE “notorious” quotes. But for Aldz, I’ll just feature three (abuser na, naa nako’y article sa ibabaw. Walay in-ani si Demi. Magmahay unya si Miss India sa ako)

Ready Aldz?

TOP THREE NOTORIOUS QOUTES

#3:    Gaga!

#2:    Minatay!

#1:    Baho siya ug b*l*t!

Again, happy birthday Adlaon!

AN ARTICLE OF A FAN. CONGRATULATIONS, MAX!

I am always a proud friend most especially of the achievements of my friends. Back in college, we developed this bond that the success of one is the success of all. We never outgrew that. Now, despite that we have our own lives and families, divided by different time zones and geography, we managed to treasure that bond.

Last Sunday, October 24, we were in jubilation after Maxi bagged the 2010 title of Convergys Idol. He hurdled the elimination rounds against 24 hopefuls. During the finale, he battled against the remaining six contestants. Conversely, I was one of the witnesses on how he worked hard and prepared for the competition. Max is always like that. He puts his heart into what he is doing and he does not settle for what's mediocre. He is very competitive, meticulous and part of that is studying who he's against with.

During the finals, Maxi sang "Ordinary People" by John Legend. Undoubtedly, his version was pitch perfect, spotless, effortless and relevant. Am not really a fan of that song but in some way, he has this ability to convince me to believe on what he is singing. I guess that's his gift. He is persuasive in his songs.

Max singing "Ordinary People"

While watching him on stage, I was seeing a sure winner. God forbid, if he lost, I might or we might have created a scene hahaha. But you see, you can never put a gifted singer down.

I have always been a fan of Maxi. Back in college, Max and I were members of two different important organizations in our university. He was a member of G-Clef, the resident glee club in our school while me and some of the barkada were the prime movers of our university’s theater company. Every time his group holds a concert either outside or within the university, we make sure that we have our banners and our loud cheers and applause ready in support of his performance. And Maxi never fails to deliver. He usually gets the solo. He usually sings the best part of the song. He is usually the crowd favorite.

Max owned the stage

  

Congratulations again langga. We are proud of what you've achieve. Your success is our success too. We will always be your number one fan. 

Post script:

Pasalamat ka dili ayo ana ka tsada akung tingug or else, magtigi tang duha hahaha. Happy nalang ko na akoy murag modelon sa grupo. hahaha. Peace!

ITS OUR DEMI'S BIRTHDAY

I have an idea. Pampa-uso lang…

Every time a close friend (close friend lang gyud) celebrates his / her birthday, as my birthday gift (just an excuse for not buying something hehehe), I will be featuring his / her TOP FIVE “notorious” quotes. This could be lines, phrases, expressions or thoughts, he / she intentionally or unconsciously uttered or shared during our conversations.

Why their qoutes? Well, I just have this belief that if you value the person or consider someone special, you sincerely listen to them and in the process, you understand and appreciate them more.

So, for our maiden issue, let’s give a big round of applause to our birthday girl, Demi – Comm Cebu’s very own Creative Media Analyst aka Miss India.

Ready Dems?

TOP FIVE NOTORIOUS QOUTES

#5:      “Dili ko kahurot sa akong rice”

#4:      “Yosi ta tah”

#3:      (while chatting about showbiz) “Kinsa diay na sila? Wala man gyud mi TV sa amo”

#2:      “Mo-apas ko, promise”

And

#1:      “11 times”

HAPPY BIRTHDAY, DEMS!



AN OPEN LETTER TO FRIENDS

I don’t know if am a good friend.

At this point, I wanted to play the person who’s supposed to mend things.

Who listens.

Who has the better view of things.

Who observes.

Who shares his thoughts without sounding arrogant and righteous.

I don’t want to take sides.

I want to know the truth.

And, I want my friends to see the truth. Not the way I perceive it, but in a manner that is just and fair.

I don’t want to hurt my friends’ feelings. I treasure them.

At the end of the day, I don’t want to be that someone who didn’t do anything.

I’m sorry if it seems am not doing anything.

I’m sorry if am not taking any action.

But my friends, be it better in time.

If you don’t want to talk now. Let it be.

Talk when you are ready.

Ready to forgive.

Or perhaps, ready to forget.

And most importantly, ready to move on and be whole again.

I KNOW HIM BY HEART (dedicated to my single friends)

 I know he's out there somewhere
Just beyond my reach
Though I've never really touched him
Or ever heard him speak
Though we've never been together
We've never been apart
No, we've never met
Haven't found him yet
But I know him by heart.