Another 15 Seconds of Fame

Whoa! My "Constantine" review was read in Cinema One's Review Night by Ryan Agoncillo. This was the fourth review that I've sent that was read in the show. That's why when Bianca Gonzales introduced my name, she said "Suki!"

Ryan found my comments about Keanu's acting very funny. "Galing ng review mo, Jheck, a!" he said. He added that he doesn't know if I was being sarcastic or true to my words. (Hah! Tinatanong pa ba 'yon? Hehehe...) S'yempre, Keanu wasn't too keen about it...

(Keanu naman! Was that too much for you to handle?)

Then, Bianca added, "You write... You're a writer. You should be... You wanna be a writer for us?"

Oh definitely yes! Wish ko lang!

The truth is, that is one of my motives for sending my reviews constantly to them. Of course, I want to my opinions re a certain movie heard but at the back of my mind, I want them to notice my works and persistence. I wish that one day, I would receive an e-mail from them asking me to try working with them. That would be the greatest!

I wonder what I would do to be part of the show (or the industry)...

How Did They Turn Into "Pasaways"?

After college, my college barkada and I were seeing each other through our Christmas get togethers here at home. Since I stopped celebrating my birthday through a party, it was the only way we could catch up on each other's lives. The first two to three years were fine. But it came to a point that the attendance became less and less that I decided not to have the said get together anymore. Besides, inviting them became too much of a burden for me. Imagine, calling them (no text messages then) one by one then following it up. Buti nga kung ganun lang. Makikipagpilitan ka pa sa kanila na pumunta. They'd say yes but on the day itself, they wouldn't show up! They'd give up all the excuses they could come up with once you get hold of them.

Randy. Saw him three years ago in Megamall. It was just a chance meeting. We didn't get to talk nor meet each other face to face. I was with my family and he was going up to catch "The Two Towers" premiere. Face to face though, we were together during the wake of Bhe-Bhe's father. That was about four to five years ago. Since then, just small conversations on the phone. But even before the wake, he hasn't been showing himself after college. I don't know why. It still puzzles me until now.

Nean. Wheng. Leo. T'was May 2001 when we were together. We saw "Star Wars Episode 2: Attack of the Clones" then. Funny that they didn't have any idea on what's going on on screen since it was their first Star Wars experience. We vowed to meet each other at least once in a month or two but it never happened. Now, four years after, and "Star Wars Episode 3" is coming up, we haven't been together as a group.

Bhe-bhe. Leigh. Joanne. Dex. We met last April 2004. It was also one of the "planned get togethers" where the others didn't show up. I told them that there'd be another one coming up soon.

Soon was today, February 25...

Last December, I received a message from Leo asking me to set up a get together since it'd be his last year as a bachelor. I tried telling people about it but we decided to have it by January, especially that it was Leo's month (birthday on Jan. 7). Bhe-bhe, however, told me that she wouldn't be free by January because she's tied up with work. I moved the schedule to Feb. 19. Leo, in turn, asked me to reset it because his sister is arriving from London that day and he'd be picking her up. Done! The sked was moved to Feb. 26. Later last week, Nean told me that she'd be having an office meeting on the 26th and asked me if we could have it on the 25th. I informed others and they agreed. Done! Madali naman akong kausap. Although deep inside, medyo nagngingitngit na ko. Do they notice how I try to fix the schedule according to what best suits them regardless of my own schedule?

The schedule is Feb. 25, Gerry's Grill at around 6:30-7:00 p.m...

At the start of the week, I received a message from Joanne telling me that she couldn't make it because she'd be having an occular inspection somewhere. I really wouldn't have a problem with it if she hadn't express her feelings of uncertainty re her attendance during the last time we talked. She called me on my birthday. The get together schedule then was Feb. 26 and she has been sort of "nag-iinarte". She has been telling me that she didn't know how to get to Tomas Morato. If I really want her to come, I should pick her up in Megamall. Dun pa lang, I could sense that she wasn't keen on attending. So when she told me about the inspection, I couldn;t care less whether it was true or not. If it was indeed true, then fine. The fact is, her not showing up isn't new anymore. She has done it several times before. That's why I have my doubts this time whether she has been telling the truth or not.

Of course, if Joanne is not around, could Leigh be far behind? Joanne had already told me that Leigh isn't coming because no one would be taking care of her daughter. Again, I'd completely understand it if, in fact, that was truly the reason. It has been shown so many times that if Joanne isn't coming, so is Leigh! Then, Bhe-bhe texted me telling me that Leigh's husband didn't allow her to come. So which is which?! Is it about her daughter or her husband? I've seen her through YM and told me about it. I wasn't too enthusiastic talking to her because I was really pissed off. She asked me on who's coming but I didn't say a word anymore.

That would lead us now to Bhe-bhe. Because of Leigh's message to her which Bhe-bhe's husband happened to read, di na rin siya pinayagan. Fine by me. The thing is, did Bhe-bhe ever thought that I moved the schedule from January to February because of her? Doesn't that count much? O sige, forget about it. However, would she still go if she'd learn that Joanne and Leigh wouldn't be coming prior to Leigh's message? The truth is, I'm already expecting it.

Richard? Oh don't get me started with him! He has some serious problems to deal with and I hope he'd do it soon! Magsama sila ni Randy!

Anyway, Leo called last night. Tinanong niya kung tuloy ba kami. I said yes. I thought, heck, why not go on even if we are just four? At least we're still capable of having fun.

All set. Meeting at SM North, 5:30 p.m. Wheng will fetch me before 5 p.m. at home. Carlo confirmed his attendance so we're five now.

Only that, Leo texted me telling me that he couldn't make it because her sister's flight was delayed. He's on stand by at the airport. That was my last straw! I've sent Nean, Wheng, and Carlo a message telling them that the get together is cancelled!

What has happened to them? How could these cool friends of mine in college turned into such "pasaways"? I know that we have different priorities now but that is not the question. No problems with having difficulties with husbands or children. When they're concern, no questions asked. Pero kung palagi nang nagiging pasaway, hindi na nakakatuwa. It has been a problem with after college and I don't exactly know what's eating them. Sobrang nakakapikon na sila! I'd go out of my way to schedule something up yet deadma sila.

Bahala na sila this time!

Dreamt. Believed. Survived.

Announcement of the Ultimate Survivors for Starstruck Batch 2 happened last night. It was held at Araneta Coliseum on 7:30 p.m.




On t.v., the delayed telecast was shown at 10:00 p.m. The ultimate survivors were (my bets!) Mike Tan and Ryza Cenon!




Notes:
1. The final four (along with The Avengers 2) came out in leather-tight suits. Nakabukol ang harapan ni Mike! Hehehe. There was a blind item that was referring to him saying that he was a "hit" with gays before because he is carrying a big tool! The being hit-with-gays may not be true (considering that he was opting to become a priest before joining the contest - but who knows, right?) but the big tool seemed like it! *wink wink* When he went out in jeans during his dance number, tambok naman ng puwet niya ang lumabas! Nubayan?! Hehehe...



2. CJ garnered seven million votes from Jollibee customers! Imagine, seven million?! Who wouldn't think that he could be the next ultimate survivor?

3. When Ryza was called as the Ultimate Survivor Girl, Mike almost cried. S'yempre naman, Ryza-Cj are packaged as loveteam. There's a big chance that he could win esp. with the votes that he got from Jollibee. But then, he didn't. Mike's name was called!

4. I guess, Cj's "streak of luck" was at its last straw when he got in into the "Danger Six". His luck started when he was not being eyed to be for the Final 14. Someone just noticed him while he was doing his thing on auditions at the back of another aspiring contestant. He may not got in Star Circle National Teen Quest, but he became one of Starstruck's Final 14. Then, he was booted out for the "Danger Six" and was able to go back in because of people's votes. He took Benj Pacia's place.

Speaking of Star Circle National Teen Quest, my student from Our Lady of Fatima University became one of the "Fab 5", Denmark "DM" Sevilla. He's now enjoying the fruits of his labor. I'm soooo glad for him because he has been telling me that it was his long time wish to be in show business.

The "Tagalog-Speaking Demon" in Constantine and Other Trivia

During my the first preview, I didn't get to hear the words well of the possesed girl in the first part of the film. Although, Biboy had already told me that the girl had supposedly spoken in Tagalog. When we saw it again, yes, indeed! She said, in a devil's voice, "Papatayin namin sila..."

It was an ecstatic feeling hearing our language being spoken on a Hollywood movie. Remember "Her Alibi" starring Tom Selleck with a Filipino maid cursing? T'was very funny!


Or this B-movie actually shot in the Philippines with an eating crocodile monster called "Krocodylus" (not the international title). It has Filipino actors in it, as well, like Rez Cortez and Maureen Larazabal canoodling with the ever handsome (model) Joel West, among others.

The truth is, I'll be proud of it as the concept is clear to me! Heck, it is seldom that we get to be "recognize" in Hollywood! It is just I'm a Filipino and fighting off prejucides against our race is hard enough, what more put to a movie unabashingly?

With "Constantine", I wonder why the devil has spoken in Tagalog and not some language that truly didn't exist? Could the people behind the film have some connections with the Filipino community? Actually, the character who played the possessed girl was a Filipina named Joanna Trias. Could be she related to Jasmine? Or is it because Filipinos, being devout Catholics, believe in such - exorcism, possession, and the devil? Or does it want to portray again the kind of Filipinos that the movie called "Aswang" did?

"Aswang" is about an American family who lived in the Philippines for quite a long time, particularly Samar, if I remember it right. They went back to the US and committed murders because they had to - they are aswangs! They need to feed themselves. They were with a Filipina helper who was the one who turned them into such. They even know how to speak our language! The film wants to portray that Samar is truly the land of the aswangs. It didn't make mention that aswangs are Filipino legends or myths or that some Filipinos actually practice in certain parts of the province. They just told it as if it was a simple known fact.

Hollywood have a knack of turning other nations into villains. They were done with the Europeans and Africans, now they are targetting the Muslims and Asians! Are they turning the Filipinos into their own kind of villains?

Anyway, other Constantine trivia from www.imdb.com:

• Originally, Tarsem Singh was attached to direct with Nicolas Cage to star. However, the director said that "With Cage, I can not make the film I had wanted to". Soon after Singh left the picture, Cage did as well. (Could "Constantine" be better with Nic Cage in it? No way! I'd rather have Keanu! But a Collin Farrell in it would be the best! *wink wink* A bad boy role for the guy with a "bad boy" image!)
• In the comic book "Hellblazer" on which the movie is based, the character of John Constantine is from Liverpool. In the movie, the character is from California.
• A character named Ellie, who was a demon Constantine dealt with early on, was completely cut from the film. Francis Lawrence stated that she was left on the cutting room floor because he wanted Constantine to be completely alone when he meets Angela. He also stated that an unrated DVD would contain Ellie's scenes. Ellie was played by Michelle Mognahan.
• Keanu Reeves bought the Holy Shotgun prop and gave it to Director Francis Lawrence as a gift.
• According to the director at the 2004 Wizard World Convention in Chicago, the decision to make John Constantine an American was made because Keanu Reeves was cast in the part and it was felt he couldn't play a convincing Brit. (Has Keanu ever convinced us as the character that he played?!)
• Although the movie Constantine is based on the comic book Hellblazer, the movie title was changed because it was too similar to Hellraiser. The comic book itself was actually meant to be called Hellraiser, but Clive Barker came up with the title first.
• The appearance of John Constantine in the comics was based on the singer, Sting.

"I am Reeves. Keanu Reeves. A damn great actor! Asshole!"

I saw "Constantine" tonight with Biboy, Elma, and Jay. Ghil was supposed to join us but some problem came up at the office that he wasn't able to leave.

I wasn't too keen on seeing "Constantine" when I first saw its trailer. I thought that, after "The Matrix Trilogy", Keanu should stay away from movies with such genre. It was like Viggo Mortensen coming up with the epic "Hidalgo" after the epic trilogy of "The Lord of the Rings". However, when I saw the making of the film and some scenes of it on "Opening Night" at Star Movies, I thought that it had a good premise. Besides, based from what I saw, the special effects of the film, particularly the demons, were spectacular. I said, hey, what not give it a try, right?

Truly, the effects were awesome! I liked the way they have shown the demons on screen - really scary! What gave me the jeepers was the "bug" demon which consists mostly of cockroaches! Eeow! With just one roach, I shiver. What more with lots of them?! Oh, shit! Just kill me instantly! As in, a shot in the head so I wouldn't get to see and feel the roaches around me! In the Josue family, it's a trademark. Not a single roach can fail to give a Josue the creeps. Even Angel at the young age of 1 got scared of it when she first saw one. Imagine, she didn't have the concept of fear then or the concept of how icky those creatures were.

Leaving the roaches behind, let's go back to "Constantine". Aside from the demons, the angels' wings were magnificent! Its texture, its motion, its span. The angel Gabriel was characterized very well. It was played by Tilda Swinton and she was truly a sight to look at. In the movie, she was neither a woman nor a man. Her breasts were wrapped by a cloth so that she would look androgenize. 'Cause, according to books, angel are genderless.

Contanstine may be the center of the film but I believe that it was Gabriel who gave it the heart. Gabriel, in its childlike ways, has so much love for God that it wants men to see Him the way He wants them to. So much love that she was able to commit a sin - making a deal with the son of the devil. Its intentions may be noble yet its ways aren't. Of course, that is not acceptable! So, as a consequence, its wings were clipped and it became a human being. Sometimes, we are blinded by so much love that we commit grave mistakes just for the betterment of the one we love.

Another premise of the film was self-scarifice. Self-sacrifice is truly a tricky value because of its counterpart, pride. Pride, according to one "Charmed" episode I saw entitled "San Francisco", is the sin one can never get rid of - especially if one knows fully about it. I believe that, too. Why? You see, pride can be characterize as "too much love" for oneself. One needs to let go of it by self-sacrifice. Now, if that person knew that his "salvation" is only through self-sacrifice, he would try to do deeds that he may be consider self-sacrifice. Then, in the end, he could tell him, "See, I could do such a thing!" So pride comes back in again. It is like humility. Humility can never be noble if one knows how "humble" he is. Humility has to be seen by others, not by oneself. If a person talks about his humility, then he isn't humble at all! Tricky, right?

In the film, Constantine has to make sacrifices for other people in order to get to heaven. So, when Lucifer asked him what he wants after he informed Lucifer about Gabriel and his son, he told him to free Isabel's soul. Lucifer granted it and immediately pulled him to hell. Yet, he wasn't able to. 'Cause, he has saved himself by saving other people instead of his. I can't believe that Lucifer fell for that trick! When Constantine was about to be raise to heaven, he gave Lucifer the dirty finger. So could that be a sign that Constantine's self-scarifice wasn't genuine at all? If it isn't, why didn't God see it? Anyway, as a revenge, Lucifer took away all the toxins in his lungs and made him continue his life! In that way, everyday would a constant struggle for him to be good! That is one hell of a trick from Lucifer! No pun intended! :-)

Re Keanu, leave it to him to showcase how an awesome acting should be! In "The Matrix Trilogy", he fought the villains in the computer world so he gave us a computer-character acting - 2D! Now, "Constantine", based on a comic, he gave us a comic-character acting - 2D! Isn't he marvelous?! I wonder what's keeping him away from the Oscars! Dammit!

Of Getting "Hitch" and Being 28

*I saw Hitch's selected scenes from NBC Today in EtC. T'was funny! Can't wait to see it. Opens on March 2.

*Biboy got accepted in a call center! He'd be starting on Monday in a 5 a.m.-2 p.m. shift. The contract is for six months. The problem now is how would he tell it to his parents. They know that he'd be reviewing for the board exams that he's supposedly be taking by June.

*I found out that Jen is leaving Sony. She'd be transferring to EGG (Entertainment Gateway Group). According to her, it "is a content provider companywhich supplies (ringtones, images, etc.) to mobile users." I wish her the best of luck in her new endeavor.

I remember when I was deciding to leave Northfield. T'was two years before I finally decided to give it go. Despite the fact that I didn't get a stable job after that, I've no regrets. It may not be one of the wisest decisions that I've made but I could say that it brought me great things. For one thing, I was able to meet guys and experience the power of s**! Imagine, I was a virgin 'till 24?! It wasn't so bad, I know, but, my my my, I didn't plan on it! If I'm still in NF, I wouldn't be able to have as much "fun" as I did when I left it. Note though that fun being in quotes signifies lots of stuffs, not just the oohhs and the aahhs!

There were times, however, that I miss NF: the people that I've worked with, the kids that I've taught. I've so many great experiences (and best times!) in it that when I get to other companies, I ended up comparing them with NF. Naging panuntunan ko na siya with how a company (or a school, for that matter) should be run. Yes, it has its faults but they won't matter since I was working with a good bunch of people:

1. Mr. Kawada - our Principal. He was great in a lot of ways. Great mentor and a great friend. I didn't expect that I'd become friends with my boss! He would even invite us out to see a movie at Louie's THX! (My my my, I miss those times!) Of course, who could forget the fact that he looked like Rico Yan!!! Hehehe...

The year I left NF was the same year he returned to Southridge (brother school of NF in Alabang). I didn't get to talk to him about his reasons for leaving but I've heard that it was about the school's management.

2. Mr. Macaventa - our Academic Director. Super bait, super pasensyoso, super galing na teacher, at super cute! Whoa! Super man ba ito?! Hehehe. I remember the times when he would ask about movies, how to care for videos, and renting out videos from me.

3. Noel Veloso - a good good friend and my direct superior during my last year. Aside from being "once-the-love-of-my-life", he was my confidante. Everytime that I feel bad about something, I talk to him about it. Ganun din siya. He was the one I was looking forward to seeing whenever I arrive in school in the morning. Hay naku, dami ko kuwento tungkol sa kanya. Kailangan isang topic ang ilaan ko sa kanya. Hehehe...

To this day, he's now working in Indonesia as a pre-school teacher. I haven't talked to him since.

4. Andrew Villar - despite all the reklamos we have against him, he's one good friend. He was, in fact, my very first friend in NF. Movies was the one thing that binded us together. The moment we started talking about it, tuloy-tuloy na.

5. Hay naku, dami pa.. saka na lang uli.

With that, should I go back to NF? No. I can't. I need to finish my Education units and get a teacher's license after the board exam. 'Yoko ng mag-aral pa, e!

*Post-Valentine thoughts:

+I've read in a newspaper a statement made by the author of "Cherries in the Snow", M. Forest. She said that she doesn't believe in celebrating Valentine's Day. According to her, why shower someone with "love" and gifts on that day? It wouldn't mean a thing if two people express their love for one another anytime if they feel like it. I believe so, too. Valentine's Day for me is just an ordinary day since Biboy and I express our love for each other anytime in the day or in the week.

++Being single. Is it really a choice or circumstantial? Years ago, before I met Biboy, I've accepted the fact that I'd stay single for the rest of my life. Not because I want to but because of the circumstances I'm faced with that time. With all the failed so-called relationships I had, I want to spare myself from aggravating the pain. Besides, I was too insecure back then. I felt like, with my condition, who would love me and stay with me till the end? T'was when I met Biboy that my whole outlook had changed.

With the "single" people around me, I have yet to meet someone who'd tell me that it was their choice. With all the relationships that came and went, they have chosen to remain unattached. Is there really someone who would choose to stay as "one" till the end because they wanted to and were not pushed into it? (Of course, people from "religious" sectors are not uncluded.) Are there single people who remained single without any bitterness?

What do I mean with "pushed" into it? Bad relationships, rejections, anger, etc. If you have noticed, people who are the epitome of a successful singlehood eventually got married. Cases in point? Madonna. Carrie. Miranda. Samantha. Aga Muhlach. Richard Gomez. As what Than-than says all the time, "What good is his carreer success if he can't share it with someone?" For him, it's a constant struggle to find "the one"...

*The final round of elimination in American Idol was shown today. It made me cry seeing the contestants who got rejected. It was truly an excruciating experience when you get rejected right in from of your face without ever knowing the reasons why. I've been through it several times: from job applications, from people you want to be romantically link with, etc.

There was this one time when I was applying at T.G.I. Fridays as HRD Staff right after graduation, before NF. The girl interviewer (dunno if she was the secretary) somehow implied that I'd be getting the job. She has been asking when could I start, been telling me about the salary, been telling me about the job, etc. Afterwards, she told me that the last person I need to see is the HRD boss. She stood up and told me to follow her. That was the time when she saw me walked! I saw how shock she was then.

When we reached the boss, all she did was whisper to the boss' s ear and look at me once in a while. It took her about a few minutes until she left me with the boss. From then on, I never heard anthing about the job requirements. All the boss could do was asked about my condition. He was not even satisfied with my answers that he had to repeat the same questions twice or thrice. When I was about to leave, he asked me about my teeth. I wasn't wearing braces then. He asked in such a way as if you would feel that everything about me was so wrong that day!

When I got home, all I could do was cry. I forgot how many days I did cry but it was buckets and buckets! From that moment on, I swore never to eat at TGIF!

*One (rejected) contestant from American Idol said, "I'm 28. This is it for me." Another one said (before he learned that he was "in"), "So what if I'm 28? Who said that I needed to go somewhere else?"

Two strong statements. Two conflicting remarks.

I'm 28. Where should I go now?

I'm not exactly bothered that I'm already 28. What bothers me is that I'm fast approaching the 30 year old age. 28 and still struggling career-wise. This is not what I have planned after graduation. I've read the (unfinished) short stories I've written before and I was full of hope back then. The plan was when I reach this age, I'd be a successful in whatever career I have chosen, got a nice car (and driving it!), got a condo unit for myself, and been to the US at least for a vacation. What happened now? What happened to those dreams?

One saying I remember that would fully answer the question is, "Life happens along the way..."

Feb. 12 Sidelights

Some interesting details about the night of Feb. 12:

1. Biboy and I were wearing matching shirts. I wonder if the group had noticed. I wore a maroon knitted shirt while his was a maroon polo shirt with beige stripes. We bought the shirts a week ago in SM City Sale. Before we paid for them, I've asked him kung hindi ba corny ang dating na partner ang shirts namin. He said, no and so what? Anniversary naman namin that night! :-)

2. Yes, it was our Second Anniversary! Not exactly that night since it was on my birthday, Feb. 10. Last year, we celebrated it with Elma, Jay, and Than-than. We had dinner in Dulcinea (Tomas Morato) then saw the last full show of "The Texas Chainsaw Massacre" in Megamall. In 2003, we went to Malate (Bedrock then New York Cafe) with the group (minus Gilbert) after dinner at Max's Restaurant, Robinson's Manila.

3. If Biboy and I wore matching shirts, matching hair styles naman sina Alma at Vehr! Halos magkamukha na nga sila, e. I am glad that Vehr has already found the love of his life. There were several birthday celebrations of mine where he brought different women year after year! We even thought that Alma was "one of them" when he first introduced her to us. We were surprised to see her again in our Christmas gathering a few months later then again on my birthday the following year. That's when we felt that him and Alma are for real and for keeps!

4. Ang matindi ay sina Joy at Francis. They have been together since our second year college in CEU so that'd give them 10-11 years of being together! Wow! 10 years?! I wonder if they're not getting tired of being boyfriend-girlfriend. Shouldn't they go to the next level--marriage?

5. That night was like our very own Lovapalooza! Minus the kissing, of course! Everyone came in pairs except for Than-than and Gilbert. Kaya nga sabi nila, sila na lang ang mag-partner that night. It'd be a great combination! A 10!!! Hehehe...

(Lovapalooza by Close-up is on its second year that night. But this time, they were doing it in four major parts of the country: Manila, Cebu, Davao, and... I forgot the other one.)

6. The bill that night was paid by Babes and Ricky. It was unexpected since ang usapan talaga ay KKB. Hindi ko ata nabanggit sa kanila 'yun. Anyway, ang sabi na lang ni Babes ay darating na rin naman daw ang birthday niya. I guess, kasama na rin dun 'yung pasalubong nila sa 'min sa kanilang pag-uwi galing U.A.E. Di ko na nalaman kung magkano 'yung bill namin. Pero 1k plus 'yun.

7. Si Ricky, ilang beses mo mang kunan ng picture, nakapikit pa rin!

8. Ricky offered to pay the damages for the car na naatrasan niya. But the owner refused to accept it. The guy said that he'd be bringing the car first to the casa for estimation of damages. Then, he asked for Ricky's number. Until now, he hasn't called yet. Sabi nga ni Babes that time na mukha namang walang galos na nangyari sa kotse niya. Baka napansin rin 'yun nung may-ari kinaumagahan. Saka sabi ni Ricky na mukha naman daw mabait 'yung chekwa.

9. I thought that Oliver would be the one to pour out his grievances that night but he didn't. Instead, it was Gilbert.

10. Gilbert is seeing a girl, an officemate. Their relationship is what we call "M.U.", as in "Malabong Usapan". He doesn't know where their relationship stands. Are they a "We" or a "Me and You".

11. Gilbert may be disappointed with his work but one thing that he isn't regretful about is his weight. He isn't too keen on losing weight since he loves eating. His motto is "You only live once!" Wala pa naman daw siyang nararamdamang hindi maganda sa katawan niya so he isn't worried.

12. Francis was a revelation that night. For one thing, isa siya sa mga bumangka. Whenever we have him during our get togethers, he seldom talks to us. I dunno kung nahihiya lang ba siya o hindi pa sanay. (Ganun din kasi si Ruel ni Me-an dati.) Basta inuman, best bars, specialties, he's the man! Sanay na sanay mag-handle sa mga maboteng usapan. Inaya pa nga niya si Gilbert na makipagkita at makipag-session uli. Pareho pa naman silang nagtatrabaho sa Makati.

13. Maski si Biboy ay nagulat nga rin kay Francis dahil medyo naangasan siya nung una. But later on, they started talking about computers/work since he was a Computer Science graduate and Biboy was one a Computer Engineering student.

14. Biboy was a certified senglot that night! Sarap na sarap sa San Mig Strong Ice kaya naman bumili pa ng dalawa bago umuwi ng bahay! Ayun, sa sobrang kalasingan, natapon 'yung isa!

15. At the bar, a gay guy said "Hello" to Biboy twice (!) in the c.r. while he was washing his face. The nerve of that baklush!

16. Than-than confirmed my suspicion. He'd be a million richer with the notebook project that he been doing! Ang taray! Milyonarya na ang lola natin!

17. Amongst the fun, one sad thing that we learned was that Elma's father is stricken with sickness. Bed-ridden na nga raw at talagang nanghihina. Di ko masyado nakuha 'yung details tungkol dun kasi tumutugtog na 'yung banda ng kanilang second set. I feel bad for Elma and her family. Sana naman ay makayanan nila ang ordeal na 'yun sa buhay nila...

18. Me-an was supposed to call that night and she didn't. I wonder what happened...

19. Kumpleto kami that night (the barkada plus partners)! Minsan lang mangyari 'yun. Of course, exception na 'yung fact na wala rito sina Me-an at Ruel. 'Cause if they are here, I'm sure that they'd be joining us, too...

So, see you all again soon! I wonder what's instore for us next year! c",)

B-Day Gimmick Feb. 12, 2005

Ricky and Babes arrived at around 7-ish. I was expecting them a little earlier than that but I didn't care anymore since Biboy hasn't arrived yet. I've asked Ricky (through Babes) if he could be our "designated" driver that night and he agreed. I was afraid that without a ride, my legs would hurt and I won't be able to enjoy the night. Although, the pain had truly subsided and the tightened muscles had smoothened since Biboy had massaged them. I had to follow it up with massages, as well, from time to time, using Bengay red.

A few minutes after, Biboy arrived. I thought of leaving immediately since Elma and Gilbert were bombarding me with text messages re our whereabouts. I've told them to meet us in SM North Edsa overpass so we could go together to Tomas Morato since they didn't know their way. We were running a little late since around 7 p.m. ang usapan.

Anyway, before we left, I've asked Ginger to take some pictures of us. I love the second picture because Angel had a great smile in it!

Around 8-ish p.m., we met Elma, Jay, and Gilbert. I've asked Biboy to transfer in the front seat beside me so that the four (including Babes) could fit themselves in the back. As it turned out, they had to squeezed themselves in because not all of them fit in in the backseat of the car. Medyo nakapagtataka dahil kasya naman madalas ang apat na tao sa likod, lalo pa't payat naman sina Elma at Babes. Kumandong na nga si Elma kay Jay. Hmm... Could it be that Gilbert is so big that he occupied two seats? Hehehe...

On the way, I've noticed the major changes in Tomas Morato since I left Northfield. My my my! Ang daming bars at restaurants! Kaliwa't kanan! If I am still working in NF, perhaps I have visited most of them for lunch or snack.

A few minutes later, we arrived at Tia Maria's. I was glad that there was a band playing that night. They even greeted and welcomed us before they left the stage for their first set. Joy and Francis followed afterwards, then Oliver and Alma, and finally Than-than. Minuto lang ang pagitan ng pagdating namin.

When we were about to order, we learned that the combo meals, according to the waitress, are only available for lunch. It surprised us, especially me, since I ordered one of them in their Megamall branch last year when I had a get together with my college friends (Bhe-bhe, Leigh, Joanne, and Dex). Kaya ko pa naman dinala ang barkada run dahil alam kong may affordable meals (at masarap!) kaming makukuha. It was the first disappointment of the night.

So, Gilbert just suggested that we order as a group since makakatipid nga naman kami kapag ganun. We ordered 2 orders of Buffalo Wings, Calamares, and Gambas. Naisip ko na daragdagan na lang namin maya-maya. Jay ordered tacos for himself. According to Elma, tinignan na nila 'yung menu sa Megamall para alam na nila kung ano ang pwede nilang kainin (at kaya ng budget!). Pero kumain na rin sila ng merienda para di na marami ang oorderin nila.

I've added Chef's Salad for Biboy in exchange for the Margarita that he wanted to taste. Later on, napagsaluhan na rin ng lahat 'yung salad, which was fine with us.

We didn't order any drinks (except for Than-than who bought Mango juice) because I thought that we'd be ordering later. Medyo nga disappointed 'yung waitress. Sinabi niya sa mga kasama niya nang pagkalakas-lakas, "Tubig lang daw!" Sige at konti pang lakas ay rinig na ng buong restawran!

Second disappointment was ang tagal dumating ng orders. Nung dumating 'yung ulam, 'yung kanin naman ang inabot ng siyam-siyam. Lalo na nung umorder kami ni Oliver ng dalawang extra rice! Siguro, ten minutes din ang inabot bago dumating sa 'min.

Third disappointment was, I guess, none of us truly enjoyed the meal. Tipid na, di pa ganung kasarapan. I am truly disappointed since I was the one who chose that place. Kala ko kasi ang madaratnan namin dun ay 'yung nadatnan ko sa Megamall branch. Hindi pala. Kaya naman matapos bayaran ang bill, umalis na kami.

We walked towards the bars in Tomas Morato. I really have no idea on what to do next or where to go since I was expecting that we'd be staying in Tia Maria's drinking all night. It was Than-than who just led the way. Medyo nagkaroon pa nga ng confusion dahil maski siya ay di malaman ang gagawin: bar ba with bands or videoke bar? He wanted the latter (kasi raw ayaw na niya ng maingay) so I just suggested that we go to Camelot Hotel again (we went there three years ago during my birthday, too, and stayed at Dungeon Bar). With much hesitation from the group, dun pa rin ang naging bagsak namin. Off they went first because we (Biboy and I along with Ricky and Babes, and Joy and Francis) had to go back to get our respective cars. Nasa circle na kami 'nun at nakaparada 'yung mga sasakyan malapit sa Tia Maria's. I had to asked Ricky and Babes to get the car themselves while we wait since nananakit na 'yung binti ko. Ok naman sa kanila.

Medyo natagalan sila and I got quite worried. I was imagining that they might have met an accident. 10 minutes or so had passed and I got a call from Babes asking if we have car insurance. I told her none. May naatrasan daw kasi na kotse si Ricky. Wala namang galos 'yung kotse namin at ang apektado ay 'yung naatrasan. She said that I shouldn't worry since Ricky was the one handling the situation. After another 10 minutes or so, naglakad na kami papunta sa Tia Maria's. Naisip ko kasi na baka di maayos ni Ricky 'yung problema or that he might be needing our help. Fortunately though, hindi na niya kinailangan ang tulong namin. Ang sabi niya, hiningi na lang ng driver nung kotse 'yung number niya para tawagan siya matapos mapa-estimate sa casa 'yung damage sa kotse niya. Buti na lang at walang nangyari masama sa kanila.
Habang papunta kami sa Camelot, Than-than called me and said that they were going to Pier One because the videoke bar in Camelot was jampacked. Then Elma texted me to say that they had to leave. Hanggang 12 a.m. lang ang usapan nila ng tagapagbantay ng mga bata. Bukod pa run, may pasok siya kinabukasan.

Pier One was also jampacked with people. So the group decided to go to Gerry's Grill, in front of ABS-CBN. That was where we spend the rest of the night drinking the bottles of beer that we ordered.

As the evening passed by, Than-than had to leave because he'd be seeing his college friends. Then, siguro dala na rin ang tama, Gilbert broke his silence and talked about his disappointments in life: work, lovelife, etc. Talagang bumagka siya that time. Nawalan na rin kasi siya ng social life dahil sa trabaho and he did not progressed at all. He remained stuck with his position at work.

Around past 1:30 a.m. ata, we decided to go home. Nagkanya-kanya na kami. Gilbert rode with us and Alma and Oliver went with Joy and Francis.

Si Gilbert naman, enjoy na enjoy talaga 'yung gabi. Sabi ko nga sa kanya na akala namin ay okay lang sa kanya ang walang social life kaya di siya nagsasasama sa 'min. He realized that there's nothing better being with friends. "What a night! Thanks!" were the last message I got from him that night.

Yeah, despite the disappointments, it was truly a great night! One of the memorable birthday celebrations I had! c",)

mIRC Downloads

Finally, I get to visit mIRC Undernet #mp3manila room. I've read in one of the PEx forums that you could download songs from the said room. Wow! Dami nga pwede i-download! I was really overwhelmed because I never thought that it existed here in the Philippines. I am used to using a chat-download software (DC++) but it was from Europe. It is where I am getting all my Madonna stuffs. In #mp3manila room, I could download all the Pinoy songs that I want! Plus more. La na kasing silbi 'yung Imesh pagdating sa mga song downloads.

It was such a blast using this room! Imagine, I got so many Pinoy songs plus someone gave a free internet access card (Frequency)! Di ko pa nga lang nasusubukan dahil baka scam.

Anyway, the songs I've got were:

1. Divo Bayer - Somewhere in My Past
2. Michael Cruz - Crazy for You
3. Rivermaya - Balisong / You'll Be Safe Here
4. Raymond Manalo - Only Me and You
5. Nikki Gil - Kasama Ka
6. Jed Madela - How Can I Fall
7. Bamboo - Masaya (ft. Ria Osorio) / Don't Wanna Wait in Vain (For Your Love)
8. Agot Isidro - Sa Isip Ko
9. Manilyn Reynes - Sayang na Sayang
10. Erik Santos & Sheryn Reyes - Now that I Have You
11. Josh Santana - Hindi Ko Kaya
12. Jerome John Hughes & Kyla - Let the Love Begin
13. Kristina Paner - Tamis ng Unang Halik
14. D' Sound - Tattooed in My Mind
15. King - Will You Wait For Me
16. Nina - I Don't Want to Be Your Friend / Shoo Bee Doo
17. Sheryn Regis - Come In Out of the Rain
18. Christian Bautista - Kailan Pa Ma'y Ikaw
19. DoReMi - I Can
20. MYMP - Every Little Thing He Does / Waiting in Vain
21. South Border - Rainbow
22. Sarah Geronimo - If Only
23. Luke Mijares - 214
24. Counting Crows - Accidentally in Love
25. Fantasia Barrino - I Believe
26. Diana deGarmo - Don't Cry Out Loud
27. Anna Fegi - San Ka na Ngayon

I'll be compiling a "Pinoy Ako!" CD compilations and play them tomorrow in the car while on the road to Tia Maria's...

Subject: RE: Little Things

hdayFrom: Pislaan, Arnel <arnel.pislaan@misys.com>
To: Jheck David <jekoy@kenkoy.ph>
Subject: RE: Little Things

Hi Jheck,

I am truly happy with your response. Accepting my apology is more than enough for me. My friends means a lot to me. It has taken me some difficulties in life to realise that. Anyway, your happiness is mine as well.

That's all I need to hear.

Sorry, if Biboy is somehow affected by this. I understand. I've been through situations like this.

The best of luck to your relationship.

regards, arnel c",)

thank you

Birth Date Confusion

I received a message from Bhe-bhe this morning:

Bhe-bhe: Hapi bday frnd! C u n mgblow out k sana!
Jheck (thru Chikka): Salamat sa greeting. But you're one day delayed! Hmph! :)
Bhe-bhe: Ay ganun ba? Sorry. Kala ko ngayon. Cge, wag ka na lang mag-blow-out. Si joan naman sa 17 ang drama!
Jheck: sabi nga ni leigh na pinagdidiskusyunan nyo kung ngayon o kahapon. anong 17 ang drama ni joanne? sa june 1 pa b-day nun.
Bhe-bhe: Ba't di mo kc cnabi sa kin? Sabi ni joan 17 pa raw bday mo.
Jheck: kala ko kc tatawag ka kaya mo hiningi number ko. 17? ngayon ko lang narinig un a!

Lots of college friends are confused with my birth date. They usually associate it with the date I celebrated it with a party, like 9th, 11th, 12th or 13th. So hearing Joanne thought that it was on the 17th was new to me! Sobrang layo naman ata 'nun...

New E-mail Addresses

I'd be stopping my Edsamail subscription this April. For one thing, their service isn't as good as it was a few years back. Hirap mag-connect, bagal ng pagpasok ng messages, and small inbox size. Secondly, para rin makatipid sa gastusin. 700 bucks (dunno kung magtataas sila this year) each din ang babayaran ko per e-mail address. I have three e-mail addresses. Third, tutal lagi naman akong naka-connect sa net so might as well use net free e-mails. (Kung kailan naman kasi may bayad na ang Edsamail, saka pa pumangit 'yung service!)

I've decided to sign-up with Google Mail since 1 gb ang size niya. Nagpadala ako ng invitations through Biboy's add since the acquisition of gmail is through invitation only.

My new addresses are:

1. My personal e-mail add: <jheck.david@gmail.com>
2. For Yahoo! Groups subscriptions: <e.groupster@gmail.com>

Birth Day 2005

I woke up at around 11:30 a.m. I was expecting to wake up earlier than that once Biboy arrives. But I received a message from him saying that he'd be going here a little late than was planned. So I went back to sleep. Apart from that, I received a phone call from Babes. She had greeted me and she asked about Saturday's plans.

A little before 12 p.m., I asked daddy to drive me to South Supermarket. I bought the neccesary stuff needed for my Pasta A La King. When we went home at around 1:30 p.m., Biboy was already here. After finishing the cheeseburger meal (upgraded to Twister fries and Coke float) I bought from Mc Donald's and the massage I asked from Biboy, I proceeded to the kitchen and cooked.

I was quite disappointed with how my Pasta A La King turned out. The sauce wasn't thick enough dahil naparami 'yung nalagay kong tubig. Then, the pasta was overcooked which really suprised me since binantayan ko naman 'yung pagkulo nun. When I have put the sauce and the pasta together, matabang ang lasa! Sobrang nainis talaga ako. Wala naman akong masyadong magawang remedy dahil magkahalo na sila. I just added salt, pepper, all spice seasoning, and italian seasoning to it. Medyo nagkalasa pero kulang pa rin. Marami pa naman 'yung niluto ko dahil I've asked Mama and others to drop by the house. I also planned to give some to Biboy's family. Ayun, natabangan nga sila. Gusto ko pa naman sanang magpasikat sa mama ni Biboy. Hay...

Anyway, despite that, this day turned out okay. Biboy was here. At least we were able to spend our 2nd anniversary together. The letter I wrote him (To Bi or Not to Bi) made him cry. Iyakin kasi talaga 'yun, e. Hehehe.

Angel was also here. Nung pinapunta ko sina Mama, pinahatid ko na rin si Angel. Kasama ni Mama sina Tita Josie, A.R., at Dana. Binigyan ko sila ng pabaon dahil nga marami 'yung niluto ko.

I fell asleep at 11 p.m. (after watching American Idol 4) while bringing Angel to sleep. The day ended with Mommy's phone call at exactly 12 a.m.

Thank you, God, for this wonderful day!

SMS Greetings and others

In order of succession...

Nean: Hapi bday!
(This is Ne-an's fourth greeting already. The other three were sent a few days back.)

Epoy: Happy birthday! Many more birthdays to come. God bless you.
(Everytime someone greets me "God bless you" through sms, I feel so distant with the person sending the message even if we are good friends. The statement seems so formal to me.)

Wheng: Hello! Kung hei fat choy! Happy birthday! I wish u good health and successful career. Mabuhay!
(Naku naman, Wheng! Wala na bang pepersonal pa riyan sa message mo?)

Mommy: It's your birthday today hope it will give you more love, happiness, good luck and long life all thru d year & many many many more years 2 come happy b'day. Luv u
(Mom called me thru my fone at exactly 12 a.m. 8 p.m. in Oman.)

Elma (MMS-cake): Hi bes! HAPPY BIRTHDAY!! I Hope ur happy kht marami tayong poblema :-). Labyu BES!
(Elma never fails to greet me with a personal message. I love her so much! Truly the best!)

Leigh: helo!HAPPY BIRTHDAY Po!c leigh 2. d me alm kung ngyn o bkas bday mo.basta, bti n agd kita.miz u lng.ano bng landline mo?call u eh.
(Had a telephone conversation with Leigh afterwards.)

Jheck: Hmm... No greeting from Jen? :(
Jen: ito naman.. d pa tapos ang araw noh! =) HAPPY HAPPY BIRTHDAY! enjoy! *hug&kiss*
Jheck: Hehe. Thank u! I thought u made kalimot e.
Jen: of course not! =) kaw pa! =)

Dex: Hapi bday pogi.

***
Got phone calls from Babes, Mama, Bangge, and Joanne (after I texted her!)
Got Friendster greetings from Carlota, Paul, and Randy Losentes

To Bi or not to Bi

On the midnight of February 10, 2003, you called me and greeted me a "Happy Birthday!" With that, you played the guitar and sang to me, "Is it okay if I call you mine?" It was oh-so-sweet that you made me cry. No one has ever done that to me. It was then that I fully realized that I am making the right decision.

The morning after, you visited me and tried to say goodbye. You felt that it was just proper because you thought that it was hopeless to pursue me any further. "Ngayon pa kung kailan sinasagot na kita?" were the next words you heard from me. Since then, my life has changed. Since then, I never felt this happy.

Thank you for the two wonderful years that we've shared. Thank you for staying with me despite my tantrums and all my "kasungitan". I believe that you are the only now who could stand them.

I want you to know that within those years, it never occurred to me that we would be apart. I know and I feel that we would stay together for a very long time, if not forever.

Bi, you are the man of my dreams. Through thick and thin, I'd stay with you. You have asked me several times to be patient with you. This time, I'm asking the same thing from you. Please be patient with me. I know that I'm not "perfect" or as sweet as you want me to be. I may not express it all the time or show my feelings the way you want me to but I am truly and deeply in love with you. I could not see myself being with another man in the future other than you.

I love you, Bi! Happy Anniversary!

Subject: "What could be greater than this?"

As I walk down through my 2-year anniversary memories with Biboy, I am posting this e-mail I've sent to Edward. I don't exactly remember the time I've sent this but this was almost the same time the "necklace incident" happened...

To: Edward Mirralles <calvin72@hotmail.com>
From: Jheck David <jekoy@kenkoy.ph>
Subject: What could be greater than this?

Hi, Ed!

I gotta tell you what happened today...

Irvin and I are on our way to LRT Northmall Monumento to buy some bootleg dvd's. There was a moderate traffic before you reach Monumento circle. I was sort of had my eyes closed when we were on the jeepney when I realized that someone snatched my necklace. I grabbed my neck and uttered, "Shit!" Irvin said, "Kuwintas mo?" I said yes and he suddenly rushed out of the jeepney and ran after the snatcher. He ran after him along the traffic shouting,"Putsa! Magnanakaw!"

Our jeepney tried to ran over the guy but it fell short. They were running really fast when I saw them going through a street. When I felt that our jeepney was moving, I went down and walked towards where Irvin and the snatcher went nervously. I didn't see Irvin anywhere. I stood at the corner of street waiting. I was asking God to take care of him. I got really scared. I didn't know what to do. If I could just tell him to stop following the guy and just leave it be. I felt like crying already.

"God, please..." I said. I wanted to see him that instant. I wouldn't be able to forgive myself if something bad happened to him. 5 minutes passed and no sight of him. 10 minutes. Then, I decided to go through the street and look for him. I was scared that the snatcher might be there waiting to get my other stuffs or worst, I might see Irvin stabbed or bruised. When I felt that he wasn't there at all, I turned around. I saw him running towards me. I could almost cry when I said, "Ba't mo pa hinabol?" If I just had the guts to hug him that time with all those people around, I would have.

He said, "Uwi na lang tayo. 'Wag na tayong tumuloy. Malas ang araw na 'to." I agreed.

I was thanking God graciously for bringing Irvin back to me unharmed. I felt like crying but I was holding it back. Irvin was apologetic. I asked why.

He answered, "Di ko nabalik 'yung kwintas mo, e." Tears wanted to roll down my eyes.

"Di mahalaga 'yun. Ikaw lang naman concern ko, e," I said.

"Papalitan ko na lang. Promise!" he reassured me.

Then he made some jokes as if to dismissed what happened. I think that he felt that I was bothered about the necklace since it was my dad's gift to me from years back. So he's trying to make it easy for me. I couldn't say anything because I wanted to cry.

When we arrived home and reached my room, I hugged him so tight and cried.

"O, bakit ka umiiyak?" he asked.

"Tinakot mo ko, e. Kala ko kasi may nangyaring masama sa 'yo," I said as tears roll down my eyes. I was crying heavily. Sobra. He couldn't stop me. I was crying because of so many things. I really got scared, I thought I'd be losing him, and because I was happy I was with him that moment. "Next time, hayaan mo na, a? Kuwintas lang 'yun."

"Kuwintas mo 'yun, e. Lahat gagawin ko para sa 'yo."

"It's not worth risking your life."

"It's worth risking my life for you."

And tears just flowed freely. Until now, whenever I think about what happened, I still feel like crying. Everyday, he proves how much he loves me. But this tops it all. I can't believe this is HOW MUCH he loves me. What I realized though is that I really love him much, as well. Di ko kakayanin pag nawala siya sa buhay ko.

Jheck.

--end--

Oh my god! Just reading this again brings tears to my eyes. Happy second year anniversary, Bi...

SMS with Oliver

I had a rather "kakaibang" conversation with Oliver through text. "Kakaiba" because I never heard him so serious before. The "serious" Oliver had already shown with some of his e-mails in our e-group but this was the first time I've personally talked to him...

Vehr: happy birthday! tanda na natin 'no!

Jheck (thru chikka): thank u! oo nga e... medyo na-bo-bother na ko with the fact that we're fast approaching 30. at least una kayo ng isang taon kaysa sa kin. hehe.

Vehr: oo nga eh, ky lang tlagang gnun. klangang dumaan dun. mas maganda p kung malampasan p ntin un. nkktkot lng kc prng wlng major changes, puro minor p lng.

Jheck: siguro kailangan lang maging pursigido sa buhay. pero malay natin, during the 30s dumating yung talagang success. as long as di pa tayo mamatay...

Vehr: minsan nga prng mas masarap isipin un 2nd lyf kc ang hirap ng nag-aalala. at least dun wl ng hirap. pro minsan hahanapin dn ntin un chalenj khit gno kbigat.

Jheck: sympre depende un kung san ka makakarating sa 2nd life mo, pero wala mang problema run, makakayanan mo bang ndi makasama ang mga mahal mo sa buhay? i'd rather suffer with them beside me than be happy alone...

Vehr: un nga, db sbi dn kung cno ang magmahal ng sobra s knyng buhay ay syang mwwlan ni2 & vice. we jas hav 2 acept lyf as 8 cums. que sera2.

Jheck: ei! be positive! if you truly wish/pray hard enough, things would go your way. we're still in the first quarter of the year at marami pang ang pwedeng mangyari. be it positive or not, it'd be a learning experience!

Vehr: e2 sugestion lng, minsan nlng tyo mgkita2, sn mgkaron tyo tym pagusapan buhay2, kc s bar d tyo mkkpagusap, maingay. syang pgkakataon ntin.

Jheck: a un ba gusto mo? pde naman nating gawin yan anytime. masyado ka lang kcng tahimik tuwing nagkikita tayo. di pa naman sigurado ung pdeng mangyari this sat. ang sakit kc ng binti ko. two weeks na pero mas sumakit kagabi. di ako makapaglakad ng malayo. lets see if the pain would subside. gusto ko rin kc ung enjoy ako (supposedly "tayo"). bihira rin naman tayong lumabas ng ganun. lagi na lang tayo dito sa bahay. siguro we could go to tia maria's na lang if ever.

Vehr: sugestion lng nmn un, mtgal p sat, gagaling din yan, ako nga hinabol ng aso, gani2 kataas un bakod. lam mo nb un reunion daw? c ley dw orgnzr, wan ko kung 22o.

Jheck: sana nga gumaling na by sat. two weeks na kcng ganito o. di ko siya ma-bend. si joey nagbanggit ng reunion thru friendster. si leigh na mag-oorganize?

Vehr: un ang balita ko, ky lng prng cla2 lng ang nkakaalam. pnatingin mo nb yan s doc? bk klangan n ng PT nyan.

Jheck: ndi pa. pinapakiramdaman ko pa. oo nga, yaan mo na sila. kung yun ang gusto nila e. paano kaya nila kokontakin yung iba?

Vehr: 2 wks n pnpkiramdaman p rin, medyo mtgal n yan. bhala n cla bk m2lad lng dun s nauna dati. ptingin mo n, bk klangan ng masahe, malamang.

Jheck: pabalik-balik kasi. kala ko dahil luma na ung sapatos ko. manipis na swelas. kaya bumili ako bago. kagabi lang talagang tumindi. sana makalabas ng maaga si alam para maaga rin tayong makapagkita.

Vehr: malabo. hahabol na lng kmi.

--end--

Now that I've read them once more, I felt somehow overwhelmed. The way Vehr talks about death as if it is just lurking around. I guess, he must be truly in turmoil these days. Not having a job would really irk someone up. Plus, we don't exactly know what has been going through his life these days...

Subject: Re: Little Things

To: "Pislaan, Arnel" <arnel.pislaan@misys.com>
From: Jheck David <jekoy@kenkoy.ph>
Subject: Re: Little Things

Arnel,

Thank you for finding time to greet me. I appreciate that.

When I told Than-than to tell you my response re your last effort, I meant it. "Pag-iisipan ko," were my exact words. I don't know though if Than-than told you those exact words. I believe (and I feel) that you are sincere with your apologies this time and I am grateful for that. The thing is, I don't make the decisions alone anymore. I have to consider the feelings of Biboy, my boyfriend for two years now, re this matter. He knows what had happened to us. Or, I guess, my part of the story. When I asked him if it would be okay with him if we (you and I) could be friends again, he said no. And I respect that.

I hope that you wouldn't take it the wrong way. Or would take it against Biboy. He has the right to not agree with my decision since I've asked him. Frankly, just the idea hurt him. It had hurt me, too, that I hurt him with that. I've done so many mistakes in the past and I don't wanna make another more that would hurt him or jeopardize my relationship with him. Aside from that, he knows how much I went through with what what happened between us and he wants to protect me.

It's not a matter of saying that you're already "too late" in making amends with the past. It is just, "it is not yet the proper time". I am not closing my doors to reconciliation neither do Biboy. Again, it isn't just the right time. When will the right time be? I don't know...

Hindi naman sa nagmamatigas ako o nag-iinarte. I hope that you would understand that I'm in a different situation now. If I am in a different circumstance, we could talk about things anytime we want to. But I have to consider many things now. I don't know how else I could explain it to you so I hope you got my point.

Also, please stop asking Elma or Than-than to help you with me. It is jeopardizing their relationship with Biboy. He was truly hurt with what Than-than did and felt somehow betrayed by him. The last thing I want to happen is for him to have this rift amongst the people I care for and love.

Again, thank you very much for the greeting.

Jheck.

P.S. For what its worth, I accept your apology. But let's just keep it that way for the meantime...

Subject: Little Things

To: Jheck David <jekoy@kenkoy.ph>
From: "Pislaan, Arnel" <arnel.pislaan@misys.com>
Subject: Little Things

Hi Jheck,

musta na?

I hope everything is fine with you.
Happy Birthday nga pala...

I hope one day you'll give me a chance na makausap ka.
Nahihiya na ako kila Than2 at Elma.. kaya siguro thru this email
I would be able to ask you personally.

Let's talk.

We've been friends for a long time and I knew I destroyed what we've built for years.

Ang dami ko pang gustong sabihin but I rather wait till we see each other.
We never really expressed what we truly feel inside. Kahit me sama tayo ng
loob sa isa't isa we never really argued. lagi na lang tayo nakikiramdam sa nararamdaman ng bawat isa.
It's about time we tell each other face to face kung ano talaga ang sama ng
loob natin.

I am really sorry Jheck for what I've done.
I was swallowed by my selfishness and pride.
Things happened to me which I never expected. Both good and bad.
It took me a lot of effort to rebuild myself and it would not be complete if your not back in my life.

I would only be truly happy if I see the four of us sitting together in a coffee shop and talking.

Just tell me the time and place where you are most comfortable.
usap tayo.

Oo nga pala, I read this email and I can't help but think of you.

Jheck, I'm sorry - I was wrong.
and please give me the chance to tell you this personally.

Too often we don't realize
what we have until it is gone;
Too often we wait too late to say
"I'm sorry - I was wrong."
Sometimes it seems we hurt the ones
we hold dearest to our hearts;
And we allow foolish things
to tear our lives apart.

Far too many times we let
unimportant things into our minds;
And then it's usually too late
too see what made us blind.

So be sure that you let people know
how much they mean to you;
Take that time to say the words
before your time is through.

Be sure that you appreciate
everything you've got
And be thankful for the
Little things in life
that mean a lot.

Give a little thanks to
the people who mean a lot!!

"The Phantom of the Opera" Experience

I saw "The Phantom of the Opera" premiere tonight at Robinson's Galleria. It was courtesy of Jen Pimentel from Sony-BMG Philippines. She was the one who handled the whole event.

Initially, Jen reserved three tickets for us: Than-than, Biboy, and me. But I asked her if she could squeezed two more tickets because I wanted to bring Elma and Jay, too, to see the movie. She said that she would try. Yesterday, I tried asking her again re the extra tickets and she said okay. Unfortunately though, Elma and Jay couldn't make it because the latter was sick. Biboy tried looking for people who could take their places. It was only Liezel who would was able to make it.

I could ask some of the barkada like Epoy or Oliver but I didn't. I thought that it'd be better if Biboy, this time, could be with his friends. At least I'd get to meet them, as well. Sayang nga lang at si Liezel lang ang pumuwede.

Anyway, before Biboy and I went to Galleria, we first went to Megamall to buy me a pair of shoes. Ilang linggo ko na ring inirereklamo 'yung luma kong sapatos. Feeling ko, siya 'yung dahilan kung bakit sumasakit yung kanan kong paa at binti. We tried looking for new shoes during the SM North mall sale but we couldn't find the size of my chosen shoes (Dickies). Ayoko kasi ng rubber shoes. At last, we were able to buy a pair of Swatch Seaside sneakers. I immediately put them on and my the old Swatch Seaside shoes into the box. My right foot was relieved of its pain. However, all the pain went into my leg. Oh, god! The pain was more horrible than before since I really couldn't bend my leg. I had to struggle my way through Megamall to Galleria. Biboy was insisting that I should consult a doctor re my condition. Two weeks na rin kasing ganito. Sa tuwing maglalakad ako ng malayo, sumasakit.

When Biboy and I reached Galleria, we went to Popeye's after meeting up with Liezel at Mini Stop downstairs. I took a pill of Alaxan and was able to rest. For awhile, the pain disappeared.

Than-than arrived at around 7-ish. It was such an awkward experience since Biboy swear that he wouldn't talk to him unless mawala yung sama ng loob niya re the whole Arnel incident. So, he didn't. Even if Than-than asked him some things a couple of times. I don't know if Than-than had noticed it but he sure kept his distance from us the whole time we were together.

After the movie, the pain started again. Siguro nalamigan ng husto. Kala ko nga di na ko makakauwi because I was really holding on to Biboy while we were going down. Imagine, we were on the 4th floor! Buti na lang at may escalators pa. Dahil pag wala, whoo! I wouldn't know what to do. Sinuggest na nga ni Biboy na buhatin ako, e. Hehehe.

On the bus, I have asked daddy to fetch us (Than-than and I since Biboy and Liezel went on their separate way from Galleria) in Fatima because it was really excruciating! Pagkauwi ko, medyo nabawasan naman 'yung sakit. Feeling ko, yung mismong sapatos (any shoes for that matter) ang nagpapalala ng sakit. Kasi nung hinubad ko, nabawasan siya.

My concern now is the gimmick on Saturday. I have to wear sandals and I shouldn't walk too far. Ang balak ko pa naman (tentative) ay kumain sa "Yellow Cab Pizza" in Mabini then go find a bar in Malate. I guess, mas okay kung sa Morato na lang since tabi-tabi lang ang bars at andun na rin 'yung isang branch ng "YCP". Or worst, just ask the barkada to come here at home and celebrate. Di naman kasi pwedeng ipagliban dahil aalis na sina Babes at Ricky on the 21st. Sayang naman kung hindi namin sila makakasama sa gimmick. Birthday na rin naman ni Babes sa 18th.

Bahala na. I'd know in a few days. I just have to wait till the pain fully subsides...

P.S.

Amongst all the pain though, t'was sooooo good seeing Brad Turvey in person! Biboy caught my attention when he passed by us at Popeye's. We thought that he'd seeing the movie but he didn't. He hosted the event since RX 93.1 was one of the sponsors. I asked Jen jokingly if I could bring him home with me. Hahaha! Wish hard!

Meet the Parents (For Real!)

Today, Biboy's parents and daddy met. This wasn't the first time though. They have met a couple of times when they (Mr. & Mrs. Siddayao) bring Angel home after spending a week vacation with them. But today, they have spent a couple of minutes together and have talked. I don't know what they have talked about though since I wasn't eavesdropping.

How did it happen?

I went to SM North Edsa with daddy after mass. I'd be getting the three pair of pants (two for me and one for Biboy) that Biboy and I bought last Friday (start of the 3-Day Sale). We left them for alteration. Meanwhile, Biboy and his parents also went there because they'd be buying a digital camera. They have chosen a Canon digicam that costs PhP34,500. They've learned that they could pay it in an installment basis without interest using HSBC credit card. Since they don't have any and I have one, Biboy texted me and asked me if they could used mine. So, after a few minutes, I met up with them. Only that the transaction was cancelled because my card was already over its limit and they didn't want to pay an additional thousand bucks if we'd be using another credit card.

How did it feel?

Hmmm... T'was kinda weird (I don't know if it was the proper word.) seeing them together, talking. But I was quite confident that they wouldn't be talking about Biboy and me. It was such an informal set-up. We were even standing the whole time we were together. Of course, Biboy and I just kept a safe distance between us. We didn't talk much nor made any movements that would give them suspicions about our relationship.

My only concern though is when they would get together alone without us. Daddy have talked about meeting with Mr. Siddayao's officemates re the product he was endorsing. They said that they'd be scheduling something up and Mr. Siddayao even gave daddy his calling card. If that happens, that would really be scary since if it were up to him, Mr. Siddayao might've totally prevented Biboy from seeing me...