With the advent of technology, postal mail service nowadays seem to be scarce, if not about to reach the state of extinction. For sure everyone has been enjoying the convenience of sending e-cards for the holidays over cyberspace; no fuss waiting for three to ten days as you can easily receive one within minutes.

So, imagine my dumbfounded-slash-surprised look when I found this one sitting just above the TV set this afternoon. A belated card for Christmas from my aunts living in Canada.

Mr. Postman, thank you for taking time to deliver this mail to our doorstep. Your efforts despite the holiday rush is very well appreciated. While cyberspace E-cards are more convenient, nothing still beats a personal note like this.

Yesterday, just before the official holiday break, I got to join my team mates for our after shift Christmas party. It was a typical one except we had it at the early hours of the day (who parties at 6:30 am, right?). After logging off from our Cisco phones, off we go to Rufo's Tapa first (though I came there last because I waited for my seatmate Tish to finish her after call work) and it was one hearty breakfast -- with yummy food and lots of laughs.

I was able to fulfill my "baby's" wish on what she wanted, but I also got my own share of unexpected astonishment as my office mate Chin A. surprised me with this:


At first, it never dawned on me what the gift was. But as she handed me the envelope, lo and behold in its yellow glory in front of me were not just one but three Starbucks gift certificates. My teammates actually got surprised because the said gift made me scream (all right, just a bit). Talk about being shallow, I actually included a Starbucks day in this post and shrugged the whole thing off after writing it. When the morning of the 21st came, Chin passed by my station with those strips of paper asking each of us at least three things that we want on our wish list. But because the list was needed by 5:30 am and I was busy with after call work, I just scribbled there a GC, a teddy bear and a DVD of Up!

While I wanted any of the tree things, days before the party I was silently wishing that I'd get the GC. So imagine the giddy excitement when I really got my wish.

Another teammate commented saying that my wish was actually easy to find. Actually, that's among the reasons why I wanted just this stuff -- I don't want to give my secret Santa further inconvenience in scouting for the gifts, given our schedules. The second, there is actually a special purpose and reason for this gift. But I'll have that reason for me to keep. All I know is that some wishes, do really come true -- and that's for real!

Last Friday, I attended the office Christmas party held at Metro Concert Bar in West Avenue. And actually, it's one event that to me has a lot of "firsts".


I know I still haven't evolved in the subject of "outfits", I still remain in the usual semi-formal if not smart casuals. But anyway like what I mentioned, an event of firsts, this is actually my first time to really attend a Christmas party as a full-time employee. I was a bit hesitant to attend days prior to the event. But with mom urging me to go, telling me that I need some "real" social life (read: meet people without using Facebook and go out), I decided to give in. And that's despite not getting sleep. This is me with my best friend Apple.



It was also my first time to go bar hopping and party till the wee hours ( I know Cinderella has a curfew of 12 midnight but for this purpose, the fairy godmother extended the curfew to 2 am and I think I knew the reason why :-p). And while bars and partying also spell overflowing mugs of beer, I'm proud to say that I was able to come home whole and without the hangover. That's because I still gave an adamant decision to not drink at all. And another thing I realized, the term "wallflower" is not exclusive to the ladies, because during the party, I found out that the term applies to guys too.

Over all, the party was fun. The entertainment was great as our bosses showed their talents and we staged our version of Pilipinas Got Talent too complete with generous prizes. And by generous, the company also raffled cool gadgets to the employees. And while I did not win any of those, the experience was all that it took for me to enjoy the whole night. Thank you Jam Castro Mamaril for the photos and for the great company with your team.

It's Christmas in less than a week. Parties are everywhere (I just attended one last night) and shoppers had started flocking the malls for gifts. As for me, I haven't made any trips to the mall for my presents except for the one I purchased for the office party.














Starbucks Java chip Frappuccino. The last time I had this was during a lunch date with my former editor-in-chief for Highlights. I'm not really a coffee house patron as I'm conscious with their prices (one tall size is already equivalent to the price of three litters of gasoline) but I guess one-time indulgence won't hurt.






Enough of being cheesy. Now, will you be my secret Santa?

I know that I am supposed to be in bed right this moment after eight hours of being at work. However, there are two things right now that has been keeping my mind far from being rested. It's a mind that's full of questions more than anything else.

At the start of the week, I chanced up with my former editor-in-chief who, after exchanging a few hi's and hellos with me over YM, broke a news that has kept my heart a bit blue -- this quarter's magazine issue might be the last release. While she got to answer a few of the why's that I had, I cannot disclose everything. All I knew was there was this wandering thought inside and a little of that sadness knowing that the place where I got "the break that I wanted" in my writing career would eventually bid bye-bye soon.

And just when I thought that's all, yesterday evening, I woke to the news that again, flooded my mind both with questions and frustrations. Hearing the acquittal of Vizconde massacre suspects and seeing a devastated father and widower, I can't help but shed a tear of disgust and disappointment too. Why not, for one, I practically and literally grew up hearing all about a crime that jolted a nation. I was just seven then, almost the same as the youngest victim when it made the front page of newspapers. And yet, whenever years pass without a trace, I was among those who are also thinking how it would eventually end. As the verdict was released and reported yesterday, I can't help myself from having this huge feeling of disappointment and disgust. Until now, I can't help but think that for 19 years, there was someone who was trying to live his life day-to-day alone by himself when he should be spending his old age happily with his family. That there was a man who, for almost two decades, decided not to celebrate Christmas as he kept searching for justice. With the hope that in due time, it will be righteously served -- only to reach this point, that after years and decades, things would just end to a futile endeavor.

And as I read the newspaper today, I find it hard to believe that one would dare to remark, "now, he (Mr. Vizconde) is free to find the real killers of his family." The nerve of that person to say that to someone who is already in his old age.

While I feel so disheartened, part of me is saying that, something is undoubtedly wrong in our (judiciary) system. Not just wrong but undoubtedly and terribly wrong.

It's another Sunday and likewise, today's another work-free (or should I say training-free) day for me. Back home, my PC still isn't working, thus I am tinkering this from another location. I am hoping that it will be functional once I get home later, after my brother, J decided to have it repaired by someone else (I can't find an IT expert do it anyway).

So, what is new? Save aside the internet-less life at home,( but thanks to the computer kiosk we have at the office, I am still able to check out my updates on Facebook during lunch breaks at 2:30 am), I am doing fine with it. Just before the week ended, I was able to catch Richard Poon perform at the venue just ten minutes from the office. I am now on my fourth training week at work (if I am not mistaken) and my body was able to adapt with the 10pm-7am schedule which has been running for that duration. Some people though find it weird that we call our recess at 2:30 am as lunch break. I've been so used to it, I was able to beat Mercury Drug with their slogan Gising 24 Oras -- because yesterday I was up for like 26 straight hours.

I made it that way because lately, I have been sleeping in excess especially during weekends, like up to 13 hours like I've been on a sleeping marathon. I used the whole Saturday for errands including a consultation with the doctor to have my grandmother's tests interpreted since she can't make it, her being 90 years old.

The afternoon was spent with me checking out Sta. Lucia East mall to scout for the ideal unisex gift for the company's Christmas Party on Friday. I luckily found one and just before lunch today, I already had it wrapped complete with a bow.

I am also catching up with the other things, from browsing the newspapers to watching TV. My grandmother and I share the same sentiment when she remarked that it's been a long time since she had seen newspapers, broadsheets in particular, at home (thank you Jollibee for that complimentary copy of Philippine Star this morning).

Tonight, I am off to catch the episode A Very Glee Christmas of the TV show Glee. I'm quite in an LSS mode with one of the songs they performed, and I'm actually playing it right now.

If there's one more thing people look forward to when it speaks of the holidays, it's the gifts for the never-ending Christmas parties. I'm sure people will agree that on occasions like this, some money is allocated to something wrapped with a bow on top.

I am one of those people. As of this writing, I am on the lookout Googling for unisex Christmas gifts that are not limited to Starbucks or bookstore gift certificates. Just over the weekend at the end of my shift from work, my best friend Apple and I dropped by this store named Clipper in Ever Gotesco Ortigas. The finds are actually fun and unique. I was able to locate a branch of the said store in Sta. Lucia East yesterday and I might purchase one of the items in the said store. Although, I am still hoping to try other alternatives like scouting the tiangge and Christmas bazaars for other items. I even thought of making a gift by myself.

If you do have suggestions for unisex Christmas gifts, please drop me a comment, because right now, I still haven't thought of what to get yet.


photo courtesy of Google.

While this is actually my current "Last Song Syndrome", there's something behind this. But that's one thing I am reserving for another post. if there's one thing I am sure right now, quoting the lines from the song itself, "I'm ready this time. I know that I'm no longer undecided."

As to the question of "for what", I will have that one on hold. Please keep yourself posted by visiting this blog for future details.

I am currently on a long weekend. This is actually the second long weekend I had since I got into a new job weeks ago. And well, let me see, how are things going?

I still don't have my computer at home; making me inactive with all the techie tasks leaving this blog, my Twitter page and Facebook status without recent updates. And since I have the time today, I am taking the most of it.

For two weeks, (entering three by tomorrow) I have been working at night from 10pm to 7 am in a posh business district (and sorry people, it's not in Makati). I'd like to think that I am getting used to it. The distance and proximity of my current work location is absolutely convenient -- to the point that I even get to squeeze some minutes to watch a concert before coming in to work when I arrive early (I just saw DJ Alvaro as well as the Bloomfields days ago) but save for some inconveniences in my internal clock, nowadays, it's making me a winner -- both when it comes to sleeping marathons and being an early riser. With my current schedule, I am already used to sleeping at 9am till 6:30 pm and when I don't have work on the weekends, I am normally asleep by 8pm and up at 4m.

My schedule made me more of a homebody. I never even cared about the recent town fiesta or even when people told me that my ex was in town. Since I work the night shift, it's been so long since I last read a newspaper, watched evening news and those kinds of routines. I resort to the online broadsheets whenever I am on my break. Yestrday, I got my copy of OK! Philippines magazine's December 2010 issue with Prince William and Kate Middleton's engagement on the cover to catch up on the news that stopped the presses. Love indeed makes the world go round.

And though I am learning new things at work, there are some things that I admit to be weak at. Because I'm dealing with a different stint (it's actually journalism and IT combined), I face a new system and a different program which confuses me lately. But then, I am trying to work on it -- understanding the whole kit and caboodle. And while I have expressed my concerns and fears to a friend, I hope to conquer the whole thing. As I see it, I am blessed to be given with the opportunity in a good company, the perks are nice and the people I work with are good too (I have a colleague whose laughter and American accent reminds me of Alex Compton and Sam Milby -- but he's Pinoy).

Luckily, I can still retain some of my social life by chatting to someone over YM at least for 10 minutes or so. Talk about priceless moments.

And since I mentioned the word priceless, when I saw the happy faces of mom and dad yesterday when I treated them on a simple blowout with my first paycheck, I'd thought I would like to keep it that way. Seeing them happy in knowing that I am now earning on my own is one thing that I want to see over again, besides it's one thing that I wanted -- to help out even a little and for them not to worry about me because I am bumming around.

Life's good! Awesome and legendary even (just like someone's favorite expression). I'll finally catch up an episode of Noah on TV tonight. I kinda missed Piolo Pascual :-D

Hi folks! Just dropping by for a quick post. I know it's been a (long) while since I last made an update. Unfortunately, by PC at home is down (again) so there's no mail checks, no Facebook and no blog post.

Things are doing pretty well for me. As I type this, I am at the mall and I am in the process of scouting for a new mobile phone (one that's Wi-Fi ready) because despite being able to browse Facebook with my conventional mobile phone with WAP access, it's (so) slow.

I'll try to blog again as soon as the PC surgeon gets to overhaul my gadget. I hope you're all having a great weekend! :-)

I know that I mentioned a very strict protocol that writers and journalists seriously adhere in this post about a year ago. For the longest time that I am writing, I have tried my very best to follow this very important rule.

But I suppose despite extreme caution, sometimes it (or I) should fail. Caution isn't always fool proof in some senses. That was what I discovered last Friday -- yep, on my birthday itself. I was watching my managing editor as she replied to an email. Upon reading the name of the recipient and the word "apologize" I already sensed that there was something wrong.

And I was indeed right. I misspelled an important person's name. And while I tried to remedy the problem by emailing my editors the correct spelling, I think it did not arrive on time.

Of course, upon learning that, I admitted my mistake and was really apologetic for it. My mom, upon learning that the incident reacted, even thought it's too shallow but I understand.

Thankfully, while my offense could have cost me an arm and a leg, my bosses are forgiving. Yes, it's such a shame on my part and I hope and will try that this will be the first and last time it's going to happen.

I'm happy to say that my PC is now back which means one thing: back to blogging. I am writing this post to say THANK YOU to the following people who have remembered my big day.



Muchos gracias goes out to the following people: My dear family from mom, dad, lola, my dear brother J., Tita Mely R., Tita Fe and Tita Vinda O., Tita Vicky R and my dear nephew Androuze O., Jay J. (who was the first to greet upon seeing my status at past midnight -- from Bangkok!), Ogie A., Erika E., Sig C., Rochelle S., Ma'am Jo J., Ms. Wawet SF., Sir Matt M., Sir Richard G., Mark U., Jared J., Maricar F., Anthony L., Mafz D., Barbie AC., Abby TS., Joy C., Lhaine C., Aldrin S., Ravelle MB., Grace N., Cielo S., Queenie C., Januver T., Carlo T., Diane R., Noelito C., Rowell V., Roievim S., Eileen T., Darcy R., Apple M., Joana V., Jayson T., Hermil I., Josua P., Mela V., Scarlette FS., Glen V., Mikhaela DL., Sophia S. and Ron L.., Elizabeth C., Alex P., Excel D., Jeff Z., Ms. Agnes F., Ms. Peng Y., Ms. Angie T., Sir Ariel V., Sir Niño S., Ms. Paz P., Ms. Bot A., Sir RJ C., Sir Noel A., Apple S., Sherwin R., Helen AB., Cath M and Rhea S.

While it was really rainy yesterday, these people's words were enough to really warm and melt my heart.


photo courtesy of Deviant Art.

The new day began and I am another year older. I was indeed in a daze as I have no idea how to celebrate or even how to do so. Maybe that is just the ironic part of getting a bit older.

Just like the past year, I felt that I will be celebrating my birthday today in a simple way I know. While I just asked mom to cook one request, I bought my own cake. But before that, I decided to do the ritual that has always been a must during birthdays in the family -- attending the Holy Mass. This year, I decided to go up to MMLDC and attend the Eucharistic celebration in the Residence Hall chapel as my big day fell on a First Friday.

All I know is that despite of a deteriorating eyesight, to wake up to a bright morning daily is already a blessing. Being able to do so is enough reason to celebrate.

My wishes remain to be that simple. More and more days of light, a blessed career and hopefully an opportunity to work at MMLDC -- for good.

Today, I woke up to a bunch of greetings from friends, colleagues and bosses. While I can't seem to come up with a way to celebrate, those were all enough to make my heart melt.

Just like last year, I'm still single. While I am planning to extend it a bit longer, I am not closing my doors to the possibility of letting "it" in and welcoming someone. Nowadays, I am starting to believe that pain really has a purpose. A relationship has to end because there's bound to be a better one that will come. Just like what someone said, ang tao, parang kaldero yan. Lahat sila ginawa ng may kasamang takip.

It's raining greetings and blessings. For that I am thankful.

And although I don't like to believe, I suppose it is now. The calendar on the upper right portion of this blog reminds and will forever do so.

Speaking of reminders, set aside the big day these things I am looking forward to fulfilling in the next few days:

1. A new hairstyle. I've been wanting to have my hair done again and I've been meaning to do it months ago. But with the onset of things from my resignation at work and the arrival of writing projects for the magazine, I decided that I need to finish them first.

What will be this year's winning piece?

2. My article for this year's issue of the literary folio. Being a former chief scribe, I know I have promised current Petroglyphs editor-in-chief, Aldrin Sausa that I'll be a contributing editor for my alma mater's annual literary book. And with this pending stuff, I'd like to agree I'm going to work by Friday.

3. A Photo shoot with my brother. Probably another reason why I badly wanted and needed a hair makeover is for this one. Aside from being an artist, brother J is one of those "kinda gifted" photographers I could have (okay I'm biased -- again). And while he denied me of a painting, I just hope he won't say no to this one -- at least for my birthday. I'll just prepare his TF :-p

4. To meet the person behind this message. Okay, but I believe this one would have to wait. I'll allow the suspense kill me for the meantime.

I haven't been to Boracay. As is not even once. Second to Hongkong Disneyland, this trip is one that I am really looking forward to have. And because I'm a blogmonger, I chanced upon the Free Boracay Packages offered by Boracaypackages.com through one of the blogs in my list, Mapanuri. And because I have the certain belief that I'm a bit lucky as a rabbit's foot when it comes to contests and promos, I got enticed to try my luck and join.


Le Soleil de Boracay - Win a Free Boracay Package only from - WOW Philippines Travel Agency, Inc.

WOW Philippines Travel Agency, Inc. is one of the most respected and trusted names in Philippines Travel, arranging short trips and family vacations to any of the 7,107 Philippines Islands. We have been specializing in all inclusive packages since 2005 to top destinations like, Boracay, Palawan, Bohol, Cebu, Puerto Galera, Baguio, Tagaytay, and Manila as-well-as other island destinations.

WOW Philippines Travel Agency, Inc. is the 1st travel agency in the Philippines to offer FREE VACATION PACKAGES to BORACAY ISLAND, the number #1 Philippines Tourist Destination. Now everyone has a chance to WIN a FREE all expenses paid vacation to Boracay, and all you have to do is to enter the contest is to CREATE a BLOG and paste this info into it, that’s it, it’s just that easy.

Enter our Free Boracay Vacation Package Giveaway at – www.boracay-packages.com

3 Days / 2 Nights - Le Soleil de Boracay Hotel

Enjoy this staying at this luxury resort in Boracay located in station 2 where all of the party action is. Le Soleil de Boracay hotel specializing in pampering their guest with beautiful rooms, delicious food, and excellent service from their professional staff.

Flights to Boracay - Manila to Kalibo Airport via Philippine Airlines

No true vacation package is complete without having the air-fare included. WOW Philippines Travel Agency, Inc. will be including ROUNDTRIP AIR-FARE from Manila to Kalibo and back to Manila. Once you arrive at the Kalibo airport you will be greeted by SOUTHWEST Travel & Tours, and transported to Boracay Island via a tour bus.

Boracay Island Transfers - Kalibo Airport to Boracay (roundtrip)

SOUTHWEST Travel & Tours is the OFFICIAL transport company of WOW Philippines Travel Agency, Inc. SouthWest Travel & Tours has been in business for over 15 years, and is considered one of the safest carriers in the Philippines.

Daily Breakfast – Buffet Style

The winners to this Free Boracay Package will also have included a daily breakfast, served buffet style at the beachfront restaurant of Le Soleil de Boracay resort.

Boracay Activities - Island Hopping Tour

For one full day our winners will enjoy a tour around Boracay Island that includes snorkeling, as-well as visiting surrounding beaches. (does not include entrance fee into Crystal Cove).

My choice is Le Soleil de Boracay. I've heard and seen the place but just on TV, through sitcomes and TV programs. At least I had a few ideas of what to see and where to go through the help of my brother's then beau April who once went on assignment in the scenic spot. Ironic though, the prizes will be awarded during the rainy months. But like what one said, it's Boracay, not to mention that the roundtrip flight will be through Philippine Airlines.

Oh please, I hope my dream trip will soon come true.

As of the last count, I am about to turn another year older in about a week and two days. Unlike the previous birthdays, I don't actually feel so excited to be honest. Though feeling a bit frightful when October started to settle in, I didn't really gave becoming another year older much thought.

That's because these two guys joined the Great Migrations photo contest of National Geographic Asia. Now, I'm while I am not that good at photography (despite trying to befriend my brother's Canon EOS 400D), I still opted to vote for their entries (with or without the messages :-D).

These are just two of my top picks among their entries. With themes Born to Move, Race to Survive, Feast or Famine and Need to Breed, you can show your support to your favorite entries by becoming a fan of National Geographic Asia on Facebook and click on the like option found on the photo entry's page.

While I don't have any entry to the contest, I suppose that this simple act of participation would already enable me to do my part. Being a conferred member of the National Geographic Society for ten years now, participating on this activity in a simple act as this would be a thing, if not the least that I could do to as the society puts it, diffuse geographic knowledge.

If you get to chance upon this, I urge you to vote too. Jeff's other entries can be found here while Teng's photo entry is in this link.

Today, I went out to cast my vote for the second time -- for now, it's the Baranggay Elections. I had to check out Comelec's Precinct Finder for last minute confirmations on changes; and indeed there was. I was transferred from my old precinct number to a new one. But the good thing there, my name is now on the voter's master list.

Now, the only silly, little concern I have is the photo above. I'll be bound to the office tomorrow with a significant dirt on my fingernail. That's going to be there in a few weeks-- if not a moth.

Second to books, blogs are among my penchants. And though I am busy with articles one after the other for our fourth and Christmas issue at MMLDC Highlights, I still find a few minutes to browse and skim the pages for their latest blog entries.

So, what are my blogs of note? Here are some of them:

Kwentong Barbero.com - My friend Mikhaela first introduced me to this blog back when I was still an ESL teacher in Ortigas. This blog is actually a chronicle about the misadventures of the author named Badoodles (who chose to remain anonymous) in the Philippines and that of his humorous experiences in the Land Down Under -- all written in native Pinoy style.


Strange Fruit - If you're an avid listener of Chico and Delamar's The Morning Rush on RX 93.1 you might as well be familiar of their segment Morning Rush Top Ten. This blog of RX DJ Chico Garcia never fails to make me laugh. I normally don't get to listen to their radio program in the morning so this compensates the deal, at least.

Hearty's Haven - Before I had the chance to personally meet Roch through a blogger's event early this year, I have been reading her blog for some time. It was through Nuffnang that I first found out about her when she was chosen as Nuffnang's blogger of the month last year. If you're into lifestyle, movies and a foodie by your own right, I recommend you guys visit her site -- she writes so well about those topics and more.


Topaz Horizon - Contrary to the simple design, this blog has lots of things in store. I first discovered this blog at the time I was following the now-defunct blog Disparate Housewife owned by former Cosmopolitan Philippines editor Ianne Evangelista. This blog is owned by OK! Philippines editor-in-chief Frances Amper-Sales filled with wonderful topics from fashion, Hollywood, the world of magazines and her life as a wife to Vince and a brand-new mom to Vito.


Jessica Rules The Universe - If you've been amazed with her Twisted series, wait till you read Jessica Zafra's blog. Filled with witty posts and creative illustrations too, among my favorites were her entry about an appeal inspired by a controversial boo-boo and above all, my favorite creature in the world -- cats!


Mapanuri - The author says he can't come up with such a catchy title to name his blog. But ask me what comes first to my head and I'd say Kim Atienza :-p The entries are bilingually written and again fit for foodies (complete with photos that will really give you that hungry feeling). Oh, before I forget to mention, it's written and owned by one of our newbie writers at MMLDC Highlights, Jeff Zapanta.


Fishball Perceptions - This goes last on the list. Fishball Perceptions has been my original online journal when I first got into blogging through Friendster five years ago. And a journal indeed as this blog contains five years worth of different stories about me, because while I have Zone of Solitude, this one housed the cheesiest events that I felt shy (if not embarrassed) to share. I have kept the site semi-private (so you can't really trace it in Gogle) and I just got into the habit of updating it lately after receiving comments for an avid reader from the Big Apple. Yes, from someone in NY.

There are so many blogs I'd love to read but then I got just so little time -- for now. Cyberspace has a lot of emerging blogs and hopefully, I can visit more of those new pages to add to my blog roll.

Aside from the rainy days and becoming busy with projects, there are two other things that is making my October:

And I never thought we're doing it so early! These photos will prove it!






In our home, it's not the elves that sit side by side Santa. We have Christmas teddies as his bodyguards!

And this is the one that I love to bits. As if we're not that much excited for Christmas!

Just when I was busy juggling with projects and articles one after the other, this one thing still made its way to my list of reminders:

I'm turning 26 in 27 days.

Yep. Since October came, I was a bit scared or kinda worried (just a bit, promise). But contrary to my move last year, coming up with a weekly wish list (I actually got one of my wishes, so not bad after all), I don't have any plan/s drafted yet on what I want to have or even to do for my 26th birthday next month. With my busy schedule, I need to attend to and finish them first.

And one more thing, I am having fun with the erratic time and assignments. Enough to keep me so occupied to think of it.

I might just post one wish that I would want on my birthday. And I promise, it's not going to be pricey. Curious? I'll be revealing that in my future post so you better be reading this blog to know.

I'm returning to my articles now. Have a great weekend everybody.

Sentisabado has been a trending topic on Twitter every Saturday. Created by Gang Badoy, it's all about reminiscing Saturday memories with different themes every Saturday. For the past week, I've been trying to dig from my treasury of thoughts for something to Tweet about.

Yesterday's theme was about love and panliligaw. Just when we all thought it's another trending topic, it sadly wasn't so. The photo above was the screenshot of my status and was also my contribution to yesterday's subject.

I'd say that I've got some of those fondest memories of being courted; from receiving love letters in my doorstep, surprising me with breakfast in bed on a Saturday morning when I was in sixth grade, to having our love story published in the newspaper and eventually in a book. All of those make me feel giddy and ladylike of course though there are times I feel that it's too much.

Then came this guy who I thought would be able to make such a huge sacrifice -- by sacrifice which meant even if its inflicting himself with so much effort that I could not imagine of doing. What I wrote above was my entry to Sentisabado yesterday. Yes. That guy actually did that. Walk from my house in Angono all the way to the Antipolo Cathedral in the scorching 12 noon heat. At first, I did not feel happy about it. Upon knowing that, I even snottily said, "sinabi ko bang maglakad ka mula dito hanggang Antipolo?"

But don't get me wrong. Of course I felt sorry too especially when friends and people we both knew came up to me and testified that the act was for real. Yes, you read that right, there were witnesses who verified the seemingly crazy move that he did. We became a couple (as boyfriend-girlfriend) for a time being --five years and two months. He's now an ex and I'm now single again. Yet, when I think of it now, I still can't help but ask; why in the world would a guy like him do such things?

It could be that a girl is a precious being worthy who deserves something worth having thus guys are willing to endure sacrifice. I want to ask was I that special to him then, for him to do that one, but that's a question I can't verbalize nor think of in my head.

They say it is love can make any person do even the most outrageous things. Would you really agree? Maybe you could convince me with your opinions.

And it's the same whether the dream is funny, simple or even weird. Case in point: I once dreamed about this guy I have a secret crush on, getting married to someone at 3 AM in a church. He had people including a Makati traffic aide, in uniform, as a witness. The oddest part? Just as the ceremony ended, I saw him and his bride being kidnapped by ninjas and being brought to separate vehicles. It's weird really, that I woke up dazed the following morning.

These days, I have been crossing paths with one of my friends who I have not seen in years. This friend left for a worthy cause and while I was sad upon knowing the unexpected departure, I tried not to show it. Then it was on this dream that occurred to me years ago that I was able to tell him the disconsolation that I was feeling. But there, in that same occurrence he told me not to be sad, because my friend will be back.

While it gave me a weird feeling in the morning, I dismissed it thinking it was just like any other figment of imagination in my sleep. I documented that dream on an old journal just like the others. And few nights ago, out of nothing, I decided to browse on that journal. And as I try to sew everything, it just hit me -- what was in that dream came to happen.

If my friend owed up to his word and fulfilled his promise of if this is just a mere coincidence, I still don't know and I can't tell. All I know now is this:

My friend is now back. And I am more than happy.

*Image: Deviantart.com

Me: Awww!!!! Si Sam Milby!!!! (complete with that girly, giddy reaction)

A: Ang pogi!!!!