Being A Kid... At Heart

I miss my childhood days where the only thing that I worry about is school. Passing my tests, what baon I have, the level of practice we have after class and the game over the weekend.

Growing up, life becomes more complex. You will encounter different endeavors that you can never imagine. You will meet people that you only dream of meeting. You meet others that you wish you had not met. You want to erase a lot of painful memories. Thinking what went wrong and how to redo things over again. You want to turn back time and make decisions in another way. Hence, you will dwell on these obstacles without noticing that your growth stops and thus you think that I wish I'm still a kid and go back to where everything is simple.

But you can always be a kid. You can make your life simple. You should never make things more than what they may seem. I did a lot of thinking this past days and it struck me just now. I am just making things complicated. I am trying to chew more than I can eat. I am trying to do 8 things when I have only 2 hands.

I tend to forget to have fun and enjoy my life. I tend to put everything else aside and my problems in front. I tend to look at the micro picture rather than the macro.

What I need is not to be 8 years old again but go back to basics. Simplifying complex situations and thus lessening stress and making better decisions.

Torched!

Life is full of twists and turns. When you think you had enough troubles in your way, think again! There are more to come. If you asked me 2 years ago, "Cholo, what is your 5 year plan?" I can give you a concrete, workable plan without blinking an eye. Now, things changed and everything is a blur. Asked, the same question I will say, I don't know.

For the past few months I am living each day as it came. No plans. Hope for the best, expect the worst. A lot of fire torched my bones. A lot of pricks sliced to the soul. I've been to worst but when you are paralyzed every setback hurts more. Every tiny problem seems bigger. Every obstacle seems harder.

My life is not a telenovela. My life is not an exciting one. My life is not the kind of life you would like to live in. Sure I am still luckier than the ones who are in the slums. Sure other people have more to bear rather than I. But in some cases, I fell that they are even luckier than me.

Until now, I will live my life as each day comes. I don't know my purpose in live. After all, when I learn what it is and finish it, it will be the day I die.

Things may happen for a reason. Reasons that we will find out in the future. The ball will always roll. Sometimes you will be on top, sometimes you are in the bottom. Mine moves very slowly to go up. Or it seems faster to go back down.

What will happen to me, I don't know. I just hope luck will be back on my side sooner than later!

Troubleshooting

This is what my uncle is doing right now. Effective today he will be reassigned. This is also what I am about to do.

Well... Nothing is certain yet. What is happening now is like what has happened a few days ago. A few days ago, broadsheets featured him that he will be transfered. No one confirmed nor deny.

Now its official for him... As for me, I don't know my calling, yet. I will explore my options if any.

He's troubleshooting another department. As for me I don't know what I'll troubleshoot. A project or something with regards to my current stature.

Nothing is certain. If you ask me 1 year ago what I plan to do, I can give you an answer without twitching my eyes. But if you ask me now, I do not know already. I don't know what is in store for me. All I know is, I will live my life a day at a time.

I've been to places, got setbacks, got bigger setbacks, got experiences, got learnings, got redemptions, got wider networks, got older by a year. Well almost a year.

A lot of loose ends that needs troubleshooting. What will happen? Let's just wait and see...

The DLSU-ADMU UAAP Rivalry

Last Thursday, Araneta Coliseum was once again rocked by 2 schools that just can't get enough of each other. Tickets are again selling like pancakes and flooded by green and blue colors. The game was intense and close. It needed an extra period just to have an outcome. Sadly, Ateneo won.

A few days ago, DLSU filled a protest on the game and contested that there are 2 foreign players that played at the same time. It was due to a technicality. I don't think those 2 players are key players and thus would affect the outcome of the game. At the end it was Chris Tiu and Jai Reyes who mattered and not those players who were mentioned in the broadsheets. I haven't even heard of these players who were involved anyway.

True enough they violated a rule, true enough it may affect the team standings but I am confident enough that DLSU lost a good game and will bounce back. Just like the run last Sunday against UST. That game was lost. DLSU lacked the energy, heart and desire to win the game against ADMU. They simply wanted it more.

Play on! Recover lost ground. Stop whining. Focus on how to bounce back and prove that La Salle is hungry, a force to contend with, and will go all the way and capture lost glory.

A lot was said. A lot were told. But action was lacking.

Ateneo, wait for the second round! It will be a hell of a fight. La Salle, prove that you are worthy! Prove to the school, to the community, to the Philippines and to all those who doubted that you want the crown and want it badly!

Saint John Baptist de La Salle, Pray for Us! Leave Jesus in our hearts, FOREVER!

ANIMO LA SALLE!

Vote for MICA to be the NEXT MYX VJ!

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Text MYXMATCH [space] 8 and send to 2366.

When People Do Not Talk

My friend was having trouble the past few days. He works for a universal bank here in the Philippines. He had troubles adjusting to the system. A few days ago, he was asked to resign. The HR told him that he has 2 options, resign or wait until his 6th month and he will not be regularized.

I told him in order to save his 201, that he should resign now. This led to our numerous drinking sessions and long conversations.

I got a call from him a few minutes ago as he tendered his resignation. I was supposed to call him since one of our closest friends arrived from China and there is a small get together later tonight. Then, he told me that his superiors were shocked that he tendered his resignation. The high official told him that what he knew was he will give my friend a suspension and then later evaluate his performance.

There is a miscommunication within the middle managers and the HR. The company says there are problems with my friend's performance. This was true. Though there is inconsistency with their statements, it shows that there are bigger problems above him.

If I were him, if they tell him that he should stay and there was a mistake, I would still leave. I don't like to work in an organization where people do not talk and people do not listen.

What's your F*ckin' Excuse?

I was out with my friends last night. It was something unplanned. People called, texted and there we were. In Marina, in Greenhills. We took advantage of their promo. Php 10.00 per bottle from 10-11 PM, Php 20 from 11-12...

We called a lot of people. Some people I have not seen for more than 2, 3, 4, and 5 years. A lot of them did not make it. Some are busy some are not answering. But there is this crazy friend of ours that is highly motivated! HE WENT TO THE PLACE USING THEIR DELIVERY TRUCK!!!

He made our night fun!

What is my point? People always say shoot, yeah, yes. But only a few step up to the plate and really mean it.

Sure people say that promises are meant to be broken. Than plans are there not to be followed. That white lies are acceptable.

How about you? What's your f*ckin' excuse?

Part 1

The home team was very confident. They trained hard, knew all the plays, bonded and had a great game plan. At the start of the game, they were in sync. Making threes, finishing 2 on 1 fastbreaks, sinking jumpers from all over the court. They were in the zone. Everyone scored, everyone contributed. Their pressure defense was unbreakable. No one can pass by the mid court. They had their game face on. Intimidating the visitors, they were all business. As their sweat rushed from their heads and their jerseys were dripping wet. It is still the first quarter but their intensity was flowing in their bloods and showed in the way they moved.

They were like an orchestra, even a well oiled machine. Unfazed by the pressure. They continued to pour it on. They were like pro's playing against high school students. They were rocking the place down. Even their Center was hitting trifectas. It seems like everything was going in favor of the home team and the bucket in the other end was padlocked!

As the buzzer sounded to signify the end of the first quarter, they were up by 15 points and it looks like they will never ever look back.

The crowd was going wild, the players were bumping their chests, cheering themselves, giving pats in each other's backs and the coach was very happy. But it was only after one quarter. There are still 3 more to go...

Kobe's Fate

He started playing straight from high school. He was the 13th pick then, coming off a trade to then Charlotte Hornets for Vlade Divac. Kobe Bryant is now 28 years old, averaged over 32 points, 5 boards per outing this season.

Now he is ranting that he wanted to be traded. After a few hours, he retrenched his statement.

The mulit-million dollar question is, will he stay or will he leave the Lakers. He wants something in order for him to stay. Will the Lakers management lure KG or another good big man to compliment Kobe's game?

All we can do is wait and see... The season for the Lakers is over and so are for most of the teams. Time to talk!

Manila Manila, I Keep Coming Back to Manila

I had so much fun in Thailand... It was a different experience... But nothing compares to Manila. Where the parties run longer, people are a bit wilder and vices are cheaper.

For the past week I made it a point to catch up with my friends. We hanged out, had fun like the good old days... It's much different now that we are all working. But one thing stays the same. Our way of partying will never die...

No matter how fun other countries may be, Manila is still the place for me!

But I am open to other places also... We'll see... Only time would tell. ;)

Salamat Sir!

I have a friend, his name is Tim,
He went to another country to follow his dream;
He had so much fun that he was lost,
Everything disappeared even the one he treasured most.

There are things in life that made him regret,
His gold and silvers he tends to forget;
He's life was a misery, he was robbed of his glory,
Now that its gone, he is very much sorry.

I learned a lot from my friend Tim,
Now I can avoid to commit mistakes like him;
I'll keep my golds and silvers in sight,
So that I won't worry when I sleep at night.

Clear

There are things you hold that you have to release,
Stop tormenting your soul with anguish;
You have to let it out one way or the other,
If your mind and heart are clear, it just feels better!

Trials come by, Learnings are gained,
A lot of people concerned, Only a few remained;
Setbacks arise, Problems stacked up,
The few who stayed, will lift you up.

Advices from people can be right or wrong,
Depending on every situation that comes along;
But towards the end as you make your decision,
Make sure you study each and every situation.

From The Great Tupac Shakur

You shot me but you punks did not finish! Now you feel the wrath of the menace... Hit em up!

Reality

After love there is hatred
After joy there is sadness
After pleasure there is pain
After success there is failure.

Some love you while some despise you
Some save you while some stab you
Some look up to you while some belittle you
Some lift you up while some put you down.

Once you're up you must go down
Your fortune will surely turn around
You can never stay up and run the town
Dogs will bark at the loudest sound.

Pom mai roo
I don't have a clue.
Mai kaw chai
I don't know why.

Dogs can be you best friend
But they can be the reason why there is an end!

Tick Tock

The clock is ticking
Buzzer almost sounding
The end is near
Nothing is clear

World is upside down
Showing its frown
Allies become foes
Nobody knows

Badly beaten
The end was written
Hey y'all
Curtain call!

Life is Never Fair

We all know this...

Some of us learned it the hard way!

Short Lived

The don was on fire.
Flaming with desire.
Looking at its prey.
Ready to play.

The don lost his men.
Fell hard on the den.
Loosing big marbles.
Now faced with troubles.

The don took a walk.
Had a series of talks.
Fabricating a plan.
Ready to stand.

The don is a blur.
Puzzles occur.
Will just live his days.
Waiting to be amazed.

What is in Common???

Big Brother,
Survivor,
The Weakest Link,
The Amazing Race,
The Apprentice...

A Different Valentine's Story

I am in Bangkok, Thailand. No one to hug, no one to kiss, no one to share this day with. All those I love are in Manila. My girlfriend, my family and my friends. It may seem lonely. It may seem blue. I will not go out tonight. It may seem like a pity. It is not that I want to stay here are be sad. I'm getting ready for tomorrow.

It is a BIG day! It may be MONUMENTAL . But then again, it may also be a disappointment. My colleague will be flying here in a few hours. Actually, he is in transit as I write this blog. We are going to meet people that could change my company's fortune here in Thailand. I will elaborate when I feel like it. People close to me know what I am talking about.

This maybe my big break. My first deal. My first closure. It is big for me. As a 22 year old man working on his first job, being given the power, freedom and responsibility of a "seasoned veteran" this is an experience from which will make me a different person.

Almost 2 years ago, I had problems. Problems encountered mostly by people twice my age. I felt so down. so blue. so humiliated. The feeling is still very much alive in my heart. I learned, I forgave, but I never ever forget.

I will use those feelings tomorrow and try to use them in this opportunity to make up for my past 2 vulnerable years.

I may win, and be proud!
I may lose , and be vulnerable.
But one thing is certain...
Lessons I will gain...

My Valentines will begin when I get back.
After my bags have been unpacked...
I am not sad, not a bit...
I'll only celebrate after my goals I meet!

But to those who share this day with people they love,
All the happiness I wish you may have,
A romantic dinner, an BLISSful day,
Happy Happy Valentines Day! :)

My |Time is NOW!

THREE DAYS BEFORE TAKE OFF!!!

Am I prepared? Definitely!
Am I surprised? Surely!

Fourth Trip to Thailand... It seems like home away from home... The first time I got there was an accident... I was not really meant to be there... Call it serendipity, call it coincidence, call it whatever you want... But this time I'll really go there for a purpose! This is my destiny! This is my life! And I will make the best of it...

Prepared...
My bags are not packed... But I am ready to go... I know my mission... It is not impossible... But it has to be accomplished! The stuff are prepared... My heart is prepared... My mind is all set!!!

Surprised...
Not everyone my age has the opportunity to handle such a responsibility... Some work in a typical office job... Some are still in school... Some work for their parents... But not me! I thought I would teach... I thought I would pursue a graduate school program... I thought I would run for office... But never in my wildest dreams did I ever thought of working away from home!

I made a lot of plans... I know they will be broken! I know they would perish... I will live everyday like it is my last... Take no prisoners... See you Thailand! I'm ready... Are you?

Something To Prove

Many times I have failed...
Many times I bailed...
I have been through hell and back...
But I never did pack!

I wanna be useful...
And my life to be fruitful...
I want to taste success...
I wanna be the best...

I will reach the sky...
I will aim very high...
I will never settle...
I will get my title!

This is my motivation...
That increases my passion!
I will stay with my groove...
Cause I got something to prove!

Remarkable

Usually, at the start of the year, people look back at what happened the previous year and then reflect on it. After that, they end with "looking forward to a greater and brighter 2007" line. Well not me...

The past is the past and I'll backtrack whenever needed. But for now, I would like to look at the future... Not just 2007 but the future of the mobile phone technology. I just came home from the HOUSE of one of the brilliant minds behind the ideas and the soon to be success of the company I work for. But then this was unveiled.

Introducing, Macintosh's iPHONE! The remarkable Steve Jobs added another remarkable product under his belt. It is almost perfect. It's an iPod, a mobile phone, a PDA, Mac and more.... But it has no camera.

But what the hell! I still want one!!! Mac geeks waited for this for 4 damn years! And I don't blame them! Its worth the wait. So to Nokia, who always has a new model but does not create something that is all, get ready to shake like shit and pee on your pants!

I have yet to get my own iPod and I am not regretting this decision because of this! This is what I am eyeing for this year. If everything goes well this year, I will get one of these babies for myself as my overdue Christmas gift!