The 10 Wacky Moments With My Best Buddy

Let me start my blog post by greeting my super best friend, Andrew Kenneth F. Quisumbing a very happy birthday (he wanted to be greeted as "Happy Natal Day"). Last year, I made a very simple blog post for him but that was together with other brouhahas. But now, I want to make this blog post not only simple but also as grand and as corporate as possible (hahaha!). Since you will be reading this, please exclude your editing skills with my post. This is an example of an informal essay or prose so you better step out of your strict discipline in writing and simply read, hehehe!

We started our friendship in 2004 and as we go along, we never expected that we would be that much closer. We are like jack of all trades in whatever stories we share. This is what we love about ourselves; even though we already talk about a certain topic a couple of times, we still keep on talking and talking about it. It seems that we do not run out of it and yes, we like it. It is not only about us, the Fantastic Seven, are his friends; he also has other set of friends in his high school heydays. Every time he shares about his high school life, I always laugh and sometimes even think of himself during those times in St. Andrew's. Fast forward to today that we are both educators in the same institution, we really are the best in our own subject. I guess we are not in a competition because, at first, we are not like that. And we both know that we could have the best partnership in creating English good, better and best. It would be fun if we were on the same flight, but I guess, fate does not require us to be together. I know that you're going to fly out soon, you will be surely missed not only to your kids but also to us, your colleagues.

And so, I will be giving to you the top 10 wacky moments we had. In celebration of his birthday, hope that you would not get angry to me by showing some pictures of yours, pictures of us both and pictures of us together with the rest of the gang!

10. OUR MIDNIGHT TILL MORNING STAY FROM RESORTS WORLD TO EASTWOOD

This is part of our tradition of being friends, the now-famous pamorningan meaning we are staying in one place and what we do is to chitchat and talk and converse about anything and everything under the midnight skies. Our recent adventure was before the New Year when we had our instant reunion together. Minus SM Santos, we first met at Resorts World Manila to watch Sisterakas. We chose the 10:30 PM slot and it ended almost midnight at past 12:00 AM. And that's the beginning of our journey to Eastwood City. We then went to Somethin' Fishy to try their buffet which is really good and very cheap. And while eating, endless discoveries and stories were being shared by ourselves. And of course, with him we were already talking about the possible reunion in his birthday, which was today. I don't know if it will push through but hopefully yes.

That's only one example of our pamorningan tradition which we've been doing it for years. Even if it is only the three of us (Kenneth, Marky and I), or the four of us (Imee, Kenneth, Marky and I), or the five of us (Cha Cha, Imee, Kenneth, Marky and I) or the six of us (Cacai, Cha Cha, Imee, Kenneth, Marky and I) or all of us (SM, Cacai, Cha Cha, Imee, Kenneth, Marky and I), yet it is still a riot if we are always together. I said endless discoveries because since we haven't seen each other for a while, we have noticed so many things from each other and we would love to share it. And that's what we love with being in the tradition of pamorningan.

Now, we want to know Kenneth! Where will be the next pamorningan session?

9. BOYBAND PEG CALLED AS "ZE MOA BOYS"

This is considered one of the "group within the group" thingie in our circle of friends called Teacherrifics. My dear friend Rachel christened us with the name Ze MOA Boys for a very simple reason, we always go to MOA to have some fun. It all started in December 2011, after our barkada's Christmas party and since I bought my car, instead of going home went straight ahead to MOA just to chill out. Juanito bought his laptop and we started taking pictures of us three. And every time we wanted to chill out and put away our stress, we just wanted to talk where to go, and that's our adventure.

There are many moments that we, the three of us, went to different places just to have some fun. Do you still remember the time we were about to go to St. Jude for our novena when all of a sudden we were stranded at SM City Manila? How about our recent trip to Moriones, Tondo to try the Paluto, which is the best restaurant we ever had? And also when you and I are helping Juanito to finish his thesis in DLSU? And of course, the picture on the right shows our "secret sneak-in" to Tagaytay, particularly in their Starbucks branch. Juanito said majestic, I said breathtaking, you said ostentatious, thus the caption of this photo. I don't know what's next in our trio because sooner you will be joining the wacky world of corporate scene. But I hope that doesn't end our "boyband peg" called Ze MOA Boys. For us, it's only three rides from our institution and for you, probably two rides from your corporate offices in Makati or Taguig.

8. YOUR ATENEO DREAM-TURNED-REALITY-TURNED-NOT ANYMORE

I was really amazed when you told me that you're pursuing your Master's Degree in Communication in one of the leading universities in the Philippines, the Ateneo de Manila University. At first, I was too hesitant for you since it is too far from your neighborhood in Las Pinas. You even told me that you're so proud that Agot Isidro was an alumni of MA Communication in Ateneo and you think that you have the same wavelength. I remember the time I came with you to go to Ateneo, since it was my first time to get in there. I was so happy because it came true because of you (hahahaha!). And you are also familiarizing yourself with the whole campus because a day would come that you're going to be an Atenean. Yes, it was your dream and you were about to make it happen by passing all of your requirements and taking the entrance exam for graduate studies. You told us that it took you almost five hours by just finishing the test. Turns out, you passed it with flying colors and even the person who interviewed you was so amazed with your answers. But what happened next is the event I never expected from you.

You declined the offer of not pursuing your Master's Degree anymore. I know the reason and that is not about you're not interested anymore but because of its too much proximity to your Las Pinas abode. And also, the schedule that they've given to you is not suitable for your travel time. Since we can already go by 4:00 PM, your schedule in Ateneo will begin at 5:00 PM and that's really hilarious to imagine. If only could Ateneo make an adjustment to you for you to study but of course, they couldn't! So, your admission is still pending until May so you have time to go for it. I would love to see ourselves having a healthy rivalry since I am (well, not yet sure) going to DLSU to study also. If the time comes for UAAP between La Salle and Ateneo, we will be going together to the MOA Arena or Smart Araneta Coliseum but we will part ways because you're going to your side and I'm going to my side. Nevertheless, both of us have the best school in town and all we have to do is to achieve what we wanted to achieve!

Please, my dear friend, pursue your studies!

7. "MANOK BA NANAY MO? KASI NANGANAK SIYA NG 'CHICK' NA KATULAD MO!"

This was thrown out by one of his students when they celebrated his birthday. Well, it is really good to hear especially that kind of "punch line." And since I know for a fact that my dear best buddy is utterly gorgeous in his own sense. No wonder, anyone who can see him will surely turn their heads 180 degrees.

There was this moment when we were in college. He was asking me to come with him at SM Southmall for one cool reason, he was being tagged as one of the soon-to-be-models of a local photo shop. He was just going for a I.D. photo taking when one of the personnel of the shop asked him if he had chances of modelling. Turns out, he was being eyed as one so he obliged to be taken. Even though he was shortlisted, he got some impact and I even told him that he really looked gorgeous at that time. I don't know if I am allowed to say it, but I rather choose to say it because I am so proud of him.

I am also astonished with his fashion sense that developed and evolved from a simple clad to a handsome one. When we were still in college, he only wears simple shirts, jeans, shoes and that's it. I also got from him that of not liking things with brands boasting it, which is actually good. Nowadays, he is too observant in what kind of fashion is known for today. He is too much playful especially with colors and it is a good thing for him since he's skin tone is way lighter than me. He can wear pink, yellow, light blue, flowery-designed, colored pants, long-sleeved shirt and even kiddie-sized clothes that really fits to him. His fashion sense is actually simple yet very trendy so most of the people are really into him. The thing is, he doesn't like the idea of being a head-turner.

Whether he wears simple clothes with lavish accessories, or just our uniform going to institution, he is considered a "chick" like no other, right?



6. GOING TO SOMEWHERE IN A BREEZE

Since they have relatives from Aklan, they never get tired of going to Boracay just to damp and swim in the world-class beaches of the islands. He had been there since he was so young and he told us that it was a really nice place to be cozy and relax. His recent trip to Boracay because his brother went back to the country for just a vacation, he was even too hesitant to join because of the workloads he was going to leave. I just told him that he needs it since it was only a pleasure and luxury to have that kind of vacation. Then on, he went brought back wonderful stories and simple souvenirs from the multi-awarded and multi-faceted beach island of Boracay. Another place that he is too excited to go to is the small town of Luisiana in the province of Laguna. Known to be the "Baguio of Laguna" because of its cool weather climate, he is so much excited to go to his mother's place. And by happenstance, my father's relatives also reside in Luisiana. Her mother's relatives know my father's relatives and we had this joke that most likely, we are blood-related. Funny it may sound but it might be fun, as well!

In a certain circle of friends, someone might be called as "Karen," meant as "kaladkaren." And Kenneth is one of it. But sometimes, he becomes too resistant of not going. The reasons could be he doesn't have enough energy to come, or he doesn't have enough money to use or the best is, he doesn't want to go, period! In its truest sense, yes, he is lazy sometimes and all he wanted is to just go somewhere where he can see many people. In Metro Manila, he is too fond of going to Divisoria for shopping galore. And I mean galore! For last Christmas, he was in the shopping district for more than five times buying gift items and clothes. For him, Divisoria is the shopping mecca of his whole life! For posh shopping, he usually goes to SM Mall of Asia because it is only few kilometers away from his house in Las Pinas. When we wanted to watch movies, he will surely favor Newport Cinemas at Resorts World Manila. Since he's a member, he can use his points to watch, without taking out any money from his wallet. And even though he is very slim (I meant really slim!), he loves to pig-out especially new to his taste buds. Thankfully because of our influence, he is now wanting to try some of the buffet restaurants in the metro and eating his heart out because of one thing, he wants to gain his weight.

5. THE ENGLISH WEEK IN THE EYES OF HIM

Every July, our institution conducts the week-long celebration of the subject English. And for our last school year, he was our head, though he doesn't really want to be considered as the "head." Well, I have seen him how he changed the English Week celebration in our institution. He was the one who created or the "brainchild" of the speech choir competition and that became the most sought-after event. Spelling bees, declamation and oration contests, impromptu and extemporaneous speeches, and even the jingle-making and rap-making contests were under his umbrella.

When you say Sir Andrew in our institution, he is noticeable when it comes to English-speaking campaign. I followed his program of always speaking in English every English time and not even a single Filipino word will be heard from the students. And also, each section will have the scores and whoever has the highest point wins. Well with that, I don't know if he gives a prize. Surely, it is a good kind of campaign, a kind of game.

That's why every time I ask him to edit my exam or even a simple letter or statement, I hide my face due to embarrassment. He always says that I'm too much wordy, redundant, incoherent, too much dangling modifiers and so much more and I guess it helps me a lot! But yes, I still feel embarrassed to him showing how great he is in grammar. He even told me that it should not be said as "wrong grammar" but "grammar lapses" or "grammatically incorrect." Such a good and strict grammarian!

I don't know for next school year but I guess, his legacy (hahaha) will live on and that's through us. It may not be as grand as Sir Andrew's English Week but we will make it better and stronger. Hopefully you could to our institution, again just to visit and watch not to say anything not nice. Hahahaha!

And don't be a grammar Nazi there on the place that you are about to belong!



4. A NOBLE LAS PINERO

One great joke that we always poke about is about the battle of supremacy between the City of Muntinlupa and the City of Las Pinas. We always state some things that make our wonderful city great and powerful! These are some of the issues that instead of settling it, we actually are poking fun of it:

- Which is richer in terms of gross domestic product and net worth? Of course I would it's Muntinlupa because just look at what happened to Alabang. For him, he would say Las Pinas but I haven't seen anything prospering. It's just full of houses, that's all (hahaha!)

- Which is more progressive in terms of financial stabilities, dynamics, et.al? He would say it's Las Pinas but then again, I can't see one. Obviously, it's Muntinlupa because we would never be the Emerald City of the Philippines without manpower and the assistance of different labor sectors.

- Which has more traffic? Definitely it must be Las Pinas. Though it can lead to the development because the population are busy, it may lose its urbanity because of slow movements of cargoes, products and services. Indeed, Muntinlupa is far better than Las Pinas in terms of traffic management. Though Las Pinas is strict with the implementation of the color coding scheme, Muntinlupa doesn't need it at all because of our...

Wait guys, I need to stop because I might become a persona non grata in his beautiful and bountiful city of Las Pinas. He even told us that he was not really a true-blooded Las Pinero because he was being born and raised in Paranaque, somewhere in Barangay Sto. Nino. Whatever it is, he is very much proud of Las Pinas. So I am asking the local government of the city to please bring out the best award for him for always defending the mighty city of far south.

3. K-POP, COMPUTER GAMES AND A LITTLE SOMETHING ABOUT A "SECRET"

Whatever are his favorite, it will be until forever. I call it as his fixations or obsessions. And honest-to-goodness, he will surely love it. Every time we talk about his favorite things, his eyes are like widened and glimmered. He is very excited about those topic and up until the next day we can talk and talk about it.

One example of his favorite things is his too much addiction to computer games. Since he was an Andrean, together with his classmates and friends, they were heading to a nearby computer shop just to play nonstop. He had been to Ragnarok, Counter Strike, Defense of the Ancient, Audition Battle, and other Level-Up Games. His too much addiction to Audition Battle made our three other friends, Imee, Cacai and Cha Cha go gaga over it. While we were doing thesis, one way of de-stressing themselves is to join the Audition Battle and they were having so much fun. If you would just see him the way he plays, his mouth is actually a bit opened and his eyes are glued into the monitor. And yes, don't you even dare to talk to him because he might lose the battle. That's how addicted he is and he was in the computer games. He wishes to have a laptop that is for gamers. It costs really much but if he wants it, he will surely grab it!

He loves music but there are only two kinds that he likes. Because of his brother's influences with metal rock and alternative rock music, he is also one! I am very speechless every time he talks about some metal rock bands like Panthera, Metallica, Kasabian, System of a Down, Black Sabbath, Megadeth, Disturbed and so much more. He told me that the only music that can put him into sleep are these kinds of music, or noise should I say. Even local metal rock artists are part of his choices like Cheese, Greyhounds and Slapshock (my goodness!) Can you imagine him, bringing down the house and doing the moshpits for the sake of heavy metal headbanging music! On his other side, he loves Korean pop music! Our last Christmas celebration was his idea of dancing Roly Poly in Copacabana by the all-girl Korean band T Ara. It is nice and the song is too pleasing to our ears but imagine it was his idea! Other girlbands that he likes also include Wonder Girls, Girls Generation, 2NE1 and others. He was also into Korean boybands like Super Junior, 2PM, Big Bang and Shinee. In different aspects of music, from mellow K-pop to hardcore metal rock, he loves music!

And the most spectacular thing that he really loves is... It's about a secret and since it is a secret, I should leave it as a secret. (Think of a brand that has a secret, that's it! Hehehe!)

2. REESE'S PEANUT BUTTER CUPS AND DEATH BY TABLEA

No doubt, my dear best buddy's favorite brand of chocolate is Reese's Peanut Butter Cups. He definitely has a sweet tooth and each kind of sweets is what he wants to swallow down his throat. But there was this moment (again, I'm not going to put into details) that he thought he was already diagnosed with diabetes. Good thing he was not and because of that, numerous amounts of chocolates and other kinds of sweets were being taken by him. It doesn't bother him if just in case he will have diabetes for as long as he has tasted most of the sweetest things on Earth.

He had loved the cheesecake from Sbarro's, decadent cake from Starbucks, mango bravo cake from Conti's, triple chocolate cake from Red Ribbon and our most favorite, the Death by Tablea cake of Chocolat. He had loved doughnuts from Krispy Kreme and Go Nuts Donuts. He had loved chocolate bars like Snickers, Twix, Baby Ruth, Nestle Crunch, Toblerone, Cadbury, Lindt, Van Houten, Hershey's, Kit Kat and even our local Goya chocolates. One thing's for sure, this lad has surely a sweet tooth. And yes, he's not diabetic!

And he super loves Reese's Peanut Butter Cups



1. HE'S A BROTHER, A SISTER, A MOTHER, A FATHER, AND MOST OF ALL, A GOOD FRIEND

And of course, he is my good friend. He is my best buddy for keeps. And everybody's friend or kabarkada. It is he that I go first when I have problems. Whenever I am stressed, I am just talking to him and the rest are the hearty laughs and non-stop jokes about our past, present and future lives individually. He is a brother, a twin perhaps which I never had in real life. He understands the way I think, I solve and I wear clothes. I understand his knacks about everything in his life; his favorites and the people that he hates so much! He is a sister to me because sometimes when he gives me advice, he acts like my older sister. He's a mother to me telling me that things I need to do and need not to do. He's a father because I am so afraid of him every time he gets really, really angry! What more if he's too much mad! He knows it that I am not actually looking at him every time his voice's volume turns up. And of course, whenever he gets too silent in our conversation with friends.

And most of all, he is a good friend. I can say that we never had a very heating argument between things because we do not like to. It's just that we do understand what we want and what we like so that we never argue. Turns out, we make it as a joke and that's how blessed our friendship is. We cannot imagine ourselves not talking for a long time because for me, I can't live without him as a true friend.

In our institution, our students are in awe every time we are together. They are amazed with what kind of friendship we have in front of them. I remember one picture of ours (together with our other best buddy, Mark) that one of our students made a comment that both of us are his favorite teachers. True enough, what we only do is to bring out the best of our students in English and at the same time, we are just becoming an example of a friendship that nothing will surely compare!

I don't know for next year but in our circle of friends called "Teacherrifics," you are one of the barkada that will soon leave the premises of our institution. For Ze MOA Boys, we're just only two. For the three of us who always ride the tricycle back to Southland, we're just only two. I would surely miss the days you will be telling me that you really hate some of your students and you really love most of your students. That you wanted to do this and to do that (if only!).

This is it! My very first serious kind of blog post for you. I'm so glad that we became friends and until forever, we will still be the same old mag-teh and best buddies!!!

Happy 20-something Birthday!!!

And super-dooper good luck to your ventures in the future... See you again in the academe...

Tawagan na lang tayo...

Toodles!!!