At 26, I've Realized That...

The first quarter of my life is already done. My first 25 years of my life became a whirlwind, a roller-coaster, a so-called topsy-turvy kind of adventure. I've experienced great things, either the highest or the lowest, failures and successes, It was indeed a life well-lived, well if I would tell it, it really was!

I think it was a really good thing to say that I really need to act maturely enough. Facing trials in life is not new to me. There were even moments that I wanted to stop (if you know what I mean) because trials that I received were like raindrops, non-stop. But if I have done that, I am the loser because I quit.

Yes, 25 years have passed and I asked myself, did I learn from those years of my life? Probably not because since then, I am like this. It's time for me to have some realizations in life in which they could be the greatest lessons I never knew I already got it.

1. That dreams really come true if you are doing it - I was young when I dreamt of being a teacher because of a game, my little friends and I were playing. When I went to college, my dream was about to happen and in 2009, I became a full-fledged teacher. Though I had bumps and bruises along the way, it didn't bother me to push through. This is what I always keep in my mind: "Once a teacher, always a teacher!" The dream of which studying in my dream university became true just this year. It was a part of my plan to pursue my studies again but this time, and wholeheartedly in the school in which I've been wanting to go to. The night when I saw the very good news that I was accepted in my chosen program is indeed "a dream turned into a reality." So far, I am doing great. A bit disappointing in some cases but having this dream not only in front of you but already have in you is a spectacle in my life!

2. That I am gaining weight - And it was a no joke at all. Maybe because of stress which I always have in my present work, to bust it down is to have a "stress eating method." I always count on my dear friends to come with me eating out just to release the stress I had on that day. Turns out that it was a no joke, really, at all! I always command myself that I need to work on it, by means of exercising, eating small amount of food and thinking ahead without stress, but I can't and I don't. Look at the picture, it seems that almost 50% of the entire picture is enveloped by my body. It's time for me to wake up that it is really scary and unhealthy to be an obese person.

3. That I forgot to make myself happy - And it is because I am dedicating my happiness to other people. Just to make other people happy, I create jokes to be laughed about. I also make a very nice move just to make some people happy like surprises on their birthdays, and other things. I don't know if it is a disease or whatever but by trying to make my dear friends, or loved ones be happy, I'll do it to them 100%. Apparently, it was my own happiness which I forgot to do. I guess the reason why I'm getting a lot of weight is because eating is my happiness. Though there's nothing wrong with it but if it is too much, it is too much. I'm still thinking of other things, or probably an event in my life that will make me feel happy. If that so, when will that happen?

4. That I never had a vacation and I don't even know what vacation is - I thought this year was my very first time to experience air travel and going to one of the best destinations here in the Philippines but it was not pushed. My dream vacation is to go to a place which no one was unable to find and stay. I wish of going to a fine sand beach, with a perfect of the sunset and a perfect spot for beach party at night. With or without booze, I can have a happy time, thus my perfect vacation. Overseas, I really wanted to go first in Hong Kong to experience world-class shopping then going to Europe to visit beautiful and historical places like the Vatican, Paris and London.

5. That my students love me - It was a beautiful experience of giving me a surprise birthday party by my loving Grade 9 - Newton. First thing in the morning, my Grade 9 - Dalton sang to me their version of the birthday song, starting with a knock-knock joke. Followed by my another Grade 9 - Einstein, which they gave me another knock-knock joke. And then my Grade 9 - Newton, put a drama on their surprise to me, telling that something had happened in our room. Turns out, an unforgettable surprise treat from them. Even though I give them a snob, or I give them hard activities (which in return, they do it nicely), or even shouting at them, my Grade 9 students still love me!

6. That my patience can be really tested and be limited (at times) - I just don't know but my patience has a mind on its own. Or maybe it just choose a person on when it will be shortened. A recent example of testing of patience happened during one of my classes. My nerves came up to its boiling point to this person that without any hesitations, I touched him badly. I am too apologetic for it, but I can't help it. The student is disrespectful, do you think you will just stand there doing nothing? I am supposedly the master inside of the classroom but without respect showing towards me, my patience would really be tested and shortened. And it happened during the most important event of my life. I hate them! Up until eternity! They put me into shame because it was my impatience gone wrong.

7. That there are moments that you've been taken for granted - This might be a very critical one but I've been into a situation that I really felt no importance in friendship. I don't want to put into words why did I feel that but I guess because of me, being very generous and kind, I am always being victimized by it. I still don't know if you still remember but you don't even dare to ask how am I doing? It was really a very bad experience especially to some people who you've been friends. The best thing to do: just forget them because they don't even bother to look back.

8. That laughing is the best medicine, no doctor's prescription needed - Whenever I am with my friends, when my mother cracks joke to us, when I watch Vice Ganda's videos and films, Mr. Bean's timeless tales, and my recent addiction to Ihaw Na of Jayson Gainza and when I listen to my students' wacky banters, I laugh. I laugh because there are funny antics being thrown. I laugh because it gives me a beautiful mindset. I laugh because I love to laugh. It gives me relaxation, no doubt about it. But laughing is not yet medically and scientifically proven to medicate your ailments. Just try to laugh non-stop, you'll surely ease the pain you have.

9. That Star Cinema is indeed the country's biggest film production outfit - It really is one of my dilemmas but no doubt, Star Cinema brings out the best stories in whatever genre. It seems that they are the only film production outfit in the Philippines, which in one month, they put out two to three films. Good thing that they are now producing films not in terms of box-office returns but according to their magical stories. These stories will surely be remembered by people from generations to generations. Bet you, their films will be considered new classics in Philippine cinema!

10. That I have the versatility in language, meaning whether in English or in Filipino - It was my first year teaching regular Filipino and this time, in high school. Admittedly, I'm having a hard time especially teaching Noli Me Tangere which hardcore Filipino is mentioned in every lines. That's why I don't know if my students are learning from me. And I don't know if I am doing my best in teaching Filipino to my students. But as I go along, I see its importance and its beauty. Importance in a sense that it is our language that we need to prosper and being adamant in different settings and beauty because of its colorful vocabularies, which is really good to listen and to study deeply. August is considered "Buwan ng Wika." Though our school wasn't able to celebrate it, we truly felt the presence of the distinguishing ideals of the Filipino language. I am reading Noli Me Tangere, but I apologize I am reading its English version.

11. That time is truly gold - I do have issues regarding time management. The recent vacation I had was only dedicated with watching TV, Facebook, Twitter and other forms of the Internet. At the same time, I am eating. Not knowing that I am wasting my time doing nothing instead of finishing my tasks. Just like now, I am procrastinating, quickly finishing my critique and research paper. The result, half-baked kind of work. When it comes to procrastinating, or cramming during studies, I am truly one of the followers of it. It was my attitude. Maybe it is time for me to look on time more valuable than before. It is truly a very golden treasure that is hard to harvest or to find. Gradually, I am going to correct my time management so that stress will not followed through.

12. That the answer to the question "Bakit Hindi Ka Crush ng Crush Mo?" is still unresolved - I have crushes before in which it turns to be nothing. And yes, I am one of the "kabataang Pinoys" which I look at the idea of crush as the idea of love and thereafter. It really breaks my heart when I never see my crushes. It really stoops my pride every time I see my crush together with another person (a girl, or a guy?). The title suggests, why does my crush doesn't have any crush on me? There are lots of answers but I still don't know the perfect one, or the suited one. Maybe, it is not for me. Or it is really for me, but fate have said, it's time for them to settle. That leads me to being alone. Now the question is, "bakit hindi ka crush ng crush mo?" Simple answer (or a hypothetical answer, if that may sense), "Eh hindi, eh!" "Ganoon talaga eh!"

13. That being with friends on a roadtrip is priceless! - It is an exciting journey of having roadtrips with your friends. I'm not saying it's not okay to have your family in your journey but I guess, having fun with your friends inside the car is truly an understatement. As much as we wanted to have one huge car that can fit ten or twelve people, we can. We can actually use bus or a coaster so that all of us are in one vehicle. Then the focal point or the highlight of the trip, nonsense and make-sense talks, opinions, funny antics and food! With my dear friends, it will never be out of style.

14. That fashion is meant for comfort before style - I just don't understand why this principle in fashion design is not sometimes being followed by world-renowned fashion designers. Just for the sake of artistic sense, they are creating wardrobe hardly understood by almost all. I can say that my fashion sense can be a bit underdog or even low-leveled, but as far as my background with fashion is concerned, I can have a fashionista in my heart and in my soul. If you'll ask me how do I wear such fabrics, I just go for the comfort and not for style. Mine can be a classic taste, since nothing beats it. Or somehow, I thought it was classic, but for others, it was truly a head-turning one.

15. That it's all up to you if you want to have a full-time job or to be a part-time student - I've mentioned being a teacher, being a student, and being a procrastinator. Since this was my first term in DLSU, forgive me but it really gave me a crazy-like movements in school and in the university. I don't know what to start, my works being a teacher or my works being a student? Again, as what I've mentioned, it's a matter of time management.

16. That the love story of Eric and Vincent should be emulated not by gay couples but by couples - It is not always promiscuity that gay couples are known for. It is not always about rated SPG, which is written on the lower right of your TV screen when you watch the now-classic My Husband's Lover on GMA 7. I can see the beautiful ending of their love story, but I don't know the other twists and turns of the story. Eric and Vincent, though both men can still feel love because of one reason: they are humans! They are allowed, without any gag orders or temporary restraining order, to loved and be loved. They are just being true to themselves and they are the best examples of showing what love is. I truly believe that love should not be according to any gender. Just show love, as simple as that!

17. That looks are part of personality - Truly, beauty is only skin deep. What's essential in beauty is inside of the heart. I guess that it's not only about the personality of a person, one person is attracted for but also the outside compliments. How can you have work if you're not presentable enough to your interviewer or to your future employer? How can you have friends if you look disgusted? How can you have self-confidence if you're not freshening up? They say looks can be deceiving, but take it on another perspective, grab the opportunity if you have looks. You can deceive in a good taste, believe me!

18. That morning will never be complete without a cup of coffee - Whether it is Starbucks, or Nescafe, or 3-in-1 or even Kopiko Brown Coffee brand, mornings will never be the same without sipping a hot but enticing cup of coffee. For me, I can gulp two cups of coffee because I love it. No wonder, most people stay in Starbucks (Filipinos created the notion of Starbucks as the new Jollibee) for the longest time because they can talk, they can think, they can wander, everything. But a cup of coffee that was made with a heart of your loved one is even better or more expensive than the brands. To make me awake, I drink almost two cups of coffee because, I am addicted!

19. That "KalokaLike" is the best segment of It's Showtime and "Juan for All, All for Juan" is the best segment of Eat Bulaga! - During rainy season break, it was a great time watching two of well-loved noontime shows in Philippine television. I am always waiting for these two greatest segments, the brainstormers have thought of. For It's Showtime, showing yourself to public through impersonating celebrities is their monumental achievement. Though you'll get ashamed or embarrassed from the hosts to the "Madlang People" to the judges, at least you've managed to achieve the looks of your favorite stars or personalities. For Eat Bulaga, if you want to experience laughing, the Jose, Wally and Paolo way, and putting it into a "common tao," that's Bayanihan of 'D Pipol! Especially when they make audience go berserk, the triumvirate of the streets will give surprises and money. Imagine that they give prizes that can sum up to less than P100,000.00. Another was the conversation between Bossing Vic and the trio. It was truly one hilarious afternoon on their location. And yes, bringing back the glory of classic comedic strategies on noontime shows.

20. That the PDAF should be abolished! - Not the pork, which is a food, but the money used for government projects, from the people's taxes we always contribute every pay day. Imagine the billions of pesos used for luxury and all crappy things. Corruption is indeed a joy for the abusive government officials and a drought to us ordinary Filipino taxpayers. Janet Napoles should be put not only to jail but to a prison a la Alcatraz. Jeane Napoles should be considered a true example of a "nouveau-riche" which is a disgusting act. Senators, congressmen and other top official who are using their pork barrel in their "personal" use should not be again elected in the upcoming 2016 elections. Or better yet... It should be abolished! No more further details! How I wish I joined the Million People March last Monday (part of my Week-long Birthday Celebration?) to show my support to my co-taxpayers who wants to know the real issue!

21. That the use of Twitter, Facebook, Instagram and other social media should be done responsibly, for the nth time! - I still remember an issue on creating a Twitter (parody) account of our institution. On that account, they are tweeting about the norms and cultures in our institution. Not that we know, they were already mentioning names of teachers, students and other people who used to be part of the institution. I just don't understand with their premise. They even said they will never make fun of the faculty, students and other things about the institution but I guess, they forgot it in a jiffy. Lesson from this: be responsible in using social media. We already have lots of social networking media and it can be easily accessed by anyone through their smartphones. Yes, freedom of expression is already waving through the World Wide Web, but again, responsibility is still at the background.

22. That the voice of Anne Curtis is the best - Whether you like it or not, Anne Curtis will sing for us. Anne Curtis will perform to us with her lavish renditions such as Diamonds of Rihanna, Without You by Usher and Tinamaan Ako in her glorifying act. She even toured around the nation via her Annebisyosa Concert, which started last year. And she also toured in other countries also for her Annebisyosa. It was truly her dream coming true, knowing that she always say sorry every time she performs. That's what she wants and we love her, so let her be.

23. That there is really "The Art of Letting Go" and acceptance always comes at last - There were shocking moments of news in which you're not prepared to hear, to see and even to look forward to. Especially a previous moment in which you have never been completing "The Art of Letting Go." You're still not on a perfect shape of letting go, or moving on but a news in which everybody was truly in shocked, made me trembling, shaking, and yes, crying. It's too easy to say but it's not, no questions asked. That's why in the emotional stages according to Elizabeth Kubler-Ross, known as the five stages of grief, denial comes first, followed by anger, then bargaining, depression and the last part is acceptance. And it cannot be done midnight. Part of it is a very long time accepting all things you might not accept at first. Maybe, there will come a time that from your heart, you will truly deal with what really happened. It's their lives so might as well not to delve with them. Again, acceptance always comes at last!

24. That Clarity is indeed a song and not just for dancing - In its literary sense, it is a poem but for music, it is a song. Clarity, at first, might known as a dance song usually played on bars, clubs or discos (2000s, 1990s and 1980s terminologies). The tempo is really fast, the rhythm is too fast to dance but the lyrics of the song is straight-to-the-point. The scenario: this person is a part of your life in which you are so much in love with but since you're not too much important in him/her, he/she becomes useless. But still, you are wanting him/her to come back but again, its useless. Then why if your love considered a wreck, still felt he/she is the one. Then why if your love is a crazy one, still felt he/she is the reason of making it a right one. This song is a bit unclear but the message has a lot!

25. That I am no longer getting younger - There is a joke that if you reach the age of 30, you're no longer part of the calendar but with the BINGO cards. It is alright since the age group nowadays became younger. They have said that 30 is the new 20, and 40 is the new 30. Your age might be 30 but you still look younger like a 20-year-old. Honestly, I felt that I am already old due to stress from work and from other people but I still feel energetic and youthful at my present age of 26. One thing's for sure that I need to do to make my face look young is to embrace optimism and happiness. No need for any creams or vitamin supplement.

26. That love is looking for you and you should not look for love - Love is patient, love is kind, it does not envy... (one of the greatest verses from the Bible about love) And I guess, the love has already found the person but the person hasn't found me, yet. I don't know, maybe that person is already there. Just like from the song, "I didn't know I was looking for love, until I found you." I believe someone out there waits for me, my destiny, my soulmate, my soon-to-be. And truthfully, you should not look for love because love will never surrender to you. If you really want to find your true, real love, be patient! Again, love is patient, love is kind.

Less than fifteen minutes from now, my first day of being a 26-year-old is about to finish. Showing appreciation is not enough to those people who appreciates and loves me. But I guess, I don't have any options but to say thank you for the love, support and patience with me.

I've realized that the most important person in my life is truly in love with me, that's God!

Thank you God for another year!!!

I miss saying this at the end of my posts...

Toodles!!!