The Ma. Rachel Tabamo Valencia Story

I just don't understand kung papaano nagkaroon ng alter ego itong kapatid kong ito. She already told me the reason behind the success (success talaga) of her nickname Alexia or Lexi (should I write it here?). But anyways, she was one of the first people who called me by my original complete name, and so I should call her the same way again.

We started our friendship in 2010, two years going to three and I never thought na ganito kami magiging closey-closey and even more than magkaibigan and that's being solid magkapatid. Lyrize and herself started entering our lives and since then, they combined us together. Aminin ko na sila talaga ang nagpasimuno sa aming mga galing sa lusak (wow!) ang laging pagtambay sa Starbucks Coffee and anywhere in BF Homes. So the brainchild of the so-called buko session is sa kanilang dalawa, the name is from Lyrize and the whole idea of partying quietly inside the coffee shop is by her.

I am so proud of our friendship, my dear Ma. Rachel Tabamo Valencia *irrita much alert again! And since, I've been giving out who my friends are through this wonderful blog, I am going to give you, let's say 15 or less reasons why Ma. Rachel Tabamo Valencia *grrrr level na!!! is Ma. Rachel Tabamo Valencia *Taal Volcano alert na!!!

1. THE ALL-AROUND ACCIDENTAL (?) TEACHER - She was a product of University of Santo Tomas and she earned her degree in Economics. Then teacher siya. Hindi ko lang alam how did she become the one basta ang alam ko noong una ko siyang nakita sa school, nakaupo siya sa table ng dakila naming you know. And then, the rest is history. I remember the time we were being used to be her critic teacher noong time na nag-demo teaching siya. The topic: inflation and deflation (courtesy of Andrewkells). Then, pasok na siya. Well, parang ganoon naman talaga. I never thought that her classes are as follows: Social Studies I, Social Studies II, Social Studies III and Social Studies IV. In short, lahat ng Social Studies handle niya. Kawawa nga siya eh, she handles most of the high school classes kaya pagdating sa mga perks like Christmas gifts, Home Education and all things high school, hay naku, siya na talaga! Mayaman yan, not only with her students and money but also with the lesson plans she is making.

2. QUEEN OF FACEBOOK PHOTO ALBUMS - I'm checking her Facebook account today and as of this time (November 23, 2012, 4:40 PM), mayroon na siyang 701 albums. That's why every time she's telling me to look on some of her photos, ang lagi kong sinasabi, how! Ang dami-dami niyang Photo Albums. Wala naman siyang fanpage, and even fans club but gosh, the albums. In fairness, she joined Facebook on October 27, 2008. And I guess from that day, mayroon na siyang mga albums. And hindi ko talaga kayang balikan ang mga nauna (should I say antique) niyang mga photo albums because my laptop and the Facebook interface could not make it scroll faster. If Facebook has a kingdom, or if Facebook has a beauty contest, siya na talaga ang Queen of Facebook Photo Albums. Wala pa namang naka-record or nakaka-Guinness Book of World Records na may pinakamaraming photo albums. If that really is true, sure na pasok na pasok itong kapatid kong ito. Hail to the Queen!

3. LOLLIPOP ADDICT - I've seen so many pictures of her na laging may nakasuksok sa bibig niya na lollipop. She loves Chupa Chups (yata?) and the lollipop of Starbucks. Kahit siguro yung mga chippangang mga lollipop, basta candy on a stick, isusuksok niya yan sa bibig niya. I don't also know her favorite flavor basta she loves lollipops. Basta she loves lollipop, yun lang yun. I guess that's her if not weakness, her fixation.

4. CHERIE GIL-LOOK-ALIKE-DAW (?) - It wasn't me but somebody told me that she looks like the great thespian Cherie Gil. Oo nga naman, halos magkasinmukha sila lalo na sa physical feature ng kanilang mukha but not the height. Medyo waley ang height ng lola mo but when it comes to her fashion sense, ay day! Wala akong masabi, yun nga lang talaga wala siyang ganoon kataas ng height (am I sensing another cool treat?). Anyways, there was a picture of hers wearing trench coat and boots and doing a la New Yorker pero sa may Golden Gate Subdivision lang naman. And that's the picture of hers that we told her na kamukhang-kamukha niya si Cherie Gil. So siya na si Cherie Gil, ng aming institution. So why not di ba, Cherie Gil is drinking a cup of coffee from Starbucks on Phase 1 BF Homes. Hehehehe!!!

5. THE (REAL) STORY OF HER NAME ALEXIA - She told me this earlier this year. At ako naman, masyado lang talaga akong nahihiwagaan kung papaano naging Alexia ang kanyang pangalan, since legally and according to her birth certificate, and siguro sa kanyang mga parents, ang pangalan niya ay Ma. Rachel Tabamo y Valencia. The story goes like this: High school daw siya noon when they had a volleyball tournament between our institution, which was the main campus and the branch campus. So ang mga taga branch campus, pumunta sa main campus just to play. May someone daw na biglang lumapit sa kanya from the branch campus that wanting her to get her number and information about her. Siyempre ang lola mo, nag-panic not by means na natutuwa siya na may interesado sa kanya but interesado sa kanya ay isang katulad rin niya. So what she did, she made a new Friendster account (during our glory high school days, super sikat pa sa madlang people ang Friendster and ang Facebook at Twitter, ay kino-conceptualize pa lang!) bearing the name "Alexia," just to not let that someone knew her more. Since then, kapag nagpapakilala siya to whoever she meets, ang inuuna niya ay Alexia, sometimes Lexi. But for me, I still prefer her real complete name, Ma. Rachel Tabamo Valencia!

6. KUNG MAMISIKAL, WAGAS - As the title suggests, yes, grabe manakit itong si Rachela. Sa bagay, hobby ko naman kasi siyang kontrahin saka asarin because I like the way she becomes too irritated. Lalo na kung titingnan ka niya with her tantalizing (don't assume you have oozing eyes) eyes, ay it's a heaven for me! Ginagawa niya minsang punching bag ang mga excess fats ko sa arms at lumalambitin siya sa aking biceps, na wala naman. I'm not really a masochist but ewan ko, parang okay lang sa akin. Maybe maganda na rin yun because lalong lumalakas ang katawan ko! Ito pa ang isang nakakairita diyan, ang lakas mambatok, as in batukera! Kung mamatok parang nanay at tatay lang. May time na sobra akong nairita diyan kasi ang lakas ng batok niya sa akin, as in ginamit niya ang wallet niyang parang bato sa laki. Yet, I don't care because for me, mas masakit pa rin ang mga salita kaysa sa pisikal na gawa! Wahahahaha!

7. KULIT-BATA - That's what I liked about my two beautiful friends, Lyrize and of course the birthday girl. Lalo na itong si negra, sobrang kulit lalo na kapag nandiyan ang mga crushes niya. She will make it a point na she will do something kulit moments just to catch or even win the attention of the boy she likes (now you know!). And so, eto siya tatalon-talon, sisigaw-sigaw at higit sa lahat, mamimisikal ng sobra, I guess para lang mapansin ng mga crushes niya. But her pagka-kulit bata is soooo cute! As in ang sarap niyang tirisin, parang bata lang sa kalye, gusgusin at biktima ng mga sindikato. Joke lang po! But if the time comes our moments together will be lessened, yan ang totally na mamimiss ko sa kanya! Pero hopefully one more year pa, right?

8. NEGRA - She is the only girl in our group na hindi naiirita sa tindi ng sikat ng araw! Whenever the Haring Araw is outside, making ultraviolet waves literally, ay lalabas yan at magpapaitim! Hindi siya yung tipong maglalagay ng sunblock, she will never block the sun to her skin. I don't know pero siguro gusto niyang magkaroon ng perfect tan courtesy of the sun! Basta she loves the sun! And since she loves the sun, she loves the beach. Hopefully next year, sana matuloy na ang beach adventures nating magkakapatid? Still remember earlier this year, "whatever happens in Laiya, stays in Laiya!" Wow! Anne Curtis lang ang peg mo kapatid! And she even doesn't mind that I call her Negra, out and loud! Gustong-gusto pa niya talaga and I guess, she even embraces the idea. Well, for me, I don't like her too much maitim, what's better for her is a fair skin. Kung fair ang skin mo, maganda ka! Magandang-maganda ka! Bow!

9. THE GIRL WITH ALMOST 5,000 CRUSHES - She has more than one crush, as in napakarami niyang crush! Mapa-showbiz man or non-showbiz, politician man or from the social scene, basta kapag naguwapuhan siya, crush na niya, period!

Here are some of the boys that she likes a lot, I mean A LOOOOOOT:

JM DE GUZMAN - he is currently seen in the afternoon drama series on ABS CBN, Angelito Ang Bagong Yugto. He was previously the main lead of the same drama series in its first season. He was also part of the Mula Sa Puso remake in 2011 as he did the role of Gabriel previously from Rico Yan. In the movies, he was part of the most successful indie film in Cinemalaya 2011 entitled Ang Babae Sa Septic Tank. This year, he is the main lead of another indie film Intoy Syokoy ng Kalye Marino. He joined Andi Eigenmann in the 2012 remake of Pridyider under Regal Films.

This is Rachel's one-helluva-crush na parang ultimong "love at first sight" ang drama nito ni Negra. One time, after she went back from her Japan trip, talagang nagmadali siyang umuwi just to watch the final episode of his first teleserye. In fairness naabutan naman niya. Another one was when we're having phone chats and naghihintay siya sa Starbucks PCJ for Angelito, Ang Batang Ama. Good for you, JM! You are so privileged because you are one of the crushes of my dear friend.

ADAM LEVINE - He is undeniably one of the sexiest vocalists/musicians in the music world. He is the vocalist of Maroon 5 and singing their hits like This Love, She Will Be Loved, Won't Go Home Without You, Must Get Out, Makes Me Wonder, Payphone and many more. The band already staged twice here in the Philippines, one in 2011 at SMX Convention Center (in which she took part of it), and only this September at the Smart Araneta Coliseum. Aside from music, he was also one of the mentor-judges of the hit musical reality show The Voice alongside Cee Lo Green and Christina Aguilera. He is also one of the Global Benchsetters or Bench endorsers being chosen by Ben Chan himself! Sosyal!

If you'll see her iPod Touch before, most of the time her background picture is always Adam Levine. We even added his Twitter account and wooing him to mention her name in one of his tweets. But the best reason on why my dear friend is so freaking hailing Adam Levine is because of his near-Adonis-style body. Wala siyang abs, but the love handles is really gorgeous. The chest is amazing, the biceps and whatever are so voluptuous. Siya na talaga ang sexy! Ikaw na ang crush ni Rachela so you have to celebrate, Adam! Rachela will be loved!

DJ CALLUM DAVID - He is (I guess) the resident of DJ of the superposh bar Seventh High located at the Bonifacio High Street in Taguig. He was also known to be the main DJ of the 2012 Binibining Pilipinas so it was not only Xian Lim who was being affirmed by the girl, also him. Aside from his stint in mixing, he was also part of the Angelica Panganiban-starrer #MadalingArawMahabangGabi, a movie directed by Dante Nico Garcia which was shown earlier this month.

She is fully insisting me that when we go back to Bonifacio Global City, one stop of our tour is to have so much fun at Seventh High. Eh hindi pa naman ako ganoong ka-fan ng mga bars and clubs dahil masyado nga akong antukin. Anyway, we went back already to BGC but not stopping at the Seventh High. It's expensive (kahit daw may guest list, ayoko pa rin!) and at the same time, not my type of place. Baka manliit lang ako lalo. On the other hand, DJ Callum is I guess one of the most handsome DJs we have here on our country! Guwapo nga, in fairness!

ENCHONG DEE - Hindi ko lang talaga ma-gets na crush mo pala itong si Enchong Dee. No offense to those who admire Enchong Dee but I don't find him attractive. Anyways, he is one of the main contract artists of the talent agency of ABS CBN, Star Magic. Today, he is seen with his primetime drama series Ina, Kapatid, Anak with Maja Salvador as his love interest. But before Maja, it was Erich Gonzales who became his perennial love team with such hits like Katorse, Tanging Yaman, Magkaribal and Maria la del Barrio. On the big screen, they had I Do as their first movie as a love team. This December 2012, he will be seen in the Metro Manila Film Festival entry The Strangers with Julia Montes.

Maybe there was something in him which my good friend liked about him. Since my dear friend loves going to beach and pools, eh ang Enchong Dee ay Olympian as a swimmer, so there was a reason why she liked him. Pero yung kuwento sa akin ni Lyrize, yun ang tumatak sa akin so I guess, make him a man na lang! Hehehehe!

RICH HERRERA - as far as I remember, he was with Rich Hardin who joined the Amazing Race Asia. But now, he is already residing in Singapore because he is one of the VJs of MTV Asia, who is based in the said country. He, together with Rich Hardin, were part of Mama Kris's game show venture The Price is Right as announcers of the participants and prizes. Yun lang so far ang alam ko about him.

She told me that he is her fantasy, as in super fantasy niyang ma-meet. I already saw some of her photos with him when the latter was strolling down BF Homes many years ago. I can't say anything about him because I don't know him too much, basta crush siya ni Rachela!

JOHN LLOYD CRUZ - no doubt he is the Philippines' most charming, illustrious and great thespian of all, I may say! He is also one of the main contract artists of Star Magic and one of the best actors in his generation. Currently, he is seen every night via the very beautiful drama series being produced by the Kapamilya network, A Beautiful Affair together with his love team of 10 years, Bea Alonzo. They also had together as Yuri and Katrina in Kay Tagal Kang Hinintay, Cielo and Lawrence in It Might Be You, Oliver and Jasmin in Ikaw ang Lahat sa Akin, Eli and Jackie in Maging Sino Ka Man series and Betty and Armando in I Love Betty La Fea (their names in A Beautiful Affair are Leon and Gen). On the big screen, who could forget My First Romance, as Bea and John Lloyd's very first movie as a love team, Now That I Have You, Dubai, Close To You, All About Love, A Very Special Love, You Changed My Life, In My Life, Miss You Like Crazy, Unofficially Yours, The Mistress and who could forget One More Chance, all from Star Cinema. He is also one of the most sought-after product endorsers like Biogesic, Lucky Me, Greenwich, Magic Flakes and so much more.

I was so amazed that Rachel has a huge crush to John Lloyd. Maybe it was after she watched The Mistress and she imagines herself as the role of Bea Alonzo. Yes, no doubt, even Rachela became the victim of the magnetic charm of Mr. John Lloyd Cruz.

ZAC EFRON - Everybody almost remember him as basketball player/heartthrob of East High Troy Bolton from the High School Musical series. Well, aside from his perfect body and abs, he is also remembered with movies like 17 Again with Matthew Perry and Michelle Trachtenburg, Charlie St. Cloud, Hairspray the musical movie with John Travolta and Amanda Bynes, and the recent adaptation of Nicholas Sparks novel, The Lucky One with Taylor Schilling. Right now, he is one of the global ambassadors of the retail brand Penshopppe. Well, I guess everybody still remembers him as Troy Bolton, the former boyfriend of Vanessa Hudgens and the song "We're Breaking Free!"

Siguro kaya rin siya naging crush ni Rachela because he has the greatest body. Siguro kaya rin siya naging crush ni Rachela because he has a beautiful voice. At siguro kaya siya naging crush ni Rachela because may hawig siya kay Ellen DeGeneres. He is an amazing guy and no wonder Rachela puts her eyes to him! Suwerte mo, tol!

DEREK RAMSAY - One of the best leading men in the entertainment industry, he is known to be Ram of No Other Woman and his recent film, as Anton in A Secret Affair. He was a Kapamilya before, being the official leading man of Judy Ann Santos in Ysabella and Habang May Buhay. Then he became Sharon Cuneta's co-host with The Biggest Loser Pinoy Edition. Right now, he is already a Kapatid star and already hosting his newest reality show entitled The Amazing Race Philippines. Soon, he will be part of the TV5 primetime hour with his series Kidlat with Nadine Samonte and Ritz Azul. Aside from No Other Woman and A Secret Affair, he has Corazon, Ang Unang Aswang, And I Love You So, Sakal Sakali Saklolo and Kasal Kasali Kasalo as his films under the Star Cinema production outfit.

Derek already visited our institution during our Intramurals 2010 and Rachela was there just to witness Derek. Yes, Rachela we had a picture together and it was so fun. His body and physique is a total manly and I could see he is overly delicious! Derek is Derek and it is amazing to be Rachela's crush!

MARIO MAURER - The Thai superstar became synonymous to the words handsome and gorgeous because of the sleeper hit Crazy Little Thing Called Love with Baifern Pimchanok Luevisadpaibul. But before his titanic status as heartthrob came into power, he had his first film entitled Love of Siam where he had his first time of kissing a male actor. But it was not about porn or "another-gay-movie" which it has a story. Recently, he starred Suddenly Its Magic with Erich Gonzales under Star Cinema and directed by Rory B. Quintos. There he is Marcus, a Thai superstar who wanted to have a vacation in the Philippines. Then he chose Ilocos as his itinerary because he wanted to be just alone and nobody knows him. There he meets Joey, a newly-brokenhearted girl which the only way she can rid of herself in sadness is by baking cupcakes and that's actually her business venture. And the love story of the two started.

Siyempre hindi ko ikukuwento sa iyo ang buong film and I want you to watch it. Hindi ko rin akalain na crush mo itong bagets na ito. Maybe you were so amazed because his face doesn't have any traces of pores and even pimples. Basta guwapo nga itong batang ito! Well, if you only knew that I know someone who has a huge crush in him. Want some clues? This person is part of our gang! More clues, ay teh! Ikaw na bahalang makaalam ng sagot! Hahahaha!

AGA MUHLACH -  This is definitely Rachela's ultimate crush since she was a child. As in siguro panahon pa ng Oki Doki Dok, crush na niya itong si Tito Aga kong beterinaryo! Well, aside from being a veterinarian, he also had so many sitcoms on ABS CBN like Da Pilya and Da Pilot where he became a pilot with Joyce Jimenez, OK Fine Whatever with Bayani Agbayani and Edu Manzano and his last sitcom, That's My Doc. But each one of us will surely remember his movies like Basta't Kasama Kita with Dayanara Torres, May Minamahal with Aiko Melendez, Sana Maulit Muli with Lea Salonga, Kailangan Kita and Dubai with Claudine Barretto, All My Life with Kristine Hermosa, Dahil May Isang Ikaw, Pangako Ikaw Lang and Of All The Things with Regine Velasquez, In the Name of Love with Angel Locsin, When Love Begins with Anne Curtis, Kung Ako Na Lang Sana with Sharon Cuneta and of course A Love Story with Maricel Soriano and Angelica Panganiban. When it comes to romantic movies, whether serious drama or comedy, it must be Aga Muhlach!

Hindi lang ikaw Rachela ang may crush kay Aga Muhlach. Well, excuse me hindi ako, but so many Filipinas are so into him. No wonder he is considered the Papa material, the boyfriend material and the husband material. Ikaw na malahian ng mga Muhlach, right? Anyways, his residence is only in Ayala Alabang, so puwede tayong bumisita sa kanila. Only if, the security guards of the village will allow us to visit him! Basta, kain na lang tayo sa Jollibee!

Ikaw na ang may maraming crush! Ikaw na maganda!

10. THE ONE WHO LOVES (500) DAYS OF SUMMER - She is the only girl who loves the story of Tom Hansen in (500) Days of Summer. Maybe there was a time in her life that she became not as the role of Zooey Deschanel but as the role of Joseph Gordon-Levitt. She loves everything about the movie, even the songs like Us by Regina Spektor and the song of Carla Bruni na French ang mga words. Her most favorite part of the film, the Expectation-Reality segment in which, according to her, been there done that, or done there been that?! When it comes on being in love, Rachela turns to be a gentleman not as a lady. Tried and tested na yan sa kanya, but of course, nakaka-turn off sa lalaki yung ganoon! Make sure next time, you would not be Tom Hansen but be like Summer! Or maybe Autumn. Or maybe makatagpo ka ng Autumn ng buhay mo!

11. THE TRAVELLER - She is a drastic traveller been to so many places not only here in the Philippines but around Asia (Asia pa lang!). She went already to Japan (a recent trip with her whole family), Australia (remember the kuwento you shared to me while we're inside the car!) and Korea (my dream destination!). Her mother used to work at the Philippine Airlines so the freebies and perks are all stake. How I wish we could join you in some of your galas anywhere Asia or even Europe and North America. Hopefully we could achieve what we want, either Singapore or Hong Kong. Well, what we can do in Hong Kong is to shop lang and go to Hong Kong Disneyland. Yun lang siguro ang pinakamagandang magagawa natin in those places.

12. STARBUCKS COFFEE DRINKER - Since the advent of our friendship circle, we never knew how to stay further at Starbucks Coffee. We all started accidentally when me, you, Lyrize, Sir Phil and Andrew made an invitation just to release our stress with our students and other people from our institution. Ayun, doon na nagsimula. Parang kayong dalawa ni Lyrize ang nagpakilala sa amin how to get through Starbucks. Well, not exactly but kapag may pag-uusapan tayong importante or just to stay and have fun, ang unang iisiping lugar to stay on is Starbucks Coffee. And at this moment, you were so busy completing the stickers to have your annual Starbucks Coffee planner. So you are asking me to buy the latest coffee frappes like Dark Cherry Mocha, Peppermint Mocha and Toffee Nut Mocha. Basta kapag si Rachel nagyayaya, malamang sa Starbucks tayo pupunta, lalong-lalo na sa BF Homes Phase 1.

13. THE KIDS LOVE HER SOOOO MUCH - She was telling us that she wanted to teach Casa kids because she believed she was destined to be there. One time, she was helping some teachers of Casa having practice at our mini gym and in fairness naman talaga sa iyo, bagay kang magturo sa kanila. But then again, you told me that you don't have a hype with little kids, like Grade School kids. Well, I can say that most of her former high school students love her because they look up at her as an older sister or even a mother (no offense, my friend!) dahil mala-Mother Teresa yata siya when it comes to advice to her students. May pagkakataon din na isinusumpa niya ang mga estudyante niya for being too naughty and, yes worst. Still, her kids love her sooooooooo much (maraming o yan meaning that's the number of love they are giving to you!).

14. WE WILL RUN SOON AT BGC, BELIEVE ME! - We both love Bonifacio Global City in Taguig. It's heaven, it's beautiful, it's wonderful, lahat na ng magandang description, it can be put to BGC! And for us, both runners (well ako not exactly), BGC is the place to go. I told her that we will go back to BGC just to run together with our friends! Kahit siguro magkandawala kami sa BGC for as long as it's still part of BGC, we will run! I dream of joining Run BGC event and I will ask you to join me, together with the rest of the runners like Piolo Pascual, Coach Rio dela Cruz and Karylle and of course, Sir Zen and Sir Greg (okay lang ba sa iyo, hehehe!). Basta before the year ends, we will go back to BGC and run very, very soon!

15. AN ARBORIAN AND A THOMASIAN - She has a blood of being a true Arborian. She started her education at our institution and since then, hindi na siya umalis dito. I've seen some of her yearbooks and nakita ko ang kanyang mukha. Can you imagine that before she became a teacher, she was one of the students who roamed around the corridors and hallways of our institution. And before she was standing in front of the students, she was actually sitting in one of the armchairs and listening to her teachers. Can you imagine that today, she's one of the facilitators of the club but then, she was one of the eager students who wanted to join almost any clubs in our institution. And can you imagine that before she become the trainer of the volleyball club of our institution, she was being trained to become one of the best volleyball players. Everything about her high school is always about our institution, thus making herself a true-blooded Arborian. College never looked that good when she became a Thomasian. She finished her bachelor's degree in Economics at the Pontifical and Royal University of Santo Tomas. And yes, she is so proud to be called one of the Tigers, a Tomasino or a Thomasian. For four years, she has been part of an everyday cycle of life of a Thomasian, especially the times na naaabutan siya ng baha sa Espana at kailangan niyang mag-stay or even mag-overnight sa UST. I don't know her whereabouts and thingamajigs during her college days, basta UST siya! So gumo-Go USTE! siya most of the time! Whatever she is, an Arborian or Thomasian, she is definitely a true-blooded one!

16. FINISH YOUR THESIS, PLEASE! - Mayroon daw siyang target date na before ipalabas ang Despicable Me 2 on 2013 and I guess, it's nearing na and her thesis about something is not yet being started.  She told me that she wanted to take Education units and have her master's degree in early childhood education but how will she start those things if she is not yet done with her current master's degree at Polytechnic University of the Philippines. Guess we need to push her more just to begin her thesis. Saka na muna ang love life at boys, mas unahin mo muna ang pag-aaral. Finish your thesis, please! Kami na bahala ni Andrew mag-check niyang thesis statement mo. Then sila Juanito and Christopher ang bahala sa defense mo. Then sila Julie Girl and Theresa na bahalang magpa-bookbind ng finished product ng thesis mo! All you have to do is to start! Since you already have your inspiration, you have to start! Go!

17. THE GUY WHO KEEPS HERSELF SMILING - Look at this picture. Tell me what's on her mouth.

I don't know what is it but I guess it's Whipped Cream. And the whipped cream that she knows and I know and everybody knows makes and keeps her smiling. I know that I am not allowed to show the face of the very lucky guy who have made my good friend smiling and too excited to wake up each morning and go home after her work. And every time she goes to Starbucks and ordering coffee or waffle, she always makes it a point that there's an added whipped cream in her frappucino or waffle snack. And sometimes, she even mixes the whipped cream with her ordered frappucino. And she even bought one dozen of whipped cream and then putting... It's only a joke! Okay lang yata sa kanyang tumaba for as long as may whipped cream in almost everything. Pero parang kadiri naman yata for instance, gusto niya ng sisig and instead of mayonnaise, ang ipapalagay niya whipped cream. For instance sa Jolly Hotdog instead of mustard and ketchup, ang ipapalagay niya whipped cream. Kapag sa pasta carbornara, instead of cream of mushroom soup, ang isasahog niya sa sauce, whipped cream. Even when going to the beach, instead of putting suntan lotion, she will use whipped cream. Instead of shampoo and conditioner, she will use whipped cream. Instead of Joy dishwashing liquid, she will use whipped cream. Worse comes to worst, for her breakfast, lunch, snacks, supper and midnight snack, she will eat and drink and gulp as her medicine, walang iba kung hindi WHIPPED CREAM!!!

You might wonder why the letters W and C are underlined. It's because a guy somewhere in Phase 1 makes her smile all throughout, ear to ear. He's a model and an assistant manager in a known coffee shop in the Philippines.

I know that this is totally late but you should not feel weary about my blog post to you. Anyways, the whole month of November should be celebrated as your birthday. Ayaw mo noon, lahat ng tao sa buong mundo maaalala nila that when November comes, it must be Rachel's birthday!

I want to end this blog post of mine to you with my most favorite picture of yours...

You are wearing your mom's upper dress and you only accessorized it with belt. The moment you came to me, I was so delighted because you are so much of a girl when I saw you with this. Well, I apologize that I poked you as a source of laughter when I told the other teachers that Girl Scouts Investiture is not yet done. I like it and hopefully this is not the last time you're going to be a girl that I like you to be!

Happy 24th Birthday Ma. Rachel "Alexia" Tabamo Valencia. Hope you had a full blast!!!

Hope you surely like this!!!

Toodles, Alexia!!!

special thanks to your Facebook account and google.com for the pictures...

Thursday Poetry

Joyride

Starting the engine of my gullible vehicle

And then asking my brain to where are we heading for

He then tells my feet and hands to just plow the way

So begins my journey to a place I have no idea to

But I guess the joyride I wanted is incomplete

Because I am the only one inside of my vehicle

I'm looking to my right, no one is with me

Guess I am only the happiest, nobody deserves me

Truthfully, I used to imagine you sitting next to me

Sharing the stories, ours to be heard and listened

The secrets that we try to woe and to dissect

And next is the love to flourish not just as a thought

As I traverse the road, some things are seen

Reminds me of you, reminds me of the best

If only we could see both the beauty what's outside

Then, holding our hands we'll see the real world 

All kinds of joyrides are not always with straight path

Sometimes, you tend to stop and you tend to take a break

It just so happened, you just need to refill up

So the next will definitely be a smooth way to go

So the joyride you wished came up to the end

The destination is reached, the greatness is felt

I will turn off the engine, and get out of the car

And feel the love in the world with the one you've wished for

Turns out, you are just alone... :(

Toodles!

Isang Natatanging Tula Para Sa Aking Kumare

Happy Birthday to you, Mare!

O heto na aking kumare ang aking pagbibigay sa iyo

Sa ating pagkakaibigan, ito ang aking simpleng regalo

Isang tulang magpapatunay sa ating pagsasamahan

Isang biglaan sa simula, tingin ko'y hanggang sa dulo na

Ang ganda mo, yun lang ang masasabi ko, ang ganda mo

Hindi mo man ipakita sa madla pero napakaganda mo

Kahit sino man ang lumingon, mapapalingon muli sa iyo

Mapapalalaki man o pusong lalaki, tiyak magagandahan sa'yo

Ikaw lang ang kilala kong babaeng mahilig sa pula

Hindi ko lang mawari kung ano ba ang dahilan kaya?

Basta ang alam lang namin, bagay sa iyong ang kulay

Pula na ang ibig sabihi'y matapang at matatag sa buhay

Kapag tayo'y nagsama, talo pa ang mga komedyante

Dahil na rin siguro na tayo'y pareho nang kampante

Sa bilis ng ating utak makapag-isip ng mga biro

Na alam nating ang mga mahal nati'y sa tawa'y hapong-hapo

Ikaw lang ang tanging kakampi ko tungkol sa Muntinlupa

Ang ating mahal na lungsod na di hamak na napakaganda

Magsama raw tayong dalawa at lalo pang mas hahalina

Dahil sa Muntinlupa, lahat nagkakaisa dahil may disiplina

Pagdating naman sa pagdadamit, aba'y walang duda

Ikaw na talaga ang laging sumusunod sa kung anong moda

Kaya rin kita tinawag sa ngalang Julia Roberts, lola

Kahit anong simpleng damit, gumaganda't bumubongga

Sa pagtuturo ng ating pambansang wika, ikaw na talaga

Pagdating sa mga leksyon ng wika, lahat napapanganga

Gusto kong laging pagtapatin kung anong meron sa amin

Malamang sa Filipino, sa Ingles may katapat yan, aminin

Kaya rin siguro mahal na mahal ka ng mga estudyante mo

Dahil ikaw ang ina nila sa paaralan, hindi lamang isang guro

Kung pangaralin mo'y parang sila'y sarili o iyong-iyo

Kaya ang isinusukli sa iyo'y walang sawang pag-ibig at mundo

Wala rin sigurong tatalo sa mga mala-higanteng banat mo

Alam ko naman na ikaw ay simpleng nagpapakatotoo

Mahal mo lang kaming kaibigan mo kaya dapat sabihin

Ang totoong alam mong makakatulong ng malaki sa amin

At kung siya'y naaagrabyado't, nasasaktan na sa dusa

Tao lang din siyang nanghihina at naiiyak na sa tuwina

Pero kilala kita, anupa't pagsubok ang dumating sa iyo

Haharapin mo ito dahil ang ating Diyos ay karamay mo

At wala ring makakatalo sa isang pagkakataong pinili mo

Ang magpaka-nanay sa tatlong mahal na mahal mo, oo

Si Yaki, si Xandi at ang inaanak kong si Andrei 

Hindi ko man alam ngunit alam kong mahal ka na havey na havey!

Siyempre, hindi natin makakalimutan ang hari sa buhay mo

Si Kuya Archie na kung saan napakaganda ng pagsasama niyo

May mga dumaan man, mahirap at masarap, magkapiling pa rin

Mahalin ang isa't isa dahil iyan ang pangako niyo pa man din

Sa iyong kaarawan, hatid naming lahat ng mga kaibigan mo

Pati si Sharon Cuneta, sa halaw ng "Happy Birthday" ng McDo

Isang maligayang kaarawan at walang katapusang kaligayahan

Na nawa'y matamasa mo pa lahat sa buhay mong napakatatag

Akalain mong ang edad mo'y wala na sa kalendaryo

Pero ang "peg" mo ay parang pangdalawampu't tatlo

Ipagpatuloy mo lang, mare, kung ano ang nararapat sa iyo

Dahil minsan lang tayong mamuhay sa walang kasiguraduhang mundo

O siya, mare, nawa'y natuwa ka sa kung anong inihanda ko

Simple lang ito pero alam kong masasabi mong "rock" ito!

Maligayang kaarawan sa iyo, Ginang Arlene Cruspero Alfonso

Stay beautiful as always, and more importantly, God bless you!

Toodles, Mrs. Alfonso!!!

Sembreak Journal: Trick or Treat

Awoooo!!! Happy Halloween!!!

Some people from the church were disregarding this kind of celebration because we were acquiring an idea of a bad one. I don't know, besides I'm not celebrating Halloween at all!

Since I was a child, I never experienced even joined those kinds of activities about Halloween. Aside from its spookiness, I just don't understand why do they poke some fun to the people who were not here anymore, meaning dead people. Well, they give me goosebumps and with those kinds of costumes (those eerie costumes), so I never imagined myself joining or wasting my time roaming around the village and asking for candies.

In our institution, it is my tradition to ask for my students to bring packs of candies and giving it to the kids wearing their costumes. Last time I had it, I felt that I was a politician on top of my veranda showering my constituents with candies. I love it especially when the kids are really shouting my name asking to give them handfuls of candies. This year, I did the same thing with matching shouting of "Trick or Treat!"

Earlier this evening, I was shocked because a lot of kids are shouting "Trick or Treat!" in front of our home. Well, I guess it's not yet already Christmas so why am I going to shout "Patawad!" to them?

Trick or Treat!!!

Toodles!!!

Sembreak Journal: Alabang

Nagpunta ako sa Alabang kanina at grabe, para lang akong tanga dahil walang kakuwenta-kuwenta ang nangyari sa akin.

First place that I went is Asian Hospital and Medical Center. I was supposed to see this doctor that Mama used to ask for consultation and prescription. Bad thing is, umalis na raw agad yung doctor. Good thing because next to the hospital is another hospital called Ospital ng Muntinlupa. I saw his schedule, 1:00 pm pa ang start ng kanyang clinic, so I went to Madrigal to encash my cheque.

But nainis lang ako because the cheque I was holding for it to be encashed, hindi puwede dahil hindi nakapangalan sa akin ang cheque. The nerve! I was really disappointed. I really told myself, gusto ko ng umuwi. At gusto ko ng umuwi. I texted my colleagues, Sir Ronald and Teacher Roxanne if they have the numbers to be called or to be texted. I received numbers but I didn't texted her kasi baka...

Anyways, I went back to Filinvest to go to Ospital ng Muntinlupa just for the signature of the doctor. Since it is a government hospital, expect mo na magulo ang system. I don't know where to go. I'm not going to consult but still I don't know where to go. May isang nurse doon, I asked a question, mantakin mong hindi alam ang Conversation 101. Haaay, the nerve in government hospital.

I ended my stint sa Alabang eating the newest flavor of Magnum called Choco-Capuccino. But I still prefer the Chocolate Truffle and the Classic.

Ayun, dinaan ko na lang sa tulog ang lahat.

Sorry, but why to go to Fort Bonifacio if we already have Filinvest City in Alabang, right? Even Alabang Town Center is just a stone throw away from it.

I love Alabang! Do you?

Toodles!!!

Sembreak Journal: Tita Annie!!!

I am writing this blog post for my lovely Tita Annie, the mother of my kapatid forever, Lyrize!

I can give eight adjectives to Tita Annie.

1. BEAUTIFUL - Inside and out! She is very beautiful with the way she talks to us. She is very beautiful with the way she treats us like sons and daughters. That's why no one can beat the beautiful heart of Tita Annie!

2. BIG - Not by her size and shape but with the size and shape of her heart! When she welcomes us in her home, she opens her very big heart and gives us a warm embrace! She's having a very, very big heart and again, no one compares to that!

3. HARDWORKING - I only knew today that she was at her youngest of 21 when she started working as a mighty Overseas Filipino Worker! Hats off, Tita! Ikaw na talaga ang umo-OFW! No wonder she became an example of true success of an OFW in Saudi Arabia. And no wonder my kapatid is also like you!

4. STRONG-WILLED - As an OFW, of course her distance with her family is a total mile! Which I give her this adjective because she doesn't let herself feel homesick and alone. She is strong-willed, she fights for her homesickness and she does her everything for her family.

5. MOTHERLY - She is a mother that you would surely love. Her stories about her daughters and her husband Tito Lito is really worth-listening. With those stories she shared to us, I would surely say that Tita Annie is truly having a motherly love not only to her family but to all of us.

6. DEVOTED - She's a devoted one not only to God but to her family as well. No doubt, she's been blessed with so many things she has right now!

7. SUNNY - Not as a weather condition but her disposition. She has one of the sunniest disposition I've ever known and no doubt how Lyrize, Laurice and Ate Lyanne accumulated that personality!

And lastly...

8. CHRISTIAN - She is the children of God! She is so proud to say to us that God loves us so much. Thanks Tita for allowing me to be part of your family not as Lyrize's friend but as Lyrize's kapatid! And that's how a good Christian should be!

Hopefully you have a great trip going back to Jeddah, Saudi Arabia. Don't worry Tita, we're all okay and we will always pray for your safety, health and peace in your mind. From the bottom of my heart, it is so nice to meeting you and thank you for everything!

Toodles, Tita Annie!!!

Sembreak Journal: Galit-Galit

This time, I'll be writing my blog in a conversational Filipino way.

Lagi na lang kaming nag-aaway. Lagi na lang kaming nagsisigawan. Lagi na lang kaming nagkakatampuhan. Laging ganyan at nakakapagod na. Nakaka-stress na. But who can't resist your parents, diba? Ang anak talaga, as much as possible, kailangang pagtiisan ang magulang dahil, in the first place, and kahit pagbalig-baligtarin mo man ang mundo, nanay at tatay mo pa rin sila. So, wala tayong magagawa. Kahit lampas na tayo sa marrying age at going to grandparents age na tayo, at kung nandiyan pa rin sila at kumakalinga pa rin sa atin, wala tayong magagawa!

For the whole day, I never talked to them. Kasi nag-aaway silang dalawa. At kapag nag-aaway silang dalawa, hello stress ang drama! Kaya may times na gusto ko silang iwan para sila ang mag-usap. Kinausap ko ang isa, nagpaliwanag, medyo nagpaligoy-ligoy pa pero nakuha ko rin naman ang point, well somehow. Kinausap ko ang isa, ayun may napala rin naman ako. Then we're okay.

Ganoon lang yun kasimple. A Filipino family will never be strong without circumstances. It brings out the best in them so no other can compare with the bonding of the Filipino family.

Yes, friends! We're so much okay na! Hindi na kami galit-galit!!!

Toodles!!!

Sembreak Journal: Terrified

The first time I heard this beautiful song was in 2010. I was, I think, doing something at that time when I heard this song over the radio. I didn't even know the title of the song so I went to the computer just to know its lyrics, its title and the people who sang this. And then on, I knew it and it played almost to my entire life. It was sang by Katharine McPhee and Jason Reeves but Zachary Levi also has a version. Nevertheless, the music is beautiful!

I was even thinking while listening to this song that I was with someone doing a pre-nuptial video. Turns out I guess it will never happen... But, maybe, it will!

Enough of drama... Let me share to you the lyrics of the song "Terrified" by Katharine McPhee and Jason Reeves.

Terrified

You by the light is the greatest find

In a world full of wrong you're the thing that's right

Finally made it through the lonely to the other side

You said it again, my heart's in motion

Every word feels like a shooting star

I'm at the edge of my emotions

Watching the shadows burning in the dark

And I'm in love and I'm terrified

For the first time and the last time

In my only life

This could be good

It's already better than last

And nothing's worse than knowing
You're holding back

I could be all that you needed

If you let me try

You said it again, my heart's in motion

Every word feels like a shooting star

I'm at the edge of my emotions

Watching the shadows burning in the dark

And I'm in love and I'm terrified

For the first time and the last time

In my only...

I only said it 'cause I mean it

I only mean it 'cause it's true

So don't you doubt what I've been dreaming

'Cause it fills me up and holds me close

Whenever I'm without you

You said it again, my heart's in motion

Every word feels like a shooting star

Watching the shadows burning in the dark

I'm at the edge of my emotions

And I'm in love and I'm terrified

For the first time and the last time

In my only life

Beautiful song indeed, right?

Toodles!!!

Thanks to azlyrics.com for the perfect lyrics!

Sembreak Journal: The Box Full of Memories

It has been a year after I wrote here in my blogsite about my doings during my 12 Days of Semester Break.

Last year I did a round-up of all the things I've done for a day during my 12-day semester break. And now, I'm doing it again but this time, differently. Different in a sense of, I only have 10 days of break, I will not give you details of the things I've made for the day but 10 different things that is so memorable or so special to me. I will only make a very short blog post today.

I was cleaning my cabinet when I saw a box with a label in it, "CLASS CARDS ITO!" My class cards in college are still alive! Meaning to say that I can still see the grades that I've received from my wonderful professors. It was actually incomplete because one class card that I have (I don't know that subject). While I was looking at all of it, I thought every milestones that I encountered while I was still in college.

The enrollment blues that always changed every semester, the piling-up of people just for paying the tuition fee, the two systems that we have: paying (which I belong) and non-paying (which they would only pay P50.00), the waiting scene at the Acuario, everything I remember about my college life. Actually, I always brag this to my friends and to my students that for everything in my student life, college is my most memorable. I gained my confidence, I gained my strength, I had so much friends, I even felt how is it to be loved by someone! College will never be looked good if you've never enjoyed it.

Well, I enjoyed! And that's why I am wanting to study again. I wanted to go back as a student. It is true that I am so much envious with my friends who are now studying. I just don't know why I can't push it through? I always keep on promising but still I can't do it.

So every time I am looking for all of my class cards, probably it draws me near to what I am wanting to do, to study again! Soon.

Toodles!!!

P.S. The median score of my grades was 2.00... My weighted average is 1.98.

And yes, I'll be studying about English. Soon!!!

Buscopan and Other Brouhahas

I wasn't able to go to work today because of stomachache. It all started last Saturday when I devoured myself with food. We celebrated the christening of my dear niece Jhoirwin Daryce in Makati and of course, as part of the tradition of being a Balota, we had food! I'm not being too grand but I consumed almost five plates of food. Grabe sa katakawan! And now, I'm having a problem with my gastrointestinal tracts or stomach or whatever, I can't stand too long because of stomach cramps. I went in and out of the toilet just to flush out something from inside. And yes, I am too much in pain now.

Well, that incident inspires me to do some brouhahas this day. I am absent so I will write something for the benefit of those people suffering from stomachache like me! Hehehehe!

FIFTY SHADES OF GREY - I already bought my very first book of the Fifty Shades Trilogy. Thanks for the early payday, I went straight to Powerbooks in Festival Supermall to buy my newest venture to literature. According to my dear friends and to some people who already bought it, I would surely love the character of Christian Grey, a young entrepreneur who has a dark past and a beautiful and extraordinary life. There she meets Anastasia Steele, a literature student who fell in love with Christian. Thus becomes together and set themselves on fire. My dear friend told me that I should buy the three books in the price of one but I don't like the idea because I wanted to suspense myself with the book. If ever I completed all of the books, I will start reading it. I don't care if other people seeing me reading the book in public due to its fact that the audience should be matured and adult enough to understand. Some reports are being told that a motion picture is in the works for this literary masterpiece and Ian Somerhalder is Christian Grey. Hmmm... Interesting though, especially the scene were playing fire will be done! Next and the next payday, I will purchase Fifty Shades Darker and Fifty Shades Freed. Oh, E.L. James (initially, I thought he was a male), how did you imagine all of those things, huh?

JEEPNEY TV - I was browsing our TV when I saw this new channel showcasing old movies and old shows from ABS CBN. I was so happy and glued into it because they will show us again our most favorite Kapamilya shows from late 80's to recent years. It was named Jeepney TV, and its catchphrase was "Ang Nawala, Magbabalik!" Everyday, I always tune in to this channel because I remember most of my childhood years and my teenage sensations. Especially those programs that reminds me of my favorite Kapamilya celebrities and stars like Claudine Barretto, the late Rico Yan, Dolphy, Camille and John Prats, Judy Ann Santos, Jolina Magdangal and so much more. This channel is very nostalgic, brings you back in time in our heydays! I want to see these programs again in Jeepney TV:

          1. Palibhasa Lalake - unarguably one of the best sitcoms on ABSCBN! Most noted in this program is the "laglagan" and the "basaan" portion!
          2. Mara Clara - a recent Mara Clara was good (starred Julia Montes and Kathryn Bernardo) but as what they say, nothing beats the classic. The physical wars of Judy Ann Santos as Mara and Gladys Reyes as Clara is what I wanted to see and then basing their superstar status on how did they curse each other.
          3. Abangan Ang Susunod Na Kabanata - another best sitcom of ABSCBN! I remember the characters of Congressman Tengco, Mrs. Tengco, and Dino Tengco. I only knew recently that it was considered a satire due to its theme enacting the present situation of that time, a mayaman, a middle-class, and a mahirap.
          4. Gimik - the story of friendship of Dianne, Ricky, Gina, Gary, Ese, Joey, Jigs and Melanie will surely reminisced of the youth of the 90s. Plus the music background of some of the best music in the past two decades! And the fashion sense of both boys and girls, it reminds me of my two sisters who were in college during the Gimik fever!
          5. Sa Dulo Ng Walang Hanggan - this for me is the best Claudine Barretto drama series of ABS CBN. Especially the fight not only between Angeline and Sally but with Sally and Simang. Mylene Dizon brought herself into the brink of the wall of the best kontrabidas in Philippine television. And Eugene Domingo became a household name because of her character as Simang.
          6. Eh Kasi Bata! - during my childhood days, this was the best children show. Aiza Seguerra, Lady Lee, LA Lopez, RR Herrera and Kathleen Gokieng (?) were the host of this program and they were delighting us kids with their dance moves and singing prowess.
          7. Maging Sino Ka Man - this is again one of the best drama series ABS CBN had ever produced and shown to the public. John Lloyd Cruz became his best and Anne Curtis was a revelation here especially the now-known quotable line "Yes, I'm a slut but I'm the best slut in town!"
          8. Today with Kris Aquino - this is Mama Kris's very first show on ABS CBN. It was shown then in the afternoon before Tessie Tomas's Teysi ng Tahanan paved her way for then becoming "Queen of Talk" in the morning, pre-lunch timeslot.
          9. Morning Girls with Kris and Korina - this is another best of Kris Aquino's talk show together with Korina Sanchez! I love the part of their talk show before is their own stand or say with the issues of those times. And the love stories of Kris Aquino to then Mark Lapid and Korina to Senator Mar Roxas. The former became husbands and wives while the latter became nowhere in sight in Loveland.
          10. Tabing-Ilog - the Dawson's Creek of the Philippines. I don't know if it's based or loosely based or inspired or whatever. Rovic and Eds are the dynamic duo but I love the love team between James and George. But what I love with the whole program, the pristine waters of Pagsanjan River!

NUTELLA IS LOVE, LOVE IS NUTELLA - Thanks to my best buddy for giving me a factual idea that Nutella is certainly as delicious as heaven and as wonderful as music! Nutella brings so much joy to my very simple bread. Whenever I go home, I always make it a point to get some pieces of bread and spread the Nutella all over it! My first purchase of Nutella was when S&R recently had a sale and then on, it all started my desire with it. I've seen some of desserts made entirely by Nutella like cakes, breads, and even smoothies. But don't get too enticed with it chocolatey goodness; it is actually made of hazelnut mixed with skimmed milk and cocoa. It looks like a chocolate spread because of the color but it's not. Anyways, what's important is the joy it gives not only to me and to most of the people around the world. They even have a fanpage on Facebook and I guess, an account on Twitter. So that each time a bottle of Nutella is over, I would surely get another one. Another one of its great flavor, luscious chocolatey taste! Yummy!

SEMBREAK IS COMING! - My dear friends who were studying for their master's bombarded me with messages telling me that finally they're done with their final examinations. But still, they have to face what they are about to do, doing exams, flourishing grades and so much more. I was thinking of a great vacation with my family or with my friends. Theresa said it's pretty amazing to wander around in Tagaytay City. I would suggest to have a great roadtrip with my friends, probably going to Batangas or to Tagaytay or even further north. Whatever it is, I can't wait for the semester break. But I guess, how can I do it if at the back of your head, you're still thinking of things you would to your return on November. Tsk!

IMPACHO - Sounds like impakto, right? It was Saturday and the tradition of our family was to cook luscious for any kinds of celebration. My cousins prepared sumptuous meals to us like fried rice (the most delicious fried rice I've ever tasted!), pasta, lumpiang Shanghai, buffalo wings, and so much more. But the best dish that they've served to their guests is the California maki, which is sooo my favorite! Yum! I had too much of it that's why the result was overeating and stomachache! Tsk! I thought that coffee can remedy my stomach cramps but it made worse! I can't position myself correctly when I sleep because my stomach really aches harshly! Sunday morning, we went to the Church and I can't stand because the pain is really excruciating! The most hellish pain that I've felt was when I was watching This Guy's In Love With U Mare. I can laugh too hard because I feel the ache! I went home teary-eyed not because of the story of the movie but because of the pain I feel. Good thing that today, it doesn't attack me anymore!

So I would like to extend my warmest gratitude to Buscopan for easing out the pain of my stomach.

Tomorrow, I can already go to school!

That's it!!!

Toodles!!! :)

The Teacher Chronicles

Dahil sa paglalaro namin noong mga bata pa kami ng aking mga friendship dito sa amin ay hindi papasok sa utak ko na "balang araw, magiging teacher din ako!" Isang hapon din noon, na-inspire ako sa adviser ko noong Grade 2 kaya pag-uwi ko sa bahay, nagmala-teacher ako. Good thing, mayroon akong maliit na blackboard (na ginagamit noon sa pagso-score ng darts) ay may malaking-malaking illustration board ako. Nagtuloy-tuloy ang imagination kong ako ay isang teacher noong high school ako. Tuwang-tuwa kasi ako sa mga class records ng mga teachers ko dahil ang taba-taba at ang daming pagsusulatan ng mga names. Another thing, depende ang kulay na gagamitin mong pang-cover ng lesson plan sa year level na handle mo. Green for first year, yellow for second year, blue for third year and red naman for fourth year. Dahil diyan, bumibili-bili ako ng dalawang class record sa Lily's sa may San Vicente sa San Pedro at yes, gumagawa-gawa ako ng pangalan ng magiging students ko. Sa imagination ko, second year adviser ako at ang subject na hawak ko, kunwari, ay Filipino. Tapos siyempre, star section adviser ako. Tapos, the following school year raw, naging third year adviser ako, star section pa rin at Filipino pa rin raw ang hawak ko, second year and third year. Mas pinili ko raw ang third year dahil sa tinatawag na "transition period." Going to college, tama lang talaga ang pinili kong course as first choice sa Pamantasan ng Lungsod ng Maynila, Bachelor of Secondary Education major in Communication Arts English (kami yata ang may pinakamahabang pangalan na course sa buong university!). Nagbalak din akong magpalit ng course kasi parang hindi masaya sa simula and I also thought na parang nakaka-boring ang course ng education. Pero dahil na rin sa mga kaibigan ko and sa mga taong nakapalibot sa akin, at sa current issues about education, nagpasya akong mag-stay muna. In 2008, I graduated (maski paano with flying colors) and that same year, I acquired my very first license to teach. Professional teacher ang tawag na sa akin at dahil lamang sa teacher-teacheran na ang hawak kong subject ay English hanggang sa naging kunwa-kunwaring Filipino teacher ako sa imagination ko hanggang sa naging English major ako sa PLM at hanggang sa English and Civics teacher for Grades 3, 4, 5 and 6 sa present institution ko ngayon, I could say that it's more fun to be a teacher!

They say that being a teacher is having a noble kind of profession. No one can become a president, a lawyer, an engineer, an architect, a doctor, even an actor or actress if the teacher is not around. Kumbaga, dapat talaga ang may pinakamalaking suweldo sa lahat ng profession ay teacher. Can you imagine Steve Jobs na hindi niya magagawa ang iPod, iPhone at iPad if most of his idea came from another person, and that would be his teacher. Can you imagine Albert Einstein's idea of the theory of relativity na hindi magiging possible kung wala siyang natutunan sa mga teachers niya! Can you imagine Meryl Streep winning an Oscar Best Actress trophy not because of herself I guess kung hindi dahil na rin sa naging teacher niya sa acting school! Can you imagine the greatest leaders in the greatest countries today; they can't have what they know if not because of one person, their teacher. Kaya every time I go inside of my classroom, bigla ko na lang naiisip na "ano kayang mangyayari sa mga estudyante kong ito?" "One day kaya kapag naging sikat na sila, matatandaan pa kaya nila ako?" "Balang araw kaya pasasalamatan nila ako?" Hopefully yes pero may mga tao talagang nakalasap lang ng tagumpay, they have the best of both worlds: money and fame, ayan nakakalimutan nang magpasalamat sa mga taong nag-aruga at nag-nurture sa kanila. Pero may iba pa rin talaga na they make the most out of their lives just to look for their teachers that once became part of their daily lives.

Siyempre, dumaan rin naman ako sa pagiging estudyante at may mga pagkakataon talagang may katatakutan kang teacher at may mamahalin kang teacher! In fairness naman, tanda ko pa ang mga naging teachers ko simula noong nagsimula akong mag-aral hanggang sa nagtapos.

Pre-Elementary: Mrs. Josephine Brusola and Mrs. Alma Tacsuan
Elementary: Mrs. Emilyn Kua, Mrs. Lorna Montalbo, Mrs. Leticia Mendoza, Mrs. Lanie Pura, Mrs. Rebecca Cabilar, Ms. Ma. Magdalena Reyes, Ms. Lea Orijuela, Mrs. Gloria Santiago, Ms. Janet Guieb, Mr. Lyndon Marfil, Ms. Eloisa Ingua, Ms. Adelia Loresca, Ms. Armi Lopez, Ms. Edwina Villaflor
High School: Ms. Juanita Abarquez, Ms. Arletta Alora, Ms. Aimee Baldovino, Mr. Romeo Bautista, Mrs. Lorabel Borgonia, Mr. Lolito Cejero, Jr., Ms. Wilhelmina De Grato, Mr. Nestor Del Rio, Jr., Mr. Julius Edrosalam, Mrs. Marie Jane Escobin, Mrs. Fe Esquillo (+), Ms. Myrna Fajardo (now Montecillo), Mrs. Marietta Gallardo, Mrs. Ruth Herrera, Mr. Francisco Lacuesta, Ms. Ma. Cecilia Lagundino (now Suinan), Ms. Mercy Rasdas, Ms. Girlie Rellosa, Mrs. Rosanna Remoquillo, Mr. Eduardo Remudo, Mrs. Lita Remudo, Mrs. Janette Salazar, Bro. Ador Salen, Mrs. Gina Valencia, Ms. Radaly Victor, Ms. Ana Victoria Yorro
College: Mr. Victor Alac, Mr. Christopher Bandojo, Ms. Iza Anchustegui, Mrs. Zenaida Pegtuan, Ms. Loida Escamillas, Mrs. Christine Tuano, Prof. Divina Bumatay, Dr. Daisy Hicarte, Dr. Myrna Gil, Ms. Jeannifer Ramos, Ms. Nerissa Gabelo, Dr. Annie Gallardo, Mr. Roberto Ines.

Kung napapansin ninyong may mga underline na pangalan, sila po ang masasabi kong inspirasyon ko kung bakit ako nangarap, at nagpatuloy na maging isang magaling na guro. Ewan ko lang kung sa ngayon, masasabi kong magaling ako hangga't may nagsasabi sa akin na bata, magulang at kapwa ko teachers, pero base na rin sa mga naririnig ko at nararamdaman ko, oo nga, siguro magaling ako.

Sometimes, I feel the ups and the downs of becoming an educator. Hindi rin kasi lahat ng mga estudyante, pabor sa mga pinapagawa mo, and lalo na kapag almost everyday, nagagalit ang isang teacher sa kanila. Nasasaktan ako kapag may nababalitaan akong mga teacher na nirereklamo ng pananakit sa mga students nila. Kaya tuloy minsan, naaapektuhan not only with their profession but also with their personal life. Masakit isipin na laging kapakanan ng mga bata ang naiisip pero kung tutuusin, sa halos araw-araw mong pakikisama sa kanila at kung anu-ano na ang ginagawa nila, mawawalan ka rin talaga ng pasensya. Yes, I also became a student, I became part of the problems of the teachers, and even I became the paranoia of the teachers that
ano kaya ang iniisip naming mga estudyante sa kanila. I became a pasaway to my teachers, I lambasted them behind their back, I did not follow some of their instructions because I wanted my own way, I even answered my teachers back. Yes, siguro lahat ng mga iyan, balik sa akin ngayong nagtuturo na ako, at ganoon pala ang feeling ng nababastos, ng naneneglect, ng hindi nasusunod. Masakit pala, and the worst thing, ikaw pa ang biktima ng sitwasyon. That's why there were moments that you wanted to stop, you wanted to quit and you wanted to venture to another career path. Minsan talaga masasabi mo na lang that you're burned out of the situation. Kasi halos araw-araw, ganoon at ganoon na lang ang ginagawa mo. You'll be doing this because it's your task, it's your duty, it's part of your job. Magtuturo oo, magpapagawa ng seat work, yes, kukuha ng mga projects and all that, yes. Motivated, I don't think so? Rewards, hopefully! Appreciation, wala!

But despite those things that I've reported, one thing is for sure, teaching is the noblest of all! Wala man motivation, rewards and appreciation, well-appreciated ka by Him! Rewarded ka pa by almost all of your students and co-teachers! Motivation, by a simple smile from your student means so much to you! Ang ayaw ko lang ang tingin sa mga teachers, mas maliit pa sa daga. And I really hate the idea na "walang yumayaman sa pagiging teacher!" Are we talking about business here, the profits, the supplies and demands, the stocks here? Hindi naman, and as far as I remember, we're talking about touching and molding lives here! Hindi man yumaman ang teacher by means like house and lot, gadgets, round-trip tickets to anywhere in the world, mayaman naman kami sa inspiration. We inspire people, and when we inspire, we become rich!

And I don't like also the idea that they don't need teachers anymore to be educated. Teaching them I guess it's a passe but to educate them is classic. Kailangan niyo pa rin kaming mga teachers, mga anak! Believe me, nothing beats the greatness of somebody standing in front of you saying nasty things and then on, you would say, "oo nga! Tama si Ma'am/Sir!"

So this World Teacher's Day, we are all happy for a simple greeting made my the students and other people who sees us the highest. The people looking at us being the greatest people lived in this kind of world. We are teachers and we are here not to teach, to mold, to nurture, to care and to speak but to inspire. We are here to inspire, whether you like it or not!

I am proud to be called Sir Zieg!

Toodles!

Hola! It's October 1! We Must Do Brouhahas

It has been too long since the last time I was in front of my laptop and then writing the latest development (hahahaha, developments!) of my ever loving life. The first day of the tenth month of the year, and yes it has been a not-so-good to me. More details to be discussed soon, I just want to have some fun today as I will do the round-up of the latest chikas and amazement in the metro (hehehehe, may ganoon!)

GANGNAM STYLE - Yes, Koreans did it again and this time it is not about their latest Korean dramas and their hippest K-pop song but this one, the now-famous song and dance tribute to the whole world called Gangnam Style. According to Wikipedia, Gangnam is one of the most populated districts in Seoul and the Korean pop singer PSY had an idea and inspiration on why not to make a soon-to-be-famous dance. And then here's Gangnam Style. The first time I saw this was when every time Vice Ganda was being introduced in It's Showtime, he was doing some rounds of dances with this song. I thought that since he was always labelled as kabayo (since it has steps of like a horse), it was indeed again his trending style to the public. I was again searching for it and it was actually a Korean pop song with a funny-looking dance step that made viral pandemonium to the whole world via YouTube. It even went to some important American talk shows like Ellen, The Today Show and Saturday Night Live. Its hits on YouTube reached to almost four million views. And here in our institution, of course, it became also a trend to our students and even to our teachers. I can proudly say that Koreans, yes, they did it again! And they did it better than they were expected.

THIRD PARTY, IS IT LIKE A BIRTHDAY PARTY? - Last year, Filipino moviegoers have seen the best of third party relationship via the hit movie No Other Woman, starring my love Anne Curtis, Cristine Reyes and Derek Ramsay. This year, I've seen another movie and about again having a mistress with The Mistress starring Bea Alonzo and John Lloyd Cruz. And this month, Viva Films will offer another film about illicit affair and that is A Secret Affair which again stars Anne Curtis, Derek Ramsay and this time with Andi Eigenmann. I just don't understand, are we Filipinos too inclined with the idea of having an alright status of finding another woman or man and falling in love with them? Are we Filipinos too fond of wrecking a household or a relationship? Are we in a society that are so-called masochists, dealing with the martyrdom of saying "its okay to have that kind of relationship because the reason is I love him/her?" In No Other Woman, the role of Anne Curtis was the mistress, the kulasisi, the kabit. You might still remember the tag lines that she said, "I'm not mistress. I never was and I never will be one." But towards the story, she became one. She was even became a dying, trying-hard, pathetic lover that wanting the love of Ram (played by Derek Ramsay). This time, in the movie A Secret Affair, she is now the legal one embattling the role of Andi Eigenmann. From their trailer, I really fell in love with the scene between Anne and Andi at a restaurant, "Ano bang tingin mo sa mga lalake, bulate, may pa-early bird promo, the early bird catches the worm?" One thing that I've noticed with these kinds of movies, they have killer dialogues attacking one woman to another. But what if, it happened in real life? What if you're part of the situation, might be the legal wife or the secret affair? What if the boys are on the scene and the woman is in chaos? I've realized that not all parties are about having fun and exciting! Hehehehe!

S&R MEMBERSHIP SHOPPING - It all started when BDO gave us a reward since my mother was the greatest exclusive member of BDO. Then I found out that we are entitled to have a free membership for S&R, known for its wide array of international items in a suitable price. We went there last May but a mishap happened; we are not entitled to get a membership due to an inexplainable condition. Meaning that the terms and conditions between S&R and us are not meeting up! So, instead of going home, we were asked to stay and they gave us a temporary pass. Then we went shopping; so amazed with their items. My mom told me that their prices are much cheaper than SM and Shopwise. And for her also, the meat products at S&R are better than the other supermarkets. S&R is patterned after warehouse shopping in the United States. Formerly known as PriceSmart, S&R became synonymous with membership shopping, which it is the only one in the country who follows that strategy. If you are not a member, unfortunately you cannot afford their items. We became a member two weeks after our supposed free membership with them. And it was so good because S&R has a branch at Alabang (at the WestGate). Aside from wanting to shop, we were also intrigued with their pizzas, New York Style Pizza! At P99, you can have a ginormous slice of pizza (combo, garlic shrimp or pepperoni) and bottomless soda at P49. Other treats at their cafeteria include churros, calzone, one-piece roasted chicken, clam chowder, salad and French fries (their fries are really big). I even treated my gang here because I want them to taste the goodness of the pizza of S&R. Last September 26 to 30, they had their second Member's Treat sale, dedicated to almost thousand members of the store (the other one is March or April) and a pile of line, an exodus of vehicles were all there. We tried it and honest-to-goodness, it was all because of the discounts, buy-one-take-one and freebies exclusively for the members. My father told me that we're not returning in that kind of rumble; only during regular shopping days. My mom and I got frustrated and said if he doesn't want to come with us, fine! And please, S&R is not only for the upper class, it's for everyone.

WELCOME BACK TO TWITTERVERSE - I said before that it is better to use Facebook than Twitter. My very first account was already lost due to my not-too-sharp mind; I forgot my password! Because of that, I was forced to do another account but this time, a little bit privacy was what I wanted to achieve. In those days, I only have myself, tweeting about myself, and sharing what I feel about myself to myself (gets?). I decided not to add followers is because I was afraid to become bullied. Today, millions of Twitter users became too much opinionated on the things they've seen, they've listened and they've tried. They don't even care if they become too harsh with the words coming out of their minds and pressing into the keyboard to the monitor. I guess being alone in the Twitterverse can be the safest place ever. But at the end of the day, you are wanting to know what's new and what's trending. I am wanting to know more about my favorite stars and news from different organizations. And of course, I want to have fun with my friends who also have this. Then, I said that I'm going to be part again of the Twitterverse, but this time, I will not be too affected to the tweets I have been seeing. Yes, I am too emotional and sensitive and I must not have this. So, instead of doing that, I'll just pick a handful of tweets to be replied or to be retweeted. I may be like a celebrity, not protecting my tweets so that everyone can see but I guess, whether you're protected or not, you must think before you tweet! Or better yet, just retweet!

ANTI-EPAL - Anywhere you go, you might encounter some people getting too much attention to the public. In a city or in a municipality, you might see the faces of some people bragging their names for I don't know the reason. In case you wonder, 2013 is an election year and here in the Philippines, millions of names of those people are going to make noises, shrilly. That's why the legislative people are so excited to pass what they call an Anti-Epal Bill (or Senate Bill 1967 entitled An Act Prohibiting Public Officers from Claiming Credit through Signage Announcing a Public Works Project) and if possible, disallowing public servants to boast their good-looking faces and easy-to-memorized names to the voting public. Even on a certain company or working area, there are people who used to become the greatest epal made by heaven! Some people from a certain workplace get attention by making himself/herself busy so that the accolades or for him/her. For example, he/she will be doing something for the benefit of the others; something like nagmamarunong. He/She will be doing a task not asking from a superior; something like pangunguna. He/She raises his/her hand to do a job, in which it is not for him/her; something like bumibida. And the creme de la creme of those Es is he/she is the one asking for a meeting or a special conference, even though he/she is not really superior; something like umeepal na talaga! I guess, with that kind of personality inside of your workplace or elsewhere, he or she might also be included in the Anti-Epal Bill because he or she is such an epal person! If you have that kind of officemate, you better treat them right, right in their own corner!

AS OF THIS WRITING - Thanks to my best friend Julie Girl for giving me a purple notebook. In that gem, whenever I am weary or lonely or happy or whatever kind of feelings I am writing all the things, of course privately. Its been too many weeks of writing and I guess I was writing like a journal. Whenever I buy YES! Magazine and reading it, it really boosts my morale to actually and probably to change my league from teaching to publishing. Why not? Yes, I do assume that I have the power or the guts to write longer articles but in spite of writing long and meaningful ones, do I think it will greatly affect the nation? I don't think so! I just wanted to write, that's it. I am planning something (which I will not reveal!) about my latest adventure, which is writing. I really don't know! It just so happened that maybe I am not anymore in love with the profession I admired, chose and dreamed from all the days of my childhood life and I need to change it to another dimension. Well, I guess I'm just overreacting or I am just telling to myself that I am tired, or sick and tired with almost everyday scenario inside of the classroom. If that would happen, I will never, ever forget what I have started; I'm still going to back to my first love which is teaching, imparting and inspiring the nation through my lessons, academically and characteristically.

Hola! I miss doing this brouhahas of mine! Hopefully my good friend, in which I'm going to hide her identity as Lexi would not be intimidated with the title of my blog post. Now, with the last brouhaha I've mentioned, I'm still thinking about it. I'm not yet reaching the one thousandth mile but the soonest I can get there and answer what I really want!

For me, I love to write but teaching is definitely my life!

Toodles!!! :)

Si Dodong, Ang Taong Nabubuhay sa Mundo ng Mga What-Ifs

Si Dodong (hindi niya tunay na pangalan) ay laging naglalakad papasok sa kanyang trabaho at pauwi sa kanyang bahay. Habang naglalakad siya ay lagi siyang nag-iisip ng mga bagay na sa tingin, what if kung nangyari nga naman ang mga iyun. Tipong wala naman sa kamay niya at sa buhay niya, pero ninanais niyang mapasakamay ito. Magmula pa noong bata siya ay lagi niyang ginagawa ito hanggang sa na-develop na sa pagkatao niya ang ganitong klaseng behavior. Minsan, kinakausap niya ang sarili niya. Minsan rin naman, nagsusulat siya sa isang pirasong papel ng kung ano ang naiisip niya. Pero lagi niyang ginagawa ang mag-isip kapag naglalakad. Para kay Dodong (hindi niya tunay na pangalan), bukod sa paglalakad as exercise, nakakapag-isip na rin siya ng mga bagay na tungkol sa mga what-ifs

Maraming mga what-ifs na siyang naisip, tulad na lamang na what if siya ang nanalo sa lotto ng mahigit kumulang 700 million pesos? Ang gagawin niya raw, sa 700 million pesos na makukubra niya, kukuha siya ng 10 million at ibibigay niya sa sampung simbahang pinakapaborito niyang dasalan. Makakapag-aral na rin siya sa pinapangarap niyang eskuwelahan. Dahil nga may pera na siya, mayroon na siyang dahilan para mag-aral doon. Makakapunta na rin siya sa mga dream vacations niya like Cebu, Palawan, Hong Kong, Japan, Korea, China, Singapore, Dubai, Paris, London, Greece, Italy at New York. Kahit yung mga lugar na tipong hindi naman puntahin, pupuntahan niya katulad na lamang ng South Africa, Moscow at Brazil. Makakabili na rin siya ng mga inaasam niyang gadgets, tulad ng bagong-bagong iPhone 5, MacBook Air at iPad para sa kanya, kapatid niya at pati na rin sa mga kaibigan niyang umaasam din nito. Makakabili na rin siya ng isang bahay sa loob ng Ayala Alabang o sa Magallanes Village na kailangan 4 bedrooms, malaking garden at may swimming pool. Bibili rin siya as investment and business na rin ng isang condominium unit sa Makati at ipapa-rent niya ito if not sa mga foreigners, puwede na rin sa mga high society individuals ng bansa. At higit sa lahat, makakabili na rin siya ng top of the line na mga sasakyan tulad ng Hummer H3, Mitsubishi Montero Sport at isang sedan na if not Audi ay Jaguar. The rest of his money, ilalagay niya sa mga malalaking bangkong matatag at ang kalahati, ibibigay niya sa kanyang mga magulang.

Isang araw naglakad naman siya pauwi sa kanilang bahay. What if kung siya ay may katungkulan sa kanyang pinagtatrabahuan ngayon? Hindi naman naisip ni Dodong (hindi niya tunay na pangalan) na maghangad ng napakataas na katungkulan pero paano nga kung may ganoon siya? Ang una niyang gagawin ay pag-aaralan ang mga pros and cons ng nature ng kanilang trabaho. Ano ba'ng mahirap? Ano ba'ng madali? At higit sa lahat, ipapadama niya sa kanyang mga subordinates kung paano makinig sa lahat. Hindi porke't mayroon siyang katungkulan ay ilalagay na raw niya ito sa kanyang utak! Walang mataas o maliit o malaking trabaho sa isang korporasyon dahil pare-pareho naman kayong pinapasuweldo ng may-ari. Papakinggan niya ang both sides, maganda man o pangit at saka siya gagawa ng paraan para resolbahin ang problema. May pagkakataong sigurong may makakabangga siya dahil sa may hindi pagkakaunawaan pero magpapakapropesyonal siya dahil alam naman niyang part iyon ng kanilang trabaho. Kung siya naman ang may-ari ng kompanya, katulad rin ng nauna, matututo siya makinig sa kanyang mga empleyado. Hindi yung lagi na lang siyang magsasabi ng "bahala na!" or "o sige!" Wala raw mangyayari kung ganoon.

Habang nakahiga si Dodong (hindi niya tunay na pangalan) sa kanyang kama ay bigla na naman siyang nag-isip. What if kung siya ang pinili ng taong pinakamamahal niya at hindi iba? Sinubukan niya noong una pero hindi siya pinayagan dahil para sa kanya raw, hindi puwede at hindi tama. Pero kung sakali lang na pinayagan siya, hindi niya dadaanin sa mabilisang paraan, yung tipong nagkapalagayan lang kayo ng loob eh kayo na. Yung tipong naghawakan lang ng kamay, "on" na agad! Magba-back to basics raw siya, liligawan niya ang babaeng pinakamamahal niya; magbibigay siya ng bulaklak, tsokolate, teddy bear, the likes! Ihahatid niya pauwi, susunduin niya galing sa bahay. Lagi niyang kakamustahin kung masaya ba siya o hindi? At higit sa lahat, lagi niya raw patatawanin ito na tipong magiging walang katapusan ang kanilang tawanan. Kapag dumating raw ang pagkakataong sinagot na siya ng babaeng pinakamamahal niya, ang unang-unang gagawin niya ay ipapakilala niya ito sa kanyang mga magulang. Para kasi kay Dodong (hindi niya tunay na pangalan), ang pagpapakilala sa magulang ang sukatan na siya na nga at sila na nga para sa isa't isa. At ang lagi niyang testing sa kanyang girlfriend, patience. Titingnan niya kung hanggang saan ang pasensya ng babaeng pinakamamahal niya. Kung darating man ang pagkakataon na magiging long distance ang kanilang relationship, gagawin niya lahat, kahit isang minuto lang silang mag-usap, o kahit isang tweet o message sa Facebook, magkatagpo man ang kanilang mga puso. Maniniwala raw sila na kahit malayo sila sa isa't isa, kaya nila basta't walang kakalas at lalakas pa! Pero bigla siyang parang naalimpungatan dahil nangangarap lang pala siya.

Habang naglalakad siya sa loob ng isang napakalaking mall, bigla na naman nag-isip si Dodong (hindi niya tunay na pangalan), what if kung lahat ng mga damit, sapatos at bag na nakikita niya ay bagay sa kanya? In fairness naman dito kay Dodong (hindi niya tunay na pangalan), may sense din naman sa fashion. Hindi naman siya laging sumusunod sa uso, basta ang importante, comfortable siya sa mga damit na naisusuot niya. May nakita siyang magandang jacket, dahil may pera naman daw siya galing sa napanalunan niyang 700 million pesos sa lotto, ay bibilhin niya ito at gagamitin niya ito kapag papasok siya sa trabaho niya. May nakita siyang magandang barong, bibilhin niya ito at gagamitin niya sa mga formal gatherings tulad ng graduation o puwede na ring Linggo ng Wika celebration. May nakita siyang coat, at since kasya naman raw sa kanya bibilhin niya ito at gagamitin rin sa mga formal functions tulad ng mga awards night at kung anu-ano pa. May nakita siyang magandang polo, bibilhin niya ito at isusuot sa pinagtatrabahuan niya. May nakita siyang magandang cardigan, bibilhin niya at ipapatong niya sa polo with matching necktie pa na maganda rin kaya't bibilhin niya ito. May nakita siyang magandang sapatos, isusukat niya at bibilhin dahil alam niyang bagay daw ito sa kanya. May nakita siyang maganda at mamahalin na bag, bibilhin niya raw iyun hindi dahil mahal at maganda, dahil gagamitin niya papasok sa trabaho. Simple lang naman ang gusto ni Dodong (hindi niya tunay na pangalan), ang maging presentable saan man siya pumunta.

What if naman daw kung ikakasal siya? Ano magiging hitsura ng kanilang dream wedding? tanong niya sa sarili niya habang nagsisimba. Naging part na rin ng wedding entourage si Dodong (hindi niya tunay na pangalan) pero never niyang naisip na kung siya naman kaya ang ikakasal? Dahil may paniniwala si Dodong na dapat lalaki ang gumagastos sa kasal at dahil nga may 700 million pesos naman siya, gagawin niya iyun para lamang sa babaeng pinakamamahal niya. Ang fiance na raw niya ang bahala sa lahat, sa motif o theme ng kasal, sa wedding gown ng kanyang bride-to-be at mga bridesmaids, reception, simbahan at lahat-lahat basta siya ang sasagot dahil para kay Dodong (hindi niya tunay na pangalan), para sa babae ang kasal. Ito na raw yata siguro ang pinakamagandang regalong puwedeng ibigay ng isang lalaking nagmamahal sa babae, well, bukod pa raw sa singsing na simbolo ng kanilang pagmamahalan. At habang naglalakad ang kanyang pinakamamahal sa aisle, pareho silang kumakanta ng "I See The Light" mula sa pelikulang Tangled. Naniniwala kasi silang dalawa raw na sila ang liwanag ng kanilang buhay. Kung wala sila, madilim ang sasapit sa kanilang buhay. Kumbaga raw, hindi lang nila mahal ang isa't isa, may tiwala sila sa isa't isa, at ang tiwalang iyun ang magsisilbing liwanag nila sa kanilang pagsasama. At tatapusin nila ang kanilang wedding ceremony sa pamamagitan ng isang matinding kiss! Sabay yakap at sabay tawa ng malakas! Para daw kasi sa kanila, comedy ang pagmamahalan, huwag raw dapat seryosohin.

Recent lang naisip ni Dodong (hindi niya tunay na pangalan) ito, what if kung makakausap niya si Hesus at magtatanong siya sa Kanya? Habang nasa simbahan si Dodong (hindi niya tunay na pangalan), napatitig siya sa crucifix kung saan nakapako ang ating Panginoong Hesukristo. Bigla siyang napaluhod at sabay nagtanong, "masasagot Niyo ho ba ako sa mga itatanong ko sa Inyo? Katulad na lamang kung bakit may mga taong naghihirap at may mga taong masasaya? Bakit kailangan magsinungaling? Bakit kailangang mangako kung hindi naman pala kayang gawin? Bakit may mga bagay na hindi nakukuha ng iba at napupunta ito sa iba? Bakit may mga taong nag-aaway, may dahilan man o wala?" Nagulat na lamang siya dahil biglang sumagot si Hesus, sabay nagtanong. "Dodong (hindi niya tunay na pangalan), bakit puro ka tanong?" "Panginoon, gusto ko pong malaman ang lahat ng sagot Ninyo sa lahat ng mga katanungan ng taong katulad ko na sumasamba sa Inyo!" "Dodong (hindi niya tunay na pangalan), walang mahirap o madaling tanong sa Akin. Lahat ng iyan ay masasagot Ko. Yun nga lang, may mga panahon tayong kailangan nating hintayin bago mo malaman at mapatunayan ang lahat!" "Panginoon, sana po ay makabalik na Kayo!" "Dodong (hindi niya tunay na pangalan), makakabalik Ako sa iyo, at sa iyong Puso! Ang dapat mo lang na gawin ay gumawa nang naaayon sa iyong buhay at higit sa lahat, mapatawad ang lahat ng mga nagkasala sa iyo, katulad na lamang ng ginagawa ng Aking Ama sa Langit!" Sabi niya, ang sarap sa pakiramdam! Sana totoo! Sumagot ulit si Hesus, "lahat ay puwedeng magkatotoo. Sa Kanya, walang imposible!"

Napaisip si Dodong (hindi niya tunay na pangalan), oo nga raw! Bakit niya raw kailangang mabuhay sa mundong puro palaisipan at kathang-isip lamang kung siya mismo ang gagawa ng paraan para mangyari ito. Sa lotto, kahit alam naman niyang imposible, puwede naman siyang yumaman sa pamamagitan ng pagtatrabaho ng mahusay at sa pagiging diskarte, katulad na lamang ng ginagawa ng iba. Kung siya ay magiging mahusay at propesyonal sa kanyang trabaho, tiyak na magkakaroon siya ng katungkulan ni minsan hindi niya maisip na pagkakatiwalaan siya. Kumbaga kapit lang! Marami pa naman raw babae diyan na puwede niyang pag-alayan ng kanyang pag-ibig, so bakit kailangan niya pang maghintay. Hindi naman raw siya nagmamadali bagkus, naniniwala siya na "good things come to those who patiently waits!" Hindi rin naman raw nasusukat sa ganda ng damit, sa ganda ng sapatos o sa ganda ng bag ang katayuan at hitsura ng isang tao. Kahit sa pinakasimple naman raw na damit, kung kaya mong dalhin, babagay raw ito sa iyo. Kung darating man ang pagkakataon na makakasal siya, kahit iyun na ang pinakasimpleng kasal na mangyayari sa kanila, ay okay na rin; ang importante natuloy ang isa sa mga pinaka-milestone ng kanilang pagsasama, ang pag-iisang dibdib nila! At kahit kailan, kahit saan at kahit anong paraan, puwede nating makausap si Hesus at instantly, sasagutin ka Niya!

Sabi ni Dodong habang naglalakad pauwi sa kanilang bahay, naku tama na raw ang pag-iisip dahil nakakastress daw! Isipin niyong naisip niya iyun! Natigil na rin siya sa pagtira sa mundong puro what-ifs, dahil ang what-if ay tama, kathang isip lamang!

Toodles, Dodong (finally, na-accept na rin niya ang pangalang iyan!)