Home : Day 1 (October 19,2009)

I know it's really, really late. This happened on a Monday... just ignore the date on the upper right.

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It was... different.

You know that feeling you get when you wake up somewhere other than your usual cluttered apartment? You feel a bit dizzy, and it was as if you were in a dream? Yeah... that's what I felt. Perhaps I was still recovering from motion sickness (that's what RB called it)...

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Pale pink painted walls, white curtains, a wooden study table at the foot of the bed and a red plastic garbage can (I doubt it was a can... it looked like an oversized jumbo cup) on the far left was not what I expected to see at five in the morning. Where am I? I looked out the window and it was really bright out. "I think the clock's busted."

Blinking, I sat up and yawned. "Where was that bloody rooster?" I asked. Usually by this time, the rooster next door would crow... and it finally sank in. Everything that happened the day before rushed back in like a tidal wave hitting the rocks at the foot of a cliff. "I'm home..." The painting my mom made hung on the wall at my left, its wooden baby blue colored frame making it stand out from the pink wall. I smiled and stretched. "Uwaaahh... it's good to be back!"

***

"Morning!" I greeted when I reached the foot of the stairs.

"Whoa. You're up early." my dad said. I know they would be surprised. Seldom do I wake up this early in high school; unless the alarm was set at full volume or my mom sent one of my brothers to wake me up (they really are the type that won't stop until you get up from bed. Call them the human cuckoo clocks).

"I'm always like this. I can't go back to sleep." Try as I might to get back to sleep, I just can't. It's the semestral break, why do I have to get up so early?

Both of my parents were going off to work that day, and my brothers had their exams. "You don't have plans for today?" my mom asked while sipping a mug of steaming hot coffee (grown-ups can't live without coffee).

"Mmm..." I untwisted the cap of the large jar of Nutella my tita sent us, spooning out some to spread on a slice of bread. "Oh! I'm meeting RB today." I took a bite from my sandwich. It was still 6AM, my brothers have to leave by 6:30AM.

"You want to tag along?" mama asked. She got up to use the bathroom since my brothers were already done. The clock was ticking. If I don't give an answer now, my brothers will be late. If I don't tag along, papa would have to come back to fetch me or I have to wait for him to get ready (by that time...). Or, I could just walk under the blazing heat of the 6AM sun (6AM? This hot? You got to be kidding me! ... No. I'm not). This is indeed one of the best ways to start the day, think.

"Sure!" I hurriedly finished my sandwich and washed it down with a glass of ice cold water. I went upstairs to get ready, hoping that I won't be the cause of getting them late.

Thankfully I was ready within thirty minutes. My brother was still putting on his shoes. "Hurry guys or else we'll be late." mom told them. Whoa. It was as if I went back to my high school days. I shook the thought out of my system, I was starting to get way too sentimental.

I arrived before RB (since we agreed meeting at 8AM). I waited for him for a good thirty minutes. I didn't mind waiting. All I did was walk around the campus. There were students on the benches in front of the canteen and around twenty were playing soccer at the football field. It was getting warm, which came as a shock since it was still 7:45AM. "How did it get so hot?"

RB arrived, surprised I was there before him. He expected me to come at 9AM. "Do you really think I would do that?" I asked him. We laughed it off and went on our way to the pavilion. It was their finals tomorrow. RB was going to study for English..."What do you study for English?" he asked. So instead of studying, RB and I ended up talking. We caught up with each other's college life, me asking him how it went with the girl he met on his way home three months ago. He wasn't able to find her again... too bad.

I get to see Carmi and Jaeanne while RB and I were eating our snacks. They were studying for their History finals. It was about the Japanese occupation. I already forgot the deatils (fail). When the first bell rang, they left.

"Do you think Mitch is in CDO?" RB asked me while finishing his orange juice with a loud slurp (he was drinking through a straw). He stood up to throw the empty cup into the garbage can.

"I guess." I said over my shoulder. We texted Mitch to come over. She just got back from Camiguin the day before, but we still urged her to come. "RB, can we look for someplace cooler?" I was sweating like crazy. There was no wind at all! "When did this place get so hot?" I fanned myself with my towel, knowing that doing so would just make it worse.

"Let's go to the fifth floor. It's windy there at this time of the day." He suggested. He wasn't sweating! What the...? As we walked down the hallway, I couldn't help but ask where we were going. He said we were going to the fifth floor, but we just passed by a staircase. "We're taking the elevator." Elevator? And there it was, an elevator. Three students walked out of it. The last one was almost caught between the two metal doors. Is this thing even safe?

RB entered the elevator first, I followed. He pushed the button that closes the door and then the button with the number 5 on it. "No elevator music?" RB snickered. The doors slid open and we stepped out. The cool wind slapped me at the face. "Woot!"

Finding an empty classroom, RB and I talked for a bit while waiting for Mitch. Rose also came by (waaahh! She's so pretty!) and we talked some more. When she left, RB's phone rang. "Who is it?" I asked him. I was getting a bit sleepy. The wind felt so nice...

"It's Mitch. She's waiting for us at the benches in front of the chapel." We stared at each other. How long has she been waiting? Wah! We put back the chairs we used to their proper places, turned off the lights and fans, ran down the hallway, pressed the down button of the elevator with such vigor and speed I could have made it pop out from its place!

We found Mitch by the benches. She had been waiting for us... judging by the look of her face when we approached. "Where were you?" she asked.

"We... were on the fifth floor?" RB and I said in unison.

"O-kay... where are we off to after? You guys had lunch?" RB and I shook our heads. "I'm hungry. Let's go eat!"

"Where?" I asked.

"Umm... McDo?"

"Okay!"

After lunch and accompanying Mitch to CHED, we then went back to XU Main since RB still has something to submit at 2PM. "Where are we off to next?" Mitch asked. "You guys want to go to Limketkai?"

"Sure!" It was still 1PM, so we spent an hour just talking about the things that happened right after we separated. It had been that long. Five months. Five months of not seeing each other, merely resorting to text and instant messages for communication. When I met up with RB at eight in the morning, starting a conversation with him was quite hard. In high school, we would talk about practically anything. Now... I don't even know the things he became interested whille in college. Same goes with Mitch.

The clock struck 2:00, we slowly made our way to the elevator (seriously, that elevator has a mind of its own. I barely got off when it suddenly closed, keeping my right foot inside! It hurt. Haha!). RB met up with his teacher, we left and rode a jeepney to Ketkai. Aaahhh Ketkai... its twists and turns resemble that of a maze. The first time I went there (after modifications) it took me and my mom twenty minutes to find the bathroom.

So the day ended with us eating Takoyaki, otherwise known as a veggie ball, drowned in sweet and spicy sauce at Robinsons (Robinsons and Ketkai were connected).

After bidding goodbye I went to Gaisano Mall to meet up with my mom. It took me 45 minutes to find her. E-gad (Hahaha!). She was on the fourth floor not the third. I was going from Gaisano Mall to Gaisano City searching for her on the THIRD floor. "Mamaaaa..." I said when I found her (or she found me). "I had to ask the saleslady where Gaisano Mall is. She replied, 'This is Gaisano Mall.' I looked like an idiot." Mama laughed. Gaisano Mall and Gaisano City stood side-by-side, and I have no means of knowing which is which. "Maaaa... you told me you were on the third floor..." I pouted and let out a chuckle, hugging her as she digs into a heap of blouses. What a way to end the day.

POSTIE!!!!

Home: Day 0

This was on a Sunday. I know it's late. Hehehe. Enjoy!

I woke up to the crowing of the cockerel next door. It was still 6AM when I checked the clock on my table. My brain started whirring, thinking about the stuff I should get done before the end of the day, preventing me from getting back to sleep.

"This early? Can I have thirty more minutes?" I complained, tossing and turning beneath the covers. "Seriously?" I sat up and stretched. The sun was peeping through the window, its rays illuminating the room. It was still 6AM... how did it get so bright out? Taking that out of my mind (since it was still too early to question nature), I got up and went to the bathroom.

The house was too quiet. Everyone was still asleep. "Why can't I sleep just as long?" I made my way to the comfort room, not even bothering to switch the lights on as a entered. Turning the tap, cool water started to gush from the faucet, the sound echoing throughout the whole dorm (yeah. It was that quiet). Taking a handful, I splashed it on my face, hoping to remove the remnants of the sandman.

Awake (what was I before?), I dragged myself into the room and started fixing my things. I was going home today. My flight was not until 12:20AM. I still had approximately six and a half hours to spare. I was sure I had everything ready, being that I packed two days before. Clothes were there, pasalubongs, shoes... the toiletries will be added later. "What to do for six hours and fifteen minutes?" Staring at the ceiling could be one, but the paint was plain making it uninteresting to look at.

Sighing, I went down the staircase to get myself some breakfast. My stomach wanted food. It was still 7AM and Happy Homes won't be open 'til 8AM. I had to wait for an hour for food... pitiful (hahaha!).

Time flew way too slow. I heard my stomach rumble and grumble, it was like I swallowed up a storm cloud and it was gathering up steam at the pit of my gut. I won't be surprised if I started spitting out lightning bolts (that would be so cool!).

When the clock struck eight, I rushed towards the telephone and dialled their number (I was that hungry). I ordered enough food to last me through lunch, since my flight was from 12:20-1:40. There are also chances that it would get delayed. Actually am just trying to convince myself that eating that much was highly necessary. (Hahaha)

Tita came by to pick me up at around 9AM, we still had to buy two dozen krispy kreme donuts for my brothers. Why two dozen? Because a dozen and a half is theirs and the rest is for me, papa and mama. Amazing huh?

It was my first time entering NAIA alone for a flight TO Cagayan. Last time I was there arriving FROM Cagayan. Thankfully there were no mishaps. I didn't get lost, ended up being called by the security office, nor board the wrong plane. Everything went smoothly; even the checking-in of bags. I thought I was going to exceed fifteen kilos, I would have had to pay extra if this was so.

Since I got to the airport way too early (I still had two hours), I amused myself with the game Plant vs. Zombies while drinking a glass of mocchacino. Planes took off before me, like humongous metallic birds with stiff wings being shot into the air by slingshot (they looked like they were sent flying through slingshot... the planes I mean).

Our flight did get delayed, due to heavy traffic on the runway. When the steward called out the flight to Cagayan, everyone at the waiting area stood up and formed two lines. Pregnant women, children and the elderly were given top priority. Getting into your seat proved to be difficult. Some people who were seated from 16-22 entered the front door that was only meant for those who had seats from 15 and below. Everyone was rubbing against each other, bags were slammed onto heads and bodies were being pushed into the chair's linen. I couldn't help but feel a bit cramped. Thank goodness I wasn't claustrophobic. I would have gone wild before the plane could take off.

The flight was uneventful. They had games (a Bring Me game. I wasn't able to win anything since I didn't have the items they requested. Haha) and I was able to use the airplane's restroom, which people said was really, really small (I can still move around in there. Dance maybe). But other than that nothing interesting happened.

When the plane landed on Cagayan de Oro soil, I got all excited! I was going to meet my folks and brothers after five months of extreme sacrifice. "I am not going to cry." I told myself. But to no avail, I did after seeing my little brother crying his eyes out when I approached the car.

It's good to be home. There were a lot of things I missed. I missed my mom's voice, my dad's quirkiness and my brothers' ability to do something funny without even trying to make it so (how adorable!).

I have to go now. So sleepy. Bye!

Bittersweet

I think my toothbrush is a portkey...

Last Thursday at seven in the evening, I was in my tita Malou's place trying to make her little boy Louis give me a hug. I knew it would take him some time to warm up to me, but he was just too cute! He reminded me of my little brother Gabriel, very energetic and always has something up his sleeve. Sometimes it would involve annoying his kuya to the brink of insanity that one had to hold the big guy down before he could pummel the little one to the ground.

Louis was five years old. He had a brother named Luke, who was nine years of age, same as Gabriel. Luke was the first to hug me. I met him at the attic playing Naruto on his PS2. His eyes were glued to the screen as I greeted him hello. A short answer came from his direction, it was like a bullet shot, gone in a millisecond. I could have missed it if I wasn't looking at him.

The two had an older brother named Lance. He was twelve. He was taller, but if I were to wrestle him I could have won the first round (yes, I'm fat). He was the quiet type,just like Gavin. I would have kissed him goodbye when I left, but it was like he knew what I was going to do when I took a step closer.

It was different. Being teleported into place with a different atmosphere, away from the urban noise, PESTS, tension and pressure. I popped into a place that reminded me of something that I have missed for the past two months. Something that I have left behind and would do anything to return to. HOME.

The dorm could soothe that dull ache, but nothing could compare to that place miles away from where you're standing. I can't help it. I miss my brothers. I miss my mom. I miss my dad. And the people I met that day, whom was able to spend time with for two days, were just like them. It was refreshing, yet it made me miss them even more.

Thanks for everything tita Malou and tito Lito! Miss you!

COLLEGE LIFE

Tight schedules. Limited time. Cramming. Seven cups of coffee in one sitting. Thick books that make your shoulders ache. These are some of the things that would come to mind when I hear people talk about college.

College, from what I thought back then, was far from what I am experiencing now. Currently surviving my fourth week in a place I am totally foreign to, things have been going really well. The first week was a bit tough since I still had to adjust with my parents' absence and the fact that I was all alone since I barely knew anyone in school. I was also following a different schedule than my classmates', which hindered me from making any acquaintances in the first few days.

But as the days passed by, things are getting a lot better. My teachers are really nice. They make the lesson understandable and fun. (Not what I expected since it's already college. But I'm glad it's like this. Hehehe) They even want the students to be more creative during group presentations, like making a skit or singing a song while reporting.

College is fun! I know it will get even more difficult as time passes, but who says you can't have a little of both pleasure and business? ^__^

I joined a school publication. Hope I get in! LOL

Summer Frenzy!!!

"Now that summer's in... what now?" I would occasionally ask. This summer feels different. Unlike all the summers I've had, this must be the most uneventful to date. Last summer I spent most of my time reading books. Two summers ago I attended summer classes for Chemistry. Three summers ago, my cousins who migrated to London came over. This summer is pretty uneventful. BUT, my prayers were answered!

Last Saturday, my family and I went to Mantanghale Beach Resort to take a dip and free ourselves from the confines of our small warm home (although it is warm, the endless feeling of laziness is just unbearable!) and the demands of work (who wouldn't want to get out of that?). We were on our way at around 9AM because we didn't pack the night before since my parents had no idea where to go. Haha. It took us two hours to pack my brothers' swimming trunks, two towels, extra shirts, toiletries and the all-important underwear. TWO HOURS. My brother didn't even bother to take a bath! He was too busy looking for his underwear.

On the road, we stopped by Mercury Drug in Gusa to purchase several bottles of mineral water for the trip. The ride went smoothly, if the bumps were taken out, that my brothers and I fell asleep in the backseat (even with the lumps we still fell asleep).

Wiping the remnants of sleep from our faces (you know what I mean), we woke up to the sound of my mom's voice. "Wake up! We're here!" as I opened my eyes, we drove through a narrow passage, and inside was the main entrance to the resort. The security guard on duty almost put me back to sleep with his voice (he sounded like he just woke up). We paid the entrance fee, parked, breathed in the fresh air which was interrupted growling stomachs. It was already lunch and the trip worked up our appetite!

You can't believe how large the porkchop is! It occupied half of the plate! I was almost tempted to ask where they bought it because I have never seen a porkchop that big. After that stomach-busting lunch, we went down the steps leading to the beach.

My little brother, Gabo, was hesitant in jumping in. I told him to wear his goggles since the water would sting his eyes, but no matter how many times I told him, he wouldn't. Because of that, he would constantly run to mama to wash away the saltiness with mineral water. He was the reason why all the mineral water was gone. Due to high tide, we weren't able to bury papa alive. Haha. We did get to have amazing spa treatment by scrubbing ourselves with sand. Hehe.

Next stop would be the pool. Now my brother uses his goggles. I mean, WHAT? You needed it more at the beach not here! DUH! I always think my brothers have topsy turvy brains. My dad taught me how to do the basic swimming technique which I don't know what it's called. I failed. I sank and couldn't get any air after the second arm stroke.

After the pool, we decided to rest for a while since it was too hot (the water was also hot). We ordered halo-halo (aaaahhh... halo-halo), and my bros after snackage went for a dip in the pool now that the sun had gone down a bit.

We got to spend quality time together! After ridding ourselves from our trunks, washing away the sand particles that accumulated in certain places... making us uncomfortable, we head on home. Before heading on home, we had fun at the playground. Papa and I went on a go on the seesaw. Gabo and I did the swings. Gavin was in charge of looking over the place in the tree house. Mama and Papa spent some time alone on the 'group' swing (the one that can accomodate six people).

And the trip back home? We fell asleep. When we woke up we were already in Tagoloan.

Bye for now! See ya!

GRAD BALL!!!

RB and Athena

RB and I

Last March 17, 2009, the fourth year students of Xavier University High School had their Graduation Ball at Grand Caprice, which began at 5:00 PM. Everyone was in a frenzy! Students were filing in, photographers were filing out, snapping shots at the students as they got out of their ride. Waiters moved in a blur, carrying trays of who knows what. Most of the students were taking pictures of themselves and their friends in the hallways, making it impossible for one to get to washroom without mussing up the tediously made up hair and carefully applied make-up.

The theme for the night was Vintage, usually used in knowing when and where a certain wine is produced, but in general it means old, is a term given to the old fashion of the 1950's. In this period women are dressed in simple pastel-colored, clean cut dresses dividing the upper body from the lower with a belt. Men wore vests or huge coats over open chest polos and a matching hat to add that Michael jackson effect.

The Graduation Ball was amazing! The music was perfect, the mood was set, and the food was delicious! We had a great time last Tuesday.

Valentine's...

I don't really know what to post. Am just here, eating a slice of chocolate cake at one in the morning... my butt aching, eyes burning as a fix my gaze on the computer screen.

I am currently reading some one shot mangas, and my mom is mumbling behind me to go to bed. Must have something to do with hormones, I can't seem to GET to sleep whenever I WANT to... what a dilemma.

Anyways, last night (three hours ago), my dad treated us to a Valentine dinner buffet (there's also a lunch buffet... so...yeah...to be more specific). The food was good, the cake was awesome, the music was amazing! The atmosphere was warm. There was a slight drizzle, whose raindrops formed ripples on the still waters of the pool. We had a nice view. Bright lights from tiny houses twinkled like stars in the sky (there were no stars then since it was raining); my brother saw a falling star, told me, and I asked him if he made a wish, he repliedthat he did not by pausing and closing his eyes.

My Valentine's Day this year has been a SWEET one. MORE CAKE!!!

Valentine's Day

We all know what this day is all about. It's about chocolates, red roses, pink and white balloons, but has it ever occurred to you what it's really all about?

As the closk struck twelve last February 12, I knew what to expect for tomorrow. Since Valentine's Day was on a Saturday, the entire student body were buzzing about, trying to catch up with their desired valentine. Cards and rose petals were flying everywhere. Everywhere you look, you see red! If a buffalo were let loose in this chaos, it would go on a rampage and fling everyone down the stairs!

This year, my pre-Valentine's Day celebration was my last and my most memorable pre-Valentine's Day ever! The guys in our section planned everything out. During our lunch break, all the guys were called down to the library (I was also there). I saw them making roses out of paper (origami - the art of paper-folding... perhaps i shouldn't have been there).

When the last bell was rung, all of 4-JDC were asked to remain. The guys moved out of the room, and at the corner of my eye, I saw a bag of paper roses placed on the ground (I saw it through the wooden planks. Haha). I told them that I can see them, they lifted it and the murmurs grew louder. The girls were getting restless, like they were ready to punce at someone the moment they got through the door.

Five minutes ticked by with no life threatening incident. The guys were still conversing LOUDLY behind the cement-covered, styrofoam wall, knowing full well that about 20+ girls can knock it down, still maintaining that same amount of feral intensity.

Finally, four of the boys walked in. Kenn held a guitar and seated himself comfortably in front, the other three walked back out (body guards?). Kenn started off with a brief introduction about what they will be doing, then by public demand, all the guys went in, carrying those paper roses I was talking about earlier. Others mistook that time to give the flowers (it wasn't supposed to be given yet. Very organized impromptu performance).

Then they started singing El Bimbo and a song I do not know but everyone else is familiar with it. Some of the girls cried. Then the guys started dancing to another song I do not know, but they cut it off to sing El Bimbo instead. Haha.

After the first song, they started giving out the paper roses. Phillterr told the guys to say "I love you", which they didn't. Lowell gave me a rose. I think they were asked to pick about three people whom they want the roses to be given to.

In the end, their antics rewarded them a grand applause. It was sweet and cute. Very memorable indeed that the girls knew they lost against the guys for the "mos kilig" factor.

Thanks guys and gals, for making this the best pre-Valentine's Day ever! Even though it's Friday the 13th. Hahaha!

HAPPY VALENTINES DAY EVERYONE!!!!!