j a n s e n. i. s. m.

I decided to make my 25^th birthday celebration different by inviting a few friends to join me in an out-of-town beach trip to Puerto Galera (Note: it was not all expense free). At 5am on Friday, May 1, I checked the PAGASA website and was relieved that the typhoon is now out of Mindoro and heading to Palawan. The morning was In fact very unlike yesterday and later when I met up with the travelmates, the sun was just a tiny shy from coming out but we didn’t want to get too excited and put on the sunscreen just yet.

Our journey officially began around 7am. It was my closest cousin and college friend Sheena’s first time seeing grade school friends Arem and Gretchen since she returned from Dubai. As for my high school friend Shen, it’s her first meeting them, then she is acquainted to Sheena from high school and through Ann. Instantly, in the jeepney on our way to Pala-pala, Dasma, the group had instant chemistry and that’s where I also realized the stuff I missed packing in my bag (towel, hair wax).

My travelmates (Shen, Sheena, Gretchen and Arem) and their colorful flipflops.

From Palapala, we took a van ride going to Batangas pier which was roughly 3 hours long. Pringles, Sunflower crackers, my iPod’s music and Arem’s seemingly unending ways of entertaining made the long travel time seem short. Finally, we reached the port, bought our two-way ride boat tickets and beach, here we come!!

The long wait was over when we saw the shoreline and spotted the representative the hotel sent to pick us up. He was carrying a signboard which said “Welcome, Jansen and company” and offered to carry some of our bags (only Chen’s actually). I booked at Rem’s Hotel which Arem referred to me last week. I browsed their site and inquired via text about their rates. It wasn’t beach front but their holiday/weekend rate is just same as any day, the amenities were okay as well, it made the decision making quite easy.

Sheen, Me (the guy in my shirt) and Shen behind the boat arriving in Galera

The way to the hotel was 3-5 minute walk as Carmela (the hotel assistant manager who was my contact) gave me as a head’s up. But I prefer the word ‘trek’ because it wasn’t exactly a smooth one and this included passing residential areas and a path with harmless goats around. We checked in at room 301, the two-bed room was spacious and comfortable enough for the five of us.

Liking this fences on our way to the hotel, but the rest of the trek, not so much

After putting our bags down and finally applying sunscreen, we headed back to the beach area and looked for a place to have our first try on what Galera has to offer to our appetite. The restaurants are located side by side facing the beach, it was hard to choose. We had lunch almost 2pm already in “Food trip sa Galera” which had fancy dining table shaped like a jet ski and offered unlimited garlic rice which was surprisingly had a quite literal translation of garlic on top of rice.

About to have lunch on a jetski dining table

We returned to our base and changed to our swimming attires. We’re not exactly swimmers, so we just enjoyed the sight seeing, saying the word “spotted”, and walking on the sand more than the swimming itself. We went from one beach end to the other, that I can almost hear my legs and feet complaining. I was walking ahead of the group when I saw someone in front waving at me. I wasn’t wearing contact lens or eyeglasses then so I waited the image to register and it was Oliver, a former colleague from work. He introduced me to his girlfriend who I forgot the name but I find pretty and friendly and when my friends had reached me, I returned the courtesy and introduced them.

We headed back to hotel room, showered one by one, got dressed and we’re ready to explore Galera by night. Shen, who is turning a year older on Monday treated us dinner. We wanted to eat something grilled so we had grilled liempo and kebabs with mango shake for our dinner (I forgot the place, any of you guys remember?). Afterwards, we went for another beach walk. We enjoyed the sounds and laser light display from the V8 Baresto that we found ourselves dancing on the sand and we weren’t exactly drunk. My friend Rodel who’s been here twice texted me and has tipped us about going to a specific location in Galera. We’ve heard about it from other sources as well and this triggered the curious side of Arem. He sort of did an undercover and went there alone while the rest of us did some tiangge shopping. When he came back he told us of his observation and the confirmation why it smelled kinda awful on that side of the beach. He took me with him on his second try and observed independently.  It was too dark and creepy slient anyway, we didn’t see much and had nothing much to share either.

Behind V8 Baresto, looking united colors

Returning to the hotel again, partly disappointed and somewhat thirsty, we decided to order some light beers in the dining area. The hotel manager, Rod, who we met earlier in the beach had asked us for the nth time if we’re interested with snorkeling (which of course comes with a good price). I was and in fact one of the reasons why I wanted to go to Galera was to try it but my travelmates were not so adventurous for it and Php1500 was expensive for just five people, I knew I just had to let this one go. The hotel manager, further showed his hospitality by introducing us to some of his other guests. We met two guys– Jules and DJ. They just returned from their room to get something, so when Rod asked them to seat with us they politely refused and said that they will come back later. No promises since they are meant to be broken as DJ put it and we all knew how cliché it was. As a consolation, Rod stayed with us and filled us in with stories about future plans for the hotel, shareable family dramas and even superfluous name-dropping. Carmela, his amiable wife joined us later and after all our bottles were emptied, we returned to our room and contemplated how our first night was ending soon.

Arem and I decided to return to the beach while the girls opted to stay behind. Suddenly on the second floor where the reception area is, we saw DJ and his other friends. I called the girls from our room and soon, we were exchanging names with Carlo, Eric, Vince, Resty, Van and Rey. They were 8 in the group all in all, and officemates in a company in Libis. They invited us for a drinking session on the rooftop. Soon, vodka shots were being passed, good music was filling the air, cameras were flashing, friendly conversations and healthy laughter were overflowing. It was past 4AM when we ran out of supplies and said goodnight. We stayed on our separate rooms and back in ours we couldn’t believe how our night had turned out after all and our plan for the next two days had been changed tremendously.

Erick, Resty, Me and Vince finishing the vodka

Vince, Erick, Me, Van, Chen, Jules, Sheen and Rey

Shen and Carlo all smiles (hmmm.. i wonder why?)

As a matter-of-factly, on day two, we were supposed to go swimming early but the guys last night invited us to go trekking to Tamaraw falls which Van said would be about an hour one-way. We knew they will be waking up late, so after a breakfast meal at the hotel, we went to beach for some photo ops on our own. The sun was up and above, going back to the hotel we just chilled in the reception area where there are magazines and cable TV. Some of our new friends came and we were relieved somehow that they still remember us. Instinctively, we thought the trekking adventure was not going to happen because it was already late. While having our late lunch, in the hotel restaurant again, we were discussing that maybe it wasn’t a good idea to stick with them during the day as it may appear too assuming and they might have other plans for the day that couldn’t involve us. Carlo approached us in our dining table, and told us they will be going to the beach ahead of us. Discussing what activity we’ll do next back in our hotel room, Sheena got a call from Van telling that they were swimming in the beach in the big rocks area.

Pose: Arem took this picture of me taking picture of Sheena

Minutes later, we joined them. We explored the other side of the long stretch of the beach in Galera. From White Beach where were at, we went to the posh and relaxing Tamaraw beach where foreigners usually stay. Next, the Aninuan beach and an unnamed beach we just called the Virgin beach, in which we had to cross the water to reach it.

Pose again: Arem, Shen and DJ

Under a ginormous native umbrella

Presenting Ms.Tamaraw Beach Resort

Arem was one of the first few who crossed to the virgin beach...

Heading back to White beach, we bumped into Rod and Carmela and led us to the other way to Rem’s hotel. We searched for a place to have ‘merienda’  because the long walk had tired and got us all hungry. Rod and Carmela led the way to the store, we sat down and had ‘halo-halo’. Several minutes later, back in the hotel, we had some picture taking in the façade trying our best to look as if we just belong to the same class.

Tired and hungry from the beach hopping.. halo-halo anyone?

(Upper row) Jansen, Shen, Sheena, Chen, Arem (Lower row) Resty, Carlo, Van, DJ, Jules (Absent) Erick, Rey, Vince

Next on our agenda was our Saturday night ‘gimik’. The girls were in their beach dresses and looked quite coordinated again. The dinner this night was my belated birthday treat to them, we dined in at Tia Maria’s and feasted on Mexican food (love the quesadillas and tacitos but hating the Mexican rice).

Disclaimer: I shared the Mexican food to them

Fiesta de cumpleaños en Tia Marias

My cousin Sheena wasn’t feeling well perhaps the trek that afternoon got her so we returned to our room and she decided to be left behind to rest. Shen took some time off as well alone and high hopes were set that she will not return alone while Arem, Chen and I spotted our new friends having drinks between Tipzinakku and Mikko’s bar and were asked to join them. Van made the cocktail mix, I was not exactly sure what was I drinking at first but I knew it was hard to say pass. Unlike the previous nights, there were lesser conversations and most of the guys did not stay on our table which we didn’t take offense at. Shen finally showed up with Carlo and we couldn’t help but tease on her. The next batch of drinks which was a mix of grenadine, gin and soda, started to hit on me. Chen accompanied me to the rest room to have a forced puke and I felt a lot better after. Sheena managed to get up and was able to follow in the bar later. When the drinks were all done, we knew it was time to return to hotel leaving the rest behind. I managed to still change clothes before sinking to bed. I was half-conscious that Arem, Chen and Shen were still outside the room, but I didn’t exactly care because I was ready to sleep and the next thing I remember, opening the door for them.

When we were all awake, around 8AM, they filled in Sheena and I about what we missed while both of us were sleeping. Arem was complaining about bodyache  after helping the rest of the guys carry DJ (who just had too much and regretfully didn’t make it to his bed) from the sand to the hotel, which I was sure took more than the normal 3-5 minutes trek.

Our last meal in Galera was on the same place we had our first meal, yes, we had the “garlic rice meal” again then some last minute picture taking and souvenir shopping.

After brunch, heading back to hotel to check out

When we returned to the hotel, our new friends were having their breakfast and we knew that the awkward farewell part was soon to come. We checked out around 11:00 am, returned the key to the reception and said our short goodbyes to the guys who were waiting for the Pacman fight that time, with hopes that this wouldn’t be the last time we’ll hear from them.

Having boarded the boat that will take us back to Batangas pier, I realized how I’ll miss the beach. There’s something about walking barefoot in the sand , feeling the warmth of sunshine on your skin, tasting sea water  while trying  to swim, spending the whole day with old good friends and conversing with new ones that make you far beyond the troubles of life, make you forget momentarily what you fear to face, and the decision that has to be made.

We will miss this beach

Needless to say, it’s been an ultra fun trip and I wouldn’t change a thing about how I spent my 25th birthday (and also how I spent my money on it). We made it safely back to Dasma around 5pm and dined in at Pizza Hut before continuing the remaining 1 1/2 hours of journey to home.

With party hats on... Shen is a year older the next day

Thanks Shen, Arem, Gretchen and Cous… see ya on the next trip.

On the day of my actual 25^th birthday, it was raining. Some superstitious people would say this means blessings but I disagreed for it’s not blessings, it’s called raindrops. It was depressing, I did not even want to wake up for I knew my celebration plan was suddenly at risk. Soon, I had cancelled the family lunch-out, mainly because I lost the excitement last night and second, traveling on commute on a wet day like this is a hassle. Then I had second thoughts about continuing the Puerto Galera trip tomorrow since one of the low pressure areas has earned a proper name “Crising” and the thought of being stranded in Mindoro is a kind of daunting.

One after another, the birthday greetings came from family, friends and a few people from work. There were also those greetings that I was hoping to come but never did. Then there’s a half-expected greeting from an old friend who advised me to draw a sun to keep the rain away and the conversation despite his sad news put the smile on my birthday face.

I knew I wouldn’t be comfortable staying at home for the rest of the day so I decided to leave, go to the mall, and watch the Wolverine movie alone. A few hours later, I was surprised that it wasn’t raining anymore when I stepped outside. I texted Arem, Gretchen, Sheena, Anne and Shen that we would carry on with the Galera trip tomorrow. The twist was that Anne backed out last minute, not because of the weather concerns but because of a sudden schedule conflict. For the remaining four friends joining me on this trip, we were still highly hoping that the sunscreen we bought will be put to use.

To be continued… with entry “Sun of a Beach”.

I had high expectations when I woke up this morning. I wore a slim necktie whose color combination perfectly matched my white long sleeve shirt and black slacks. Without the tie, the outfit would make me look like as if I’ll be serving appetizers anytime. I made it before 8am to office but I wasn’t exactly looking forward to the weekly team meeting because “Obnox” was there. There was only one thing I was excited about– a lunch out with a friend, but due to some schedule conflict I ended up with takeout food once again and spent lunch alone in my cube. Maybe the necktie was the jinx but another friend reminded me that there are some things that are not meant to happen. And I agreed.

I was able to get over the heartbreak lunch but the rest of the office day tended to be just as disappointing. I tried inviting my two close former colleagues for a night out later but another schedule conflict it was so we decided to move it next week.

Retail therapy and an interesting dinner seemed to have uplifted my sprit a little. Did some shopping for things I need for the beach outing this long weekend. Tried the Louis Couture Tray of Delifrance, it’s like combo meal French style (French Dip Roast Beef sandwich, Tuscan Pepper Shrimp Linguine, plus appetizer, drink and dessert), truly bon appétit and I’m now a fan.

On my travel home, one of my college friends I have not seen and hear from in a while made an advanced greeting thru a text message. It reminded me suddenly how fewer friends will be able to greet me this year especially personally and made me guilty a bit since I did not invite most of them to my birthday celebration this year which I planned to be in a beach with just a few friends.

A few minutes after I got home, my mother told me that my father is suggesting that we cancel the family lunch out tomorrow that I told them about a few days ago. My father has not explained to me yet his reason for this, but I am turning 25 in a short while so I guess it’s something that my mature understanding can grasp.

I am watching the clock hit midnight and I am not worrying about staying up late because tomorrow I am on vacation leave. I hope God brings out the sun for the next four days and I hope I can get over this birthday blues (a probable sign of aging).

It started when my friend Arem made an unannounced visit to the house in the morning with a surprise company. We were supposed to meet at a later time to get our ‘chichacorn pasalubong’ from our friend Gretchen who’s back from her Ilocos getaway (she said the beach, windmill and lighthouse are super great!). But lo and behold, the surprise company is not Gretchen but Lady—an elementary friend as well who we have not seen or talked to for several months. Apparently she’s back in town and she’s determined to win her friends back.

So several hours later, in the night, she invited us to her re-opened bar in GST. Arem said that it’s Lady’s treat so it was hard to resist such invite. We came to the bar early so while waiting for Lady, Arem, Gretchen and I indulged in a pint of strawberry ice cream we bought in 7-11 store (Selecta Gold Series Berry Strawberry, yum).

The vodka tonic (i wish the one we had looked this nice)

Then there came finally the host, and she took out a bottle of vodka and started concocting a recessionista version of a vodka tonic (vodka+Sprite+calamansi instead of Vodka+tonic water+lime). For some reason, Arem preferred cocktails over beer, Gretchen was strictly observing the lent season and stayed sober the whole night sipping on her iced tea, while Lady and I are shifting between our vodka and beer. Mike came in to the table late as usual with his underage cousin Jerome, both ready for shots. Other spotted in GST, the dessert from my last hangout with high school friends, a former elementary classmate who didn’t seem too thrilled to see us and Russel who acknowledged me at least three times .

My friend Arem

On a serious note, later in the evening, Arem confided that he will be undergoing a minor surgery (as if he’s not been through a lot after surviving lymphoma last year), this time to remove a boil in his wrist. Both Chen and I couldn’t help but be worried and just whisper a silent prayer that all things will go just as fine. Despite that, Arem remained cheerful the whole night providing most of the comic relief (imagine Beyonce’s “Single Ladies” choreography).

It was almost midnight when we left the bar and Mike was almost pushy about doing the “Bisita Iglesia” (i.e. go to 13 churches). However, I wasn’t fond of going to a church, and the alcohol was starting to hit me. So we decided to just go home and soon, when I reached my bed, the vodka did to me what Stilnox does to insomniacs. Zzzz.

My four-month old laptop just suddenly died two weekends ago. I was downloading some songs via Limewire and trying to add them up to my Itunes when all of a sudden the laptop restarted and would not come back to the Windows log-in page. It was stuck on the options for starting Windows and I began to be worried. I hate it when such happens, and the ironic thing is even if I am a computer engineering graduate I feel like I am a dumb when presented with a computer problem. Instinctively, I tried to run the OS installer in my attempt to reformat the laptop but to no luck. Since the unit is still under warranty, I gave up on fixing it myself, texted my dear cousin Sheena to accompany me to a laptop doctor (a.k.a. the technicians where I bought the laptop) to resolve the issue the next day.

It was a good one-on-one bonding moment with Sheena, we had the chance to catch up on each other’s lives. Then the diagnosis for my broken laptop came, it was not a Trojan infection as I initially thought it was rather a hard disk crash so it needed a part replacement. It broke my heart to know that I had to wait for a week for it to be returned and the very fact that there’s no way to recover all the files in it.

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I could swim but I couldn’t trust my aquatic skills especially when the bottom of the water gets beyond the reach of my toes. So when an opportunity to go snorkeling happened last March 29 in the summer outing of our project in Zambales, I was quite anxious. It was my first time to go snorkeling so when we reached the site, I had hesitations dipping into the water because it’s deep and I am distrustful if the life jacket could make me float me and save me should the worst happen. A couple of my officemates were already enjoying the coral site underwater so I knew I just had to jump in as well and worry about life saving later.

The water was cold and salty, and when I attempted to view what’s underwater with the mask they provided, it was almost surreal seeing the moss green colored coral formations below sans fish. My face couldn’t stay submerged in the water for a long time because the mask (covering both eyes and nose) was kind of uncomfortable to wear. My snorkeling experience lasted for about 10-15 minutes only because I had to give up my gears for other member of the groups to try the snorkeling.

This was the best part of the stay we had in the Bakasyunan sa Baybay Dagat resort (snorkeling courtesy of Ritzie). I just wish there was more time to do it because the experience was rather short-lived and I wish I was a more confident swimmer so I wouldn’t have to wear a life vest. I can’t wait to try it all over again. Puerto Galera, anyone?

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• Do not come early and do not expect too much. I realized this isn’t like high school days when the latecomers are not allowed to join the flag ceremony beyond 7AM and have to visit the guidance’s office before going to first period class. My dear friend Shen and I were the only early birds meeting up at 8pm and reaching the venue for this high school get-together at Padi’s Point in Cavite City. It surprised us both that there was just one table occupied when we arrived, one would think that the business is on some serious recession as well. More on first impression, I thought the place was just too dark as if I was standing inside a stadium where tables and chairs were just arranged an hour before. The alignment of tables just threw me off a bit because it reminded me of a school canteen. The video projection on stage was nice but it was playing a Santana’s late 90’s concert video when we came in so this didn’t quite help in setting up the mood. Shen and I decided to wait for the rest before placing our orders. A good 30 minutes later, the customers were not exactly increasing in number and the Santana video was still playing. Then 45 minutes passed, Agooh texted apologizing that they were just on their way and that was our cue to order something to give the waiters the impression that we were not joking when we told them that we were still waiting for others to come. An hour has already passed when we noticed the band has already arrived and there was Amer, our high school classmate who is the lead vocalist of the featured band tonight. He acknowledged us both as he passed by and minutes later I was surprised to see Mimi and Cheche there too to support Amer’s band minus Rodel who I know is in Malate with a different set of friends.

• Bring your own guest next time. The Screws band has just begun their first set for the night when the rest came: Agooh with his young partner Gab who I met for the first time. There’s Georgette who confirmed that she is married but looking very single. She was my seatmate in freshman year and it’s funny that we’re seated next to each other again in our table. Then Eiem, who actually has never been my classmate, only schoolmates in both high school and college, who brought along her boyfriend for years now. A few minutes later after the new set of orders were served, Georgette whispered to me that TJ is coming. Like usual, he made quite an entrance but this time, he came with a dessert he’s willing to share to those craving sweet.

Me, Georgette, Darryl, Eiem, the Dessert, TJ, Gab and Shen

• Not all get-togethers are reunions. The sound in Padi’s for the rest of the evening was good and the band was just terrific. However, they drowned almost all possible human conversation we could have, that only Shen and I had some catching ups done earlier while waiting for the rest. I wasn’t able to chat much with Agooh and intrigue him about his LL but then looking at him and Gab’s body language that night, I knew it was needless to say how in a bliss state he is. I also wish there were more high school classmates and friends were also present. Jeff and Arman were supposed to come according to Agooh, but last minute, backed out.

High School Musical?

• There is no such thing as splitting the bill equally. When the bill came in, I noticed someone in the group already did the math, dividing the total amount to the exact number of persons in the table. This would have worked perfectly if everyone agreed, but it wasn’t the case. I was good in algebra in high school but I hated business math, so when the sharing came short, I knew someone has to step up, just cover the rest of the bill and save himself from the guilt of being the one who ate‘pulutan’ and drank beer the most.

Outside El Palacio and Padis Point in Cavite City

• Forget the bill, it’s the fun the counts. For some reason, we lost a hundred peso bill while preparing the payment, but as Georgette put it, it didn’t matter anymore as long as everyone had fun. And we all agreed.

I semi-officially welcomed summer early with my officemates with a team building activity held last February 28-March 1 in C3Y Hotspring Villa Resort in Laguna. The twist was that I wasn’t just packing my overnight travel bag, soaking in the warm pool water and waiting for the next meal to be served, I was assigned as one of the organizers and G how tough can this get. From finding the private resort in Laguna, working on the trasnpo and food budget, dealing with HR to get the approval, printing the waivers and reprinting because HR said so, buying Andok’s chicken and liempo for dinner, co-facilitating the fun games and making sure no one gets drowned especially myself (Thank God the pool was rather small and not more than 5 feet high) to cooking breakfast for 24 people the next morning. In conclusion it was a great success (ahem!) and I have a lead’s approval in my email to prove that (haha!). Everyone enjoyed and had a fair share of play after all the work.

With Officemates in C3Y Villa Hotspring Resort (Spot me)

After more than two weeks since her homecoming, my dearest cousin Sheena finally had her reunion with the rest of her college friends in Kuya Tony’s bar in GST last night. I was lucky to have had that opportunity earlier,  last Feb 23, when she paid a visit to our house to bring my ‘pasalubongs’ from her and still Dubai-based boyfriend Marky. Now back to last night’s hangout, present there were Glads (who looked blooming with LL), Judie (who survived the recent recession at her work), Anne (who’s looking for a better job but happy with her current bf Joepher who showed up that night to pick her up) and Jayson (who looked chunky and he sorta agreed). It is always such a great feeling seeing old friends get together like this and I must say that having Sheena hanging out with us again made me feel as if not such a long time has passed since the last time we did this. She filled us in with her present LL situation, her experiences in Dubai and her plans to return to work local. Undeniably, we missed her and I can’t wait for the next hangout!

With Cous and college friends at Kuya Tony

Judie, Glads, Me and My Pre-Summer Get-up

I am usually anti-Valentine’s day but this year I opted to hangout with a set of single friends who are not exactly looking for someone forever but looking for something for the meantime… FUN. My gregarious friend Rodel invited me to go out on Valentine’s night along with his close friends and usual ‘gimik’ buddies Mimi and Cheche and a surprise addition high school friend/classmate Jhoana. We had dinner in Spicy Fingers in Greenbelt 2, my second time in that laid back resto/bar where we feasted on chicken and pork satays, chicken fingers, calamari and deep fried prawns and zucchinis.

I thought we would have some cocktails in Spicy Fingers but Rodel didn’t feel like it and instead had a better suggestion—go to Gilligan’s Island located near Glorietta where his band friends are waiting for us. Apparently, this included Amer, another classmate from high school as well. His band just finished a night’s gig in another venue and was just hanging out in Gilligan’s when we came. Nonetheless, we were able to witness his undeniably great talent in singing when he jammed with the in-house band. I’ve heard him sing before in highschool and also in a gig they had in Enchanted Kingdom last year, but this was the first I was convinced that he was born to do this. He sang a number of songs with the band: “Knocks Me Off My Feet” (knock us out in a good way), “Always” (duet with the unimpressive female vocalist of the in-house band who keep calling him Amber instead of Amer) , “So Sick” (so damn good actually)and “Bring Me to Life” (where he did the rap part). I am now a fan.

As if the night has just began, we left Gilligan’s and said goodbyes to Amer and his band and welcome ourselves in Malate. The district is just crowded, it felt like Christmas day on February or is it the fact that I haven’t gone to this place in such long time that this is the scenario I am missing almost every weekend.

We weren’t lucky to find a bar that still has dance floor space left for another clubber or a spare table for a new set of patrons so instead we just hang out in a coffee shop—Starbucks in Adriatico where it offers tasteful and expensive coffees, cozy seats for good conversations and even promo coupons.

We left Malate around 3:30 am, earlier than I expected but thankfully the commute going back home was rather easy. Valentine’s day may be over but I vow to spend more fun times like this.

Every now and then, I get an invitation from my college organization (FORCES and/or CGATES) to come to an event they sponsor. I have already turned down a few invitations they had in the past so when I got another text invite a few days ago from the current CGATES president Rren, I knew my attendance was already half-assured. I just had to ask Rodel (a former FORCES president himself) if he’ coming so that I have company going there and positively, the deal was sealed.

The event by the way, is called “Kamustahan Party”, there wasn’t much information on what the event really is going to be but invited alumni can pretty much know what to expect based on title itself or so I thought. We arrived at Villa Teresa Resort late at past 4pm, although there was no official arrival time required. Dressed in a crisp white rolled up sleeve polo over gray pants and sneakers, I knew the moment I stepped in the resort that I was overdressed for the occasion for it was a literal pool side party with a little fiesta feel to it. Inside Rodel, Mimi and I were greeted by Irah, Rodel’s cousin and current FORCES officer, then we surprisingly saw our former classmate Reynalin Cuevas sitting in one corner. Apparently she was there because her beau since our college days, Anson was there performing for the eager crowd. Soon, we were getting attention from the student attendees, some familiar, most are not. Then there’s the dean, finally welcoming us with her usual enthusiastic glow. She was happy that we came and instantly she mentioned about a meeting she’s planning next week asking Engineering alumni to help the would-be graduates in finding a job.

Next we saw was the cheerful Mam Agnes, our former Chemistry teacher who’s now spearheading the FORCES organization as its adviser. She was thoughtful to offer us to eat and even gave us a little souvenir for the event. Looking so summer-y and blooming is Mam Jen, our CGATES adviser during our time, one of the closest professors I had in college who welcomed us with warm hug. Other faculty members present were Mam Teogangco, Sir Doza and Mam Sheilly. Alumni also present were Heidi Lunggcay and her ECE/CE batchmates, Robby and Leslie who were the CoE graduates after us also previous FORCES presidents. The occasion was supposed to bridge some gaps but it was a little disappointing that there was more picture-taking involved than actual human-talking. After eating, I almost had the feeling that we were there to merely observe as visitors.

I knew I would have greater fun there if the people I really missed in college were present in this event like my college friends, CoE classmates and yes, my crush. We left the party early, just almost 6pm with me thinking that those who failed to come and didn’t get the invite didn’t really miss that much and knowing that the actual homecoming I envisioned is yet to come.

We never had a Christmas tree at home and I never really wished anything to Santa because I knew that his alter-ego is working in the Middle East and is not coming home on Christmas Eve. These and quite a few other reasons make me least excited as Christmas day approached. I guess I like the Christmas season more than the Christmas day itself. I like the chill in the air, the gift buying, the festive decorations in the streets (not in our house), the merry greetings but I hate the Christmas rush, the overrated traffic and the expenses that just keep getting beyond what you budgeted for. Then there’s the fact that with each passing year, I realize more that Christmas is just for children and for couples and when you’re 24 and single, you can’t help but be bittersweet about this occasion. Or maybe, I am just bitter because of the below:

Gifts I Wish I Had Received Last Christmas but Never Did

• A wireless router
• A Calvin Klein Jeans bag
• Another Tom Perrota/Augusten Burroughs book
• A Pajama set
• A thoughtful Christmas card

On the other hand, I found several reasons to cheer up this New Year. There’s a bunch of things I am very thankful for the year that has been. In retrospect of 2008, I’ve met some really interesting individuals “along the way” and learned from them, I got a promotion and felt that I have matured in many ways in my career in a short span of time, I made my first travel abroad last October and survived, I was able to buy things I wanted or at least thought I want them, and I continued to keep in touch with friends and made reconciliations with some people from the past (not enemies though).

So in the spirit of New Year I am sharing my 2009 Resolution List:

• Manage money better to save more
• Be less boring and more interesting
• Spend less time at home and see places
• Be more mature in dealing with disappointments
• Eat healthier food and try to gain weight
• Be more patient with dealing with people
• Be more active and learn a sport

Cheers to 2009! – Jansen