A nostalgic visit

Highschool is said to be the happiest of one’s studying journey. This is probably where we experienced a lot, be it good or bad, exciting or not, happy or sad. All of which took part in shaping the person who we are today.  Just three days ago, I was able to visit my Alma mater San Francisco High School (formerly Don Mariano Marcos High School). The twins asked me to drop by for a meeting, and since mom is in the province, I was the one who attended for her. And who would have thought that I’d be tagging along a high school friend to visit, a dear friend of mine Vicky! So after the meeting, we began to roam around our used to be haven of fun. The last time I went to visit was a year ago for the twins enrollment, and of course it never fails to bring back memories. It would always take me back some 10 years ago, back in those days where problems equates to more simpler and bearable things like doing projects, assignments, petty fights with classmates or  boyfriend/girlfriend, and even those stubborn pimples on our face. It has been ten years, already a decade, a lot of things had happened and changed. But everything just seemed yesterday three days ago.

I made it a point to bring my camera with me so that I can take pictures of the new and improved SFHS. So there we went, reminiscing our old moments together and clicking to capture the school’s 2.0 version at the same time. We couldn’t help but smile seeing the big improvement on how it looked and of course picturing ourselves on the same spots where we used to hang out with. With every minute we’d go, “Dito tayo gumagawa ng assignments noon!”, “Dito tayo nagpa picture noon!”, “Dito yung Science room natin!”, and stuff like that. We really really enjoyed it! Back at home, I tried taking shots of our old highschool pics using my camera, so I will include those to have some kind of a before and after thing hehe!

Calalay Building, where we spent most of our senior year

This is a photo taken with some friends at the same building above (me the 3rd guy from left, with my bestfriend Ces! haha):

On our way to Molave Building: (lubak-lubak ‘to dati haha! at walang walkway/sidewalk before):

The strong and sturdy Molave building, where we spent our sophomore year, my first year on SFHS actually coz I was a transferee (on the pic, my model Vicky haha!):

One of the many canteens, where we usually spend our lunch. Now it’s under renovation but there’s a new one just beside it:

Walang mga ganito dati, swerte ng mga students ngayon! (on the pic again, my model Vicky):

And probably this was the spot where this was taken:

The new building, Belmonte building, located beside the Yakal building:

The very spacious schoolground:

The eye-catching Baliti tree, a very famous tambayan spot (again, with my model Vicky haha!):

A shot taken under the Baliti tree a day after our graduation (me wearing red):

Yakal building from afar:

The Administration building:

A picture taken during our JS Prom with my partner Rosilyn Malubay (Ramiele’s sister?! haha!), outside the Admin building:

See, I was not fat as I imagined! hehe!

After having fun taking pictures, we finally said goodbye anew to our dear school. Still with smile on our faces, but now with churning tummies haha! So off we went to, of course, SM to have some merienda. Before going to the school, I got this craving for dumplings. That’s why when I saw Dimsum & Dumplings Tea Room, I never hesitated, and we right away ordered yummy yummy treats!

And what better way to end this entry by posting our class picture haha! Batch 1998, section 8, adviser Ms. Lorna DV Canonoy

When is the reunion?!

Early birthday greetings

It won’t be too long til my birthday, exactly eight more days actually. And I am quite surprised that some people are remembering even this early. Yesterday, two dear people close to my heart greeted me in advance and just today, another one made it more exciting to look forward to haha! I’m not the type of person who really expresses his gratitude to someone, so let me pay them back by posting an entry exclusively for them.

Well, I know I have friends who won’t fail to remember my day but having some that goes ahead the other ones makes it more special. I guess it really pays to be always first, eh?

So, here are the lucky ones haha! For they’ll have the limelight of the moment, being the first ones to greet me!

“Pong, Happy b-day! I wish all the blessing from the Lord for you. Keep it up, the good work. We love you so much, take care always. God loves you! Mwah!” – from my cousin Ate Liza of Cagayan De Oro

“Happy birthday pala my dada! Waaah! How young are you na ba? hahahaha!” - from my didi Jean

(sorry pareng Nhinz, I had to crop you out haha!)

“Pwede bang mag cash advance? hahaha! este advance happy birthday paul!” – from Ycong, a cousin of the twins

So I guess I’ll see you on the next list! The actual day greeters haha, is there such a term? I dunno! Ok, I got to be going to sleep coz it’s back to work tomorrow. Until next entry! Signing off. (would be dozing off in a bit)

It’s Yer Boitdey! (reprise)

Ok, so I didn’t do my research very well. There are still few July celebrants I failed to include on my original post, that’s why I need to create a part two. And while I am doing this entry, the thought of me celebrating my own birthday in ten days time is giving me creeps! hahaha! Anyway, here are some other celebrants this month:

My elementary classmates Rhea (July 22) & Rae Emily (July 23)

Our next door neighbor Ana Liza (July 29), and RX jock Danielle (July 11)

Former workmates Jai (July 18th) & Lizzie (July 19)

And here are some more famous persons celebrating this month, this time in the local scene:

Alessandra de Rossi (July 19)

celebrity couple Claudine & Raymart (both July 20)

and

Comedy King Dolphy who will turn 80 on July 25!

A Dark Night

July 18, 2008 was indeed a dark night. It’s the day of our much anticipated movie dayout for The Dark Knight, and we were all wearing black! Well, at least with something black on. And we swear that we didn’t plan to wear the same color. Probably Heath’s spirit is the one to blame haha! Even when we had our dinner that evening, two of us had Black Pepper Pasta. Hmmm. Anyway, our get together also became a send off party sort of thing for a Popoy friend Jojit who is leaving for Dubai next week. Good thing he was able to join us for dinner because I and a friend failed to go to his birthday party last July 4. So it was such a fun and memorable GT! Unfortunately he wasn’t able to join us watch the movie because we decided to go for the last full show (because Mei is causing the delay haha!), and the cute little Pia can’t stay that long that’s why they need to go home early after dinner.

Dinner at Cavana in Megamall

Me, Jojit, Pia & Mel

My Black Pepper Pasta with beef chunks

And the Dark Knights haha

And now about the movie. It is actually difficult to find the exacting words as to how we all loved it, but witnessing how well the film was made is reason enough to rave. Not in every breathtaking or amusing scenes we’d go “Hanep!”, “Galeng!”, or “Wow!“. The Dark Knight is the most different and prolific of all Batman films, I must say. The story’s in-depth attack on the people involving Bruce Wayne was extremely well crafted that you’d really get drawn to each and every character. The ensemble cast is solid rock! I mean, who could even argue on having Christian Bale, Michael Caine, Gary Oldman, Aaron Eckhart, Maggie Gyllenhaal, and Morgan Freeman in one big film. Their acting was superb!

And yes, Heath Ledger! THE Heath Ledger. My, he owned the movie. Outstanding performance! Gave me creeps every now and then, a proof that it was a very effective portrayal of Joker. But watching him afterwards saddened me, knowing that this was his last film and we won’t be able to experience his brilliance anymore. On a lighter side, his last is indeed a BIG one! I would give him an Ace with this one, and probably the Academy will, too. Heath might win next year’s Best Actor in a Supporting Role. Oh, I can’t wait for that!

The Dark Knight countdown

I am so freakish about this movie! I just can’t wait to watch it. Indeed, this is the most anticipated movie of the year! I also can’t wait to see Heath Ledger play Joker. Words have been spreading that he might receive an Oscar nomination for Best Actor in a Supporting Role. Critics were raving about his performance! Which makes it more exciting to look forward to.

Too bad I didn’t get to watch RX 93.1’s red carpet premiere yesterday. Haven’t got the time to join in for promos. Anyway, three more days and I will finally get to watch it with some friends! We really planned this one ahead of time so that we can all see it together. Here’s one of the many trailers I checked out on YouTube. See you at the movies!

Eraserheads to reunite!

Yes, it’s confirmed: The Eraserheads are reuniting after many years of being apart, not for good but only for one show slated for Aug. 30 at the CCP Open Grounds.

According to the STAR source, all the original members are performing — Ely Buendia, Buddy Zabala, Marcus Adoro and Raimund Marasigan.

This piece of good news should make the Eraserheads fans very happy.

Said to be the ‘greatest Pinoy band,’ the Eraserheads will sing all their hit songs, including Alapaap, Toyang and Ang Huling El Bimbo.

So much water, so to speak, has flowed under the bridge since the band broke up years ago.

Ely, who survived a heart attack two years ago, has formed two bands, Mongol (which didn’t last long) and Pupil (still playing).

‘It took one big company to bring the former band members together,’ said the source who is keeping the company’s identity ‘confidential’ for the time being.

Really now, don’t the Eraserheads fans wish that the band would stay together not just for a one-night-only concert but for good…for old time’s sake?— Ricky Lo, Philippine Star

******************

OMG! I so want to watch it! I am not a super fan, nor a true blue rakista, but I really really love this legendary band! I grew up listening to their music, and they were outstandingly big back then. They’ve been through a lot: tough times, issues and controversies. And now that the reunion concert is finally confirmed, their fans will surely celebrate! I hope I can watch this, I heard it’s for free. I can’t wait to watch them live, and sing along with their amazing songs! Waaahh!

Lifehouse -vs- Daughtry

Wow! Two of my favorite acts are coming here in Manila for a concert before this month ends! Lifehouse on the 26th and Daughtry on the 29th.

Lifehouse skyrocketed to fame via their debut album No Name Face on 2000 which produced the #1 alternative hit Hanging By A Moment. I remember those days I got crazy for that amazing song! Back in 2005, the ballad You And Me, from their self titled album, was such a hit as well. I equally loved that song, the wonderfully written lyrics really gotten into me. And now with their new album Who We Are, the band gets back to basics, their roots which made them form their group. I am not a super fan (unlike two of my friends who already bought VIP tickets haha!), but I really like this band! Too bad I won’t be able to watch them live because I am saving up for something. I will just probably sing along from afar, while they were performing.

Chris Daughtry, on the other hand, was my favorite Idol back in their time on the 5th season. I really rooted for him that’s why I am so upset when he got eliminated. But he proved the fact that you need not to be the grand winner to reach the top. His debut album went four times platinum, produced hits such as It’s Not Over, Home, and Over You, received a Grammy nomination, and even topped hit charts. Clearly he accomplished more than Katharine McPhee and the grand winner Taylor Hicks (seriously, where is he now?!). Fast forward to 2008, Chris together with his band will pay a visit here to wow their uber exciting Pinoy fans. With his credentials alone, it is an understatement that this event would be a huge success.

(Photos courtesy of Clickthecity.com & Ticketnet)

12 years and counting

The Morning Rush is a weekday morning radio show of Monster Radio RX 93.1 and is hosted by Chico Garcia and Delamar.

The show has a cult following of listeners, who call themselves “Rushers”. Rushers would usually tune in to the show while on their way to work or school. The show was first aired on Monster Radio in 1996 and was moved to 93.9 KCFM in 1998, and then went back to Monster Radio in 2002.

Source: Wikipedia

It has been twelve years since Chico and Del started their program. But it wasn’t until they came back to RX that I started listening to them. Sure I’ve heard a lot about them back then, seen their tv guestings singing and promoting their album, capturing glimpse of their own tv program, and even stumbling upon a comic strip involving their show. They got famous and big, all because of the hit radio show. At that time, I was not much of a radio fan, or should I say RX fan (a rabid RX fan, as a friend coined it) that’s why I didn’t get to listen or experience what the big fuss was about.

I started listening to RX year 1999 and the Dynamic Duo went back year 2002. I actually was not that positive about their comeback, but still I woke up early just to listen to them(it was Chico’s birthday that day). At first, I still am not getting it. But when I started listening on a regular basis, I finally discovered why they were called The Legends. I became, yes, a fan! They’re seriously and hilariously funny, spontaneous, and crazy! Words may not suffice on how I like them, but indeed they are worthy of the term legends, being the first to set the trend on having tandems on radio shows.

During my days off, I make it a point to listen to their show. It’s so addicting! No wonder legions of people have been bitten by the Rush bug. And don’t fret if you missed an episode, there’s a site where you can listen to their show since 2006. Thanks to Blue Ritz, for meeting the alarmingly increasing demand for the cure for C&D syndrome.

And now that they are celebrating the show’s 12th year, I just want to thank teacher Chico and teacher Delamar for making our mornings more special, putting smile on our faces on a seemingly dry day, and for touching and influencing our lives in a sleazy way, I mean positive way. Even if I’ve only been listening for 6 years, I’m glad and I’m proud that you both are part of that six fruitful and fun years! Here’s to more and more years of fun, laughter and craziness! CONGRATULATIONS!

It’s Yer Boitdey!

July is a dreaded month for me, because I will be a year older yet again when it ends. Well, dreaded not in its utmost extent but the fact that I am not getting any younger makes me cringe. However, realizing that I have lived another year makes me celebrate and enjoy life even more. Early this morning, I came up with an idea of posting an entry about birthdays and who among people I know of are celebrating it this year, since it is my birth month. I enjoyed doing some research among family members, friends and even famous persons that’s why I later thought of doing it a monthly entry as well, like the monthly recap I am doing. So without further ado, here are the July celebrants!

My cousins Pam (July 25), Raine (July 12) and Love (July 10)

My dear friends Jojit (July 2) and Vicky (July 21)

College friends Nelfia (July 22), Wheng (July 2) & Marco (July 5)

Office friends Kat (July 5), Ivy (July 6), Jhoy (July 4) & Abby (July 3)

and my DJ friends Rico Robles (July 12) & Gelli Victor (July 10)

Sorry guys if I broadcast your birthdays in public hehe! There are actually two missing, my tito Alex who’s celebrating on the 29th and another office friend of mine Marco who turned a year older yesterday July 4th. I just couldn’t find pictures of them. Tito Alex doesn’t have a Friendster account and Marco don’t have any pictures on his! Anyway, here are some famous personalities who aren’t just July celebrants but shares the same birthday as mine!

Wesley Snipes

Dean Cain

and JK Rowling!

Wow! I feel like I’m a celebrity too! No wonder I look like one hehe! Anyway, just watch out for my actual birthday post. I am still not sure if I’ll be having a celebration, probably last minute plans would work out anew. So, to all July celebrants: HAPPY HAPPY BEERDAY!!

The June that was

It is a proven fact that time flies fast. Days would turn into weeks, weeks into months, months into a year. And true enough, the first half of the year just passed by. The thirty days of June which seemed too long by looking at it on the calendar went by just like an overnight visitor. So here I am again, doing a recap on how my month shaped up. Enumerating personal events, things and personalities that made a mark for the month of June.

Wedding bells again. And this time it was two of my friends, a barkada of mine Rhey and our college classmate Roselyn. They are the first of the two of our college couples who got married, and what made it extra special was the date. It was the 7th of June 2008 or 06-07-08! That day actually turned up to be a triple celebration, because it was a joint wedding and christening of their baby Riley Adriel, and it sort of became a college reunion for some of us. We had a lot of fun catching up with old friends and hoped to attend another wedding before the year ends (guess who?haha!).

Online movies. It wasn’t until this month that I learned or tried watching movies online. And I liked it! The first ever I got to watch was Dekada ‘70, after reading the novel. And since the first site I checked out mostly had Tagalog uploads, I also got to watch Ouija with the twins and A Love Story with a friend. Just recently, I watched Kung Fu Panda over at watch-movies.net (which I really really loved!), and also a 1995 Leonardo DiCaprio film Total Eclipse. I hope I can watch some more, the ones that are really difficult to find a dvd copy of.

MV Princess of the Stars Tragedy. June 21, 2008 can probably make it to history books as a 23, 824-tonne commercial ferry which reportedly had around 800 passengers, capsized off the coast of San Fernando, Romblon at the height of typhoon Frank/Fengshen. It was on its way to Cebu City at about 11:45am when it happened, according to a survivor. Only around 40 survived and majority were said to have drowned with the ship. Rescue operations are still on going, and it was later found out that the ship carried some certain chemicals which may affect the marine life. Families of passengers are still devastated as they might not see their lovedones anymore. What happened was really heartbreaking. It is indeed very very hard to lose your lovedones in a tragic way. Let’s just hope and pray that this won’t happen again.

Photos courtesy of Associated Press, BBC/Calgary Herald

Pacquiao Victory! Ok, I won’t end this entry with a tragedy so might as well conclude on Manny Pacquiao’s recent triumph. It was indeed another victorious day for the entire Philippines as our People’s Champ won against David Diaz by KnockOut last June 29. Because of this, Pacquiao became the very first Asian to win four World Championship titles on different divisions. These are Super Flyweight, Super Bantamweight, Flyweight, and the one he just snatched off Diaz, the Lightweight title. It was an amazing fight! All rounds were dominated by Pacman, that’s why I was a bit surprised Diaz still managed to last until Round 9. Aside from the knockout scene, my most favorite part was when Manny checked out David after being knockedout, and attempted to help him. The first time Pacman did that to his opponent because according to him, he felt that David is a nice guy unlike the other ones he fought with. It was one of those time you’d go “Aaaaww..” Congratulations Pacquiao!

Photos courtesy of Newsday.com and BBC

Those are the events, stuff I got busy with and personalities that shaped up my June. Until next month!