2008 In Review

As the year 2008 comes to a close, I look back and assess how good (or bad) it was for me. It could be said that I spent the whole year bumming around but I do not regret any minute of it. Well, there may be a few mistakes but the good outweighs the bad.

For one, I spent time traveling this year. First, I went to Davao City with Mama on her birthday. I returned there with Darlene and May in April where I spent a night with my in-laws in Santa Cruz, and another night at Mayet's house in Tagum City. In May, I went to Cebu with my Flores kin and then straight to Cagayan de Oro with a day trip to Iligan. I visited Cagayan de Oro countless times after that, once with Regina during her Philippine visit. This year's travel highlight was my getaway to General Luna in September, in time for the International Surfing Cup and the town fiesta. Then, there was my escape to Duka Bay with Mabel in October. In November, I flew to Manila on a business trip with Darlene and May. Lastly, I had my one-night Manila stopover before I left for Japan.

I also gained a few new friends this year. On top of the list are Dondi and Alex whom I met in GL, along with Mark and Chris Pulo. Then, there are the "Kusina Avenue Girls" (Imelda, Malou, Terry, Tita Susan, Evelyn, etc. etc.) whom I hung out with occasionally at, where else, Kusina Avenue! I also had time to bond with the Chuas, specifically Mayet and Ronnie, with whom I only exchanged Hi's and Hello's before. I would also like to mention Alvin, Jett, Buddy, Kiko, JB and company whom I cannot exactly call my friends but with whom I had a grand time for about 27 hours.

I was elected President of our alumni class this year. Which means I got involved in a couple of projects which got me busy for a while this year. First was "Heat Wave", a dance party at G-Subd. Bar on May 18. It ended up more like a drinking party but the tickets were sold out. We also had our raffle promo which did not go as well as planned. Surprisingly, we still earned a few bucks after the draw.

And the ultimate highlight of 2008 is "The Dawn Live in Butuan" on December 12. The financial report should make me cry but is was an experience of a lifetime, one that is worth far more than what we lost.

And the lessons I learned this year?

"Some things are better left unsaid and undone."

Words of wisdom which I picked up from the most unlikely person. With that, I am vaulting the other memories of 2008 in my mind, hoping that they will stay there forever.

'Til We Meet Again...

Last Friday, I had a Mamimoys mini despedida party courtesy of Lab Lab and Kate. For the first time in a million years, Lab Lab bought and brought all the food and drinks. Yes Virginia, miracles do happen! And it wasn't your usual barbecue and beer. He ordered take out from VJ's and brought Johnnie Walker Black Label. Of course, they had to buy a reinforcement of Red Horse later on, otherwise Janice will be "pingis". As a result, she gave me several "trees in the backyard" as a parting gift.

On Sunday, it was my Butuanon gal pals' turn. They brought humba, pasta, garlic chicken, lumpia shanghai, macaroni salad and chips with matching tequila and vodka cruiser. We shared a lot of laughs as we reminisced about the year that passed.


Finally, I had to leave Butuan yesterday. The gang saw me off at the airport. Thank God nobody shed a tear! I really hate goodbyes.

In Manila, I met up with Jasper and Mark. We went to Mall of Asia and had dinner at Friday's. Afterwards, we took a stroll at the bayside. We stopped to have a coffee/tea at Gloria Jean's.


Then, we continued towards the giant christmas tree and magic fountain. We decided to head back to Jasper's place and enjoy some red wine, chips and cheese. I had a glass and dozed off.

My phone woke me up at 7AM this morning. Mark was gone and Jasper was still fast asleep. After some text messages and a phone call, I started preparing to go the airport. At 10AM, Jasper woke up and waited for a taxi with me downstairs. We said our goodbyes and I was off.

The ride to the airport took about 20 minutes. It took almost the same for me to go through the check-in processes. I spent the rest of my waiting time texting and calling some friends. Boarding time was at 1PM. The plane departed Manila promptly at 1:35PM and landed in Nagoya at almost 6PM.

I am now safely back in Gifu with Ariel. 'Til we meet again folks!

Merry Christmas!

Christmas is indeed a time for reconciliation. Last night, Claire called me and greeted me merry christmas. It was a bit awkward but pleasant nonetheless. I am overjoyed!

Merry christmas to all!

Fallout

One of the most painful things that a person can ever experience in life is to fall out with a friend. It belongs right up there with losing someone dear or breaking up with a significant other.

Thirty days ago today, I started falling out with a friend. The reasons were unclear and we didn't bother to talk about it. Let's call this friend Claire.

Claire is one of my more recent friends. We were introduced by a common friend and we clicked right away. We are based in different cities but we continued to exchange emails and text messages. Sometimes, we would also burn the phone lines with our very long conversations. Other times, we would see each other and catch up. There was never a dull moment that I shared with Claire.

But those moments are now gone. I do not know if they will ever return. In the thirty days of silence, I only received one text message. It was cryptic and I did not bother to decipher it.

I know that in time, I will understand what is happening. But until then, I can only wait and reminisce...