Ships Ahoy

I counted at least 7 points all over my body that aches like crazy that time but I didn't care more as the offshore regatta to Punta Fuego was concluded last October 19 with our return to the Manila Yacht Club from the Batangas marina.

It was AWESOOOOMENESS! It was my first offshore race and my first overnight sailing too!

We left the MYC waterfront October 17, Friday at around 9pm (start of the race) but I met with the rest of the crew earlier for briefing. Right after the gun, our "Challenge" immediately led the pack of the other three participating yachts and never looked back. There was the bigger cruiser "Balanghay" and two other smaller sailboats "Rapparee" and "Rags".

the cool crew of "Challenge"
"Challenge" Crew: Martin, Lou, Obi, Sean, Mikee, Carlo, Darrell, Mang Pi, Rex, Vince, Kel, Paolo, Jeannie

Day 2 Additions: Gelo (birthday ork), Tana, Len, Paul

The night race to Punta Fuego was a breeze as we averaged 8.4 to 8.7 knots with the wind just right for a kite run. I exchanged grinding duties with Lou and Kel throughout the race. And had power naps in between.

The Cavite skyline at night is a sight but one very interesting landmark is the fortified islet of Fort Drum. South of its more prominent neighboring island of COrregidor, Fort Drum has also been a place of stand for the joint American and Pinoy defenders against the Japanese invaders of World War 2.

Fort Drum as taken beside a US warship during WW2
We arrived at the Punta Fuego marina at around 2am the next day welcomed by Joe, his dachshund Gaucho, and a bottle of Tanduay and the works... inuman time followed shortly. I just chugged down a couple of beer then hit the deck (pun intended) groggily. Ang sarap ng liempo ni Carlo!

I was awaken by the club's PA system, playing ringtone-like hits boisterously that morning. We hit the shower at the clubhouse then went back to the boat. I was able to take some more Z-time at the adjoining pontoon before birthdaydude Gelo and the rest of the gang arrived.

There were three races that day, two point-to-points and a windward-leeward. Most of the time I was manning the main sail under the auspice of Master Darrell and did some unforgiveable boo-boos along the way. Argh. I can't forgive myself for this one time that I fucked up at something as basic as wrapping the sheets the right way. Focus and presence of mind is a premium in sailing.

From what I heard we did first on the IRC rating and second on the PY rating.

After all the races, we just hang around the marina and wandered about the place. Usual tagayan at the clubhouse after a failed attempt to squeeze in at a local party place. Several beers and hours later, we called it a night and still aboard "Challenge" we hit it off back to Manila. We arrived at the MYC by around 6:15AM. Tapa for breakfast by Jeannie. Yub yub!

approaching Manila Bay
Super thanks goes to the entire crew of "Challenge" for bearing with my noobiness and of course especially to Martin for the opportunity to sail his boat.

i heart this shot. partida, cam-phone.

Kulang pa Ako ng Ginagawa

I was everywhere yesterday! From office meetings, to our band practice, to buyings stuffs at the mall, to the SE meet... schedule-artista na naman ang hecticity ko.

Office, Makati
Afternoon meeting...
I was helping the team find a place for our team excursion... for all 20+ participants. Being the resident lakwatsador, all I can suggest are trips I've been to before. And then thankfully I remembered Mex and her Discover Pinas. Now we're looking at going to Anawangin on the second weekend of December, right after our company Christmas party.

Konting gusot na lang ang kelangan plantsahin and we'll be booking up for the trip. I discussed to them what to expect on the trip and how we can be more practical with the expenses. So far, we might make it not to take out money from our own pockets. Let's see how far can we go with that.


Gas Chamber, Makati Cinema Square
After work...
Immediately after the meeting for Anawangin, I ran (literally) to Makati Cinema Square. Most of the band was there already doing their sound checks. Nakakahiya.

This is session number two of our practices for the office's Christmas Party celebration. I'll be playing the bass guitars on most songs but iL do vocals for "Buloy" of Parokya ni Edgar. Haha. Kulitan ito.

Songs we did yesterday:
"Iskul Bukol" by TVJ
"214" by Rivermaya
"Narda" by Kamikaze

Frankly, I'm not satisfied with our performances yesterday aside from the "Iskul Bukol" which is starting to get into us more adeptly.


National Book Store, Glorietta
After Gas Chamber...
Then I'll have to rush to NBS before it closes!

Ayn will be having her Black and White birthday bash this Saturday at Vivo Cafe in Batangas. In connection with it, she and a bunch of friends will donate school supplies to Bantay Bata. I was supposed to go but all depends on how late I'll be going home in Friday. Because of this, I'd rather just make sure that I can give something to the kids. So I bought them notebooks and crayons na lang.

Danilo was asking me to play a song for the celebration. If only I can make sure I'll be able to go. Sayangs. Madami pa namang dalagang nag hihintay sa akin doon. Haha! Di ba Ayn?


Starbucks, Greenbelt 3
After NBS...
I texted some of the SE14 people and just as I was about to leave for home, Kristie confirmed that they were still in Greenbelt. So I walked back to Starbucks to meet them.

SE14 Attendance: Joiner Laurie, Joiner Erl, Jiropot, Philip, Raissa, Lads, Master Joiner Obi, Drew's Brick Oven, Bazaar Niño, Pam, Makati Chapter Head Kristie, Jobert Jitterbug, Shep Mike, Shep Ali

We worked on the screenplay for our upcoming entry for SJRM's Halo-ween Indie Film Fest. We were assigned to do comedy so it should be easy. We actually ended up with a good story. I liked it and I can't wait to start shooting.

GO katorse!


Home, Pasay City
After everything else...
At home, I went on removing the price tags of the notebooks I bought then wrote a simple message on all of the notebooks' last leaf. My messages have the same starting and ending phrases...

...starts with "Kamusta kaibigan?" and ends with "Mag-aral kang mabuti."

The messages in between those phrases ranges from "Bigay ito sa iyo ng Diyos, sa akin niya lang ipinabili." to "Astig ang Diyos dahil alam niyang kakailanganin mo ito." to something as simple as "Mahal tayo ng Diyos."

first batch of notebooks
I've made the messages as random as possible and I know that God will let the kids get the notebooks whose messages fits their circumstances. It makes my day just to feel that I've been His instrument and I thank Him and Ayn for the opportunity.

Happy birthday Aynski!

Bedtime: 1:36AM
Woke up this morning: 8:35AM

Yes... I'm late today. Haha!

Cuarenta y Uno

This is allegedly one of Dr. Phil's psychology tests...

I got 41...

41 TO 50 POINTS
Others see you as fresh, lively, charming, amusing, practical and always interesting; someone who's constantly in the center of attention, but sufficiently well-balanced not to let it go to their head. They also see you as kind, considerate, and understanding; someone who'll always cheer them up and help them out.

1. B
2. A
3. C
4. B
5. A
6. B
7. B
8. E
9. C
10. F

*****

Doctor Phil and his muppet alter ego, Doctor Feel
1. When do you feel at your best?
a) in the morning
b) during the afternoon and early evening
c) late at night

2. You usually walk.....
a) fairly fast, with long steps
b) fairly fast, with little steps
c) less fast head up, looking the world in the face
d) less fast, head down
e) very slowly

3. When talking to people, you...
a) stand with your arms folded
b ) have your hands clasped
c) have one or both your hands on your hips or in pockets
d) touch or push the person to whom you are talking
e) play with your ear, touch your chin or smooth your hair

4. When relaxing, you sit with...
a) your knees bent with your legs neatly side by side
b) your legs crossed
c) your legs stretched out or straight
d) one leg curled under you

5. When something really amuses you, You react with...
a) a big appreciated laugh
b) a laugh, but not a loud one
c) a quiet chuckle
d) a sheepish smile

6. When you go to a party or social gathering, you...
a) make a loud entrance so everyone notices you
b) make a quiet entrance, looking around for someone you know
c) make the quietest entrance, trying to stay unnoticed

7. When you're working or concentrating very hard, and you're interrupted, you...
a) welcome the break
b) feel extremely irritated
c) vary between these two extremes

8. Which of the following colors do you like most?
a) Red or orange
b) black
c) yellow or light blue
d) green
e) dark blue or purple
f) white
g) brown or gray

9. When you are in bed at night, in those last few moments before going to sleep, you lie...
a) stretched out on your back
b) stretched out face down on your stomach
c) on your side, slightly curled
d) with your head on one arm
e) with your head under the covers

10. You often dream that you are...
a) falling
b) fighting or struggling
c) searching for something orsomebody
d) flying or floating
e) you usually have dreamless sleep
f) your dreams are always pleasant

POINTS:
1.(a) 2 (b) 4 (c) 6
2.(a) 6 (b) 4 (c) 7 (d) 2 (e) 1
3.(a) 4 (b) 2 (c) 5 (d) 7 (e) 6
4.(a) 4 (b) 6 (c) 2 (d) 1
5.(a) 6 (b) 4 (c) 3 (d) 5 (e) 2
6.(a) 6 (b) 4 (c) 2
7.(a) 6 (b) 2 (c) 4
8.(a) 6 (b) 7 (c) 5 (d)4 (e) 3 (f) 2 (g) 1
9.(a) 7 (b) 6 (c) 4 (d) 2 (e) 1
10.(a) 4 (b) 2 (c) 3 (d) 5 (e) 6 (f) 1
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

OVER 60 POINTS
Others see you as someone they should "handle with care." You're seen as vain, self-centered and one who is extremely domineering. Others may admire you, wishing they could be more like you, but don't always trust you, hesitating to become too deeply involved with you.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

51 TO 60 POINTS
Others see you as an exciting, highly volatile, rather impulsive personality; a natural leader, one who's quick to make decisions, though not always the right ones. They see you as bold and adventuresome, someone who will try anything once; someone who takes chances and enjoys an adventure. They enjoy being in your company because of the excitement you radiate.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

41 TO 50 POINTS
Others see you as fresh, lively, charming, amusing, practical and always interesting; someone who's constantly in the center of attention, but sufficiently well-balanced not to let it go to their head. They also see you as kind, considerate, and understanding; someone who'll always cheer them up and help them out.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

31 TO 40 POINTS
Others see you as sensible, cautious, careful and practical. They see you as clever, gifted, or talented, but modest. Not a person who makes friends too quickly or easily, but someone who's extremely loyal to friends you do make and who expect the same loyalty in return. Those who really get to know you realize it takes a lot to shake your trust in your friends, but equally that it takes you a long time to get over it if that trust is ever broken.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

21 TO 30 POINTS
Your friends see you as painstaking and fussy. They see you as very cautious, extremely careful, a slow and steady plodder. It would really surprise them if you ever did something impulsively or on the spur of the moment, expecting you to examine everything carefully from every angle and then usually decide against it. They think this reaction is caused partly by your careful nature.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

UNDER 21 POINTS
People think you are shy, nervous, and indecisive, someone who needs looking after, who always wants someone else to make the decisions and who doesn't want to get involved with anyone or anything! They see you as a worrier who always sees problems that don't exist. Some people think you're boring. Only those who know you well know that you aren't.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

- Dr.Phil McGraw

Back to Business

For what seemed like weeks in bed rest, I finally was able to play hoops again last Friday! Including that, we'll be playing at the Makati Stock Exchange basement basketball court for the next two more Fridays against the guys of BPI. Lucky us, we get to schedule the games despite several clamors from different companies for that place and time.

Hirap makakuha ng available court around the Makati area na "after-work" time ang schedule. Pero adik lang yata talaga kami sa laro at nakakita pa kami ng "fall-back" venue. This Wednesday we're also scheduled to play at the San Lorenzo Village gym near Assumption. Galing!

Nag-aalala na naman nanay ko sa mga lakwatsa ko. Sabi nya, "Oh... oh... nag-uumpisa ka na naman ng rampage mo. Hinay hinay muna at baka mabinat ka!"

rampage (n.) - lakwatsa, gala; from the root word "rampa" (Source: Diksyunaryo ni Lolo)

Sabado. I went sailing with Bozz Beef and the rest of the crew of the 45-footer yacht "Challenge". It was a welcome site to see them again after I missed two sailing Saturdays straight, including an exciting "sailing amidst the squall" experience last week. Those two weeks are critical since now I have to refresh again on the fundamentals of sailing. It's different in theory from when you're actually crewing the sailboat. One fuck up and well, that will summarize what could be the team's fate for the remainder of the race... fucked up.

Speaking of, Bozz Beef fell on the front hatch while dousing the kite and badly hurt himself that Saturday. Luckily, nothing's that serious according to hospital findings. Get well soon, man. Kita kits sa offshore! Redeem thy self. Haha.

happy birthday roch!!L-R: Eric, Ako, Aweng, Charles, Roch, Philip + 1, Jar, L.A., Pam, Lou
After checking on Gelo (well not exactly but that's the plan) at the Makati Med, I went with Charles and Lou to Roch's party in N-Lo's BF Homes. Ang saya. Happy birthday ulit Roch... keep it cool! Ampon na naman ako ng SE13... I love you guys.

"Oh... oh... nag-uumpisa ka na naman ng rampage mo. Hinay hinay muna at baka mabinat ka!"

Linggo. Eto ang na-miss ko... tumambay sa shop nila Arvs sa Virramall. Garrboy and Fluffman was there together with the usual hangers. Unti unti ko nang nagiging peborit yung mascot nilang Israeli Deathstalker... a live scorpion. Ang astig niya last Sunday. It was playing on its prey cockroach like a cat to a mice it caught.

We had this sundae cone na sooobrang sarap. It was in this ice cream store behind Haagen Dazs sa entrance ng Virramall (across Jollibee). Caramel! Yub yub.

"Oh... oh... nag-uumpisa ka na naman ng rampage mo. Hinay hinay muna at baka mabinat ka!"

As early as now, I already have scheduled lamyerdas until Friday! What I thought as a free day today was not so much as I'll have to pass by Cha's later for something of a sad news.

Anyway, I finally decided to decline the Sydney trip here at work. Sooobrang nahihiya ako sa boss ko to the nth power (wala ako mapakitang muka) pero kelangan talaga andito ako for the rest of the remaining months until New Year. My sister and her kids are migrating to Australia come January, and that's only one of several things that iL gonna miss out if iL push through with the business trip. I can go on for minutes to discuss what else.

It's not that the Sydney trip works much against me but weighing it out, it's worth missing for the things iL gonna do here in Pinas on the coming weeks...

...SE Weekend 15 included!!!

Pero nahirapan talaga ako mag decide and I prayed so much for this decision. Sana naman magawa ko ng tama ang mga dapat kong gawin at mapaligaya ko ang mga taong dapat kong mapaligaya sa pagpili ko nito.

Amen.

=)

"Oh... oh... nag-uumpisa ka na naman ng rampage mo. Hinay hinay muna at baka mabinat ka!"

Bathaluman

Boss My Arse
by Obi Concepcion (Oct 9, 2008)

Pity a boss who brags he works overtime to get the job done.
He's bound to live in a boring, lonely world.
For the miserable bloke might get a meager raise.
But is money worth being caged in a prison workstation?
Is an ample compensation pack worth you slash time spent with loved ones?
Is a hefty credit standing worth you burn your life doing monotony?

Shame to a boss who brings home his work and has a face to pride it.
And blessed is the company who has such nincompoops for employees.
For home must be home and work must be work.
But the pitiful laborer would rather be damned to eternal slavery
And content themselves with favor from those he helped get rich.
And content themselves with a good track record earned with sleepless nights at home... working.
And content themselves of having a bravado of a skilled corporate puppet.
And, to top it, still has the face to boast his false sense of competency.

Poor is a boss who hoards praises and points blames.
The ire of all his scapegoats are his and his conscience alone.
For what measly pat-in-the-backs he'll get from those he deluded,
Is equal to twofold shame to those who know he can't do scrap.

A try-hard big fish in his small self-made pond.
A makeshift bubble of swollen ego, all for show.
Just for show.

I'm this. I'm that.
And all of you are not.

*****

Kelan man, hindi ako mapapa-elibs ng mga boss ko kung ang ipagmamagaling lang nila sa akin ay kaya nilang tapusin lahaaat ng trabahong ibato sa kanila dahil sa sandamukal nilang overtime.

Kaya ko din gawin yun.

Pero tandaan: Hindi porket kaya mong gawin ay gagawin mo. At HINDI. HINDI ako tutulad sa mga walaaang kabuhay-buhay na taong gumagawa ng ganito. Unless...

1) Bukas, pag gising ko, matapos ang ika-isandaang overtime ko sa opisina, ako na ang may-ari ng kumpanya.
2) Kada overtime ko, plus one din sa araw ng vacation leaves ko. Auto approve, no questions asked!
3) Sagot ng kumpanya ang bayad sa bakasyon ko... international trips!
4) Sa kikitain ng kumpanya, akin ang kalahati.

Pagka-graduate ng kolehiyo, you'll spend more time awake at work than at home! At kung i-extend mo pa PALAGI ang oras na ito beyond what should be normal ay may tawag sa iyo... WALANG BALAK GAWIN SA BUHAY. Meaningless living. Yung tinanggap na sa sarili nilang mamamatay silang walang paki-alam sa mga nangyayari sa kapaligiran nila.

Yayaman ang mga taong ganito. No doubt. Pero kung iisipin, mahigit doble na ang iniyaman ng kumpanya dahil sa mga effort ("katangahan" sa Tagalog) na ginawa nila para dito. Pero sa kabila ng lahat, katiting lang kumpara sa kinitang ito ang pinapa-suweldo sa mga kawawang nilalang. Ang masakit isipin, tanggap nila ang ganitong sitwasyon... OR wala lang talaga silang kamuwang-muwang.

At san mo din gagastusin ang perang kinikita kung kalhati ng buhay mo nasa opisina ka? Haha!

*****

Nakita ko lang ito sa internet. Nag-edit lang ako ng ilang pangungusap...

"Every leader is a boss. But every boss is not a leader. The boss is respected and obeyed only because of his seniority. A leader is respected and looked up to as an example mainly because of the qualities of his character and ability.

Leaders lead by example. The team must always have a firm belief that the leader will be there during every crisis. Not to fix the blame, but fix the problem. A leader follows what he preaches and such the team members respect him. Once a person earns the respect of his team members he ceases to be only a boss and transforms into a leader."

-- Anonymous

*****

Nung ROTC namin sa San Beda, yung shirt na gamit namin may imprenta sa likod. Difference between a boss and a leader. Ilan na lang ang mga katagang nasa ibaba sa mga naaalala ko pero mahaba pa ang orihinal na listahan. At tuwang tuwa ako dito dahil sobrang totoo...

A boss creates fear, a leader confidence.

A boss fixes blame, a leader corrects mistakes.

A boss knows all, a leader asks questions.

A boss makes work drudgery, a leader makes it interesting.

A boss is interested in himself, a leader is interested in the group.

A boss commands respect, a leader earns it.

-- Anonymous

Back to the Land of the Living

5 days and 6 nights to be exact since September 26, I was bedridden in fever and all I can do is eat, sleep, and eat some more!

Ang saya saya! Sabog ang mga lakad ko last weekend. Hindi pa ko nakapag basketbol nung Wednesday na ang tagal tagal kong hinintay dahil may bago kaming kalaban. Kahit second submission ko sana para sa Art In Site magazine napurnada. Kulang na lang i-submit kong artwork eh kung ano mang imahe ang nabuo sa twalya kong tadtad ng uhog at pawis.

To top that, I started going to work yesterday still feeling a bit dazed. Hanggang ngayon. Spread the love, spread the virus!

I usually never run out of things to do and "idle time" itself is a luxury to me but this last week was unbelievable... no... UNBELIIIIEEEVABLE. I can't paint, can't guitar, can't piano, can't play PSP, can't read much, can't write things, obviously can't lift dumbbells... heck, I can't even connive myself to think too complex stuffs. All of it makes either my body or my brain aches. Argh. Double argh!

Sarap sana pakinggan ng concept na wala akong ginawa nung huling linggo kundi kumain at matulog, matulog at kumain. Pero yung kumakain ka at may nararamdaman ka at yung matulog ka at hindi mo alam kung giniginaw ka o naiinitan ka, aba hindi patok yun.

Nung ikatlong araw, nagpa-hospital na ako. Bihira tumagal ng isang araw ang lagnat ko. How much more THREE. I was adviced to have a CBC ("complete blood count" para sa mga nasa medisina o "pasupsop ng dugo" para sa mga ignoranteng hindi nakaka-alam ng CBC). Pagtapos pa ng ilang hokus pokus, niresetahan lang ako ng antibiotic. Respiratory tract infection lang daw. Duda ako. Pero patuloy pa din naman akong ginagamot ng nirisetang medesina hanggang ngayon.

mga candy sa loob ng candy dispenser
Hindi ko lang talaga matanggap na nagkaron ako ng gentong kahabang lagnat. There's a few things that I personally pride about ME and one of them is my uncannily extra strong immune system. I can list things of the abuses I do with my body and I mean ABUSES not the konyo likes of haaay-wala-akong-tulog-kasi-nag-bar-hopping-kami-till-three-and-drank-vodka-till-I-pass-away type of abuses. Those are wussy abuses in comparison. But this time, I din't get away with it.

Pinatikim sakin ni God paano "tumambay" ng kama, "maglakwatsa" sa sala, at "gumala" sa kusina paminsan-minsan sa sarili kong bahay. Makuntento naman daw ako ng nasa bahay lang. Hehe. Ayun pala ang isa sa mga iba ko pang nagawa those sick days... magdasal. And appreciate the fact that He has to point out that I have limits too and that I might be overdoing something on the vessel that He has lent me. Binigay niya din sa akin itong napaka-habang oras na ito para pag-isipan ang isang bagay na hindi pa pwedeng sabihin dahil hindi naman pribado ang Dear Diary na ito haha. Saka na. Basta for that, thanks be to God!

That aside, ano pa ba mga natutunan ko noong mahabang araw na "bed arrest" ako...

1. May bago akong kras sa TV. Si Jessica Mendoza. One of the finalists for Myx's VJ Hunt this year. She's so cutily chinky or chinkily cutey. For the lack of word to describe it. Wehe. And she's got talent, she deserves a spot. Nice.

MYXVJ 3 and send to 2366
2. Kahit pala sobra sobra ka na sa tulog at hindi ka pa inaantok at alam mo sa kaibuturan ng bituka mo na hyper ka pa, ipikit mo lang ang mga mata mo eventually makakatulog ka pa din. Astig.

3. I love my mom. She looked over me when if it was me looking over some other else I'd already be cranky. But she stayed by me (no matter how annoying it sometimes already get) till I feel good... if there's really feeling "good" about that condition.

4. Pag may sipon ako at ngongo mag salita, kahit sa isip ko ay super sigurado akong na-syllabicate at pronounce ko ng tama yung mga sinasabi ko. Ngongo pa din pala nilang napapakinggan.

5. Wala na palang FM station na 106.7 mhz, feeling ko tuloy tumanda ako bigla ng sampung taon.

6. May kulay ang bigote ko bukod sa itim. Eto yung isa sa pinaka maangas na na-diskubre ko. Medyo na-obserbahan ko kasi siya ng mas malapit sa salamin. Aba, may ilang hibla na kulay chestnut red namo'y pina highlights sa parlour. Astig. Akala ko na color-blind na ako dahil sa lagnat ko pero pina-confirm ko sa utol ko, may kulay nga daw. Bangis. Wala naman akong ginagawa sa bigote ko. Pinahaba ko lang, parang kambing.

7. Mas maganda sana kung tumutupi yung pakpak ni Anne Curtis sa avian-mode niya sa "Dyosa".

Ships Ahoy

I counted at least 7 points all over my body that aches like crazy that time but I didn't care more as the offshore regatta to Punta Fuego was concluded last October 19 with our return to the Manila Yacht Club from the Batangas marina.

It was AWESOOOOMENESS! It was my first offshore race and my first overnight sailing too!

We left the MYC waterfront October 17, Friday at around 9pm (start of the race) but I met with the rest of the crew earlier for briefing. Right after the gun, our "Challenge" immediately led the pack of the other three participating yachts and never looked back. There was the bigger cruiser "Balanghay" and two other smaller sailboats "Rapparee" and "Rags".

the cool crew of "Challenge"
"Challenge" Crew: Martin, Lou, Obi, Sean, Mikee, Carlo, Darrell, Mang Pi, Rex, Vince, Kel, Paolo, Jeannie

Day 2 Additions: Gelo (birthday ork), Tana, Len, Paul

The night race to Punta Fuego was a breeze as we averaged 8.4 to 8.7 knots with the wind just right for a kite run. I exchanged grinding duties with Lou and Kel throughout the race. And had power naps in between.

The Cavite skyline at night is a sight but one very interesting landmark is the fortified islet of Fort Drum. South of its more prominent neighboring island of COrregidor, Fort Drum has also been a place of stand for the joint American and Pinoy defenders against the Japanese invaders of World War 2.

Fort Drum as taken beside a US warship during WW2
We arrived at the Punta Fuego marina at around 2am the next day welcomed by Joe, his dachshund Gaucho, and a bottle of Tanduay and the works... inuman time followed shortly. I just chugged down a couple of beer then hit the deck (pun intended) groggily. Ang sarap ng liempo ni Carlo!

I was awaken by the club's PA system, playing ringtone-like hits boisterously that morning. We hit the shower at the clubhouse then went back to the boat. I was able to take some more Z-time at the adjoining pontoon before birthdaydude Gelo and the rest of the gang arrived.

There were three races that day, two point-to-points and a windward-leeward. Most of the time I was manning the main sail under the auspice of Master Darrell and did some unforgiveable boo-boos along the way. Argh. I can't forgive myself for this one time that I fucked up at something as basic as wrapping the sheets the right way. Focus and presence of mind is a premium in sailing.

From what I heard we did first on the IRC rating and second on the PY rating.

After all the races, we just hang around the marina and wandered about the place. Usual tagayan at the clubhouse after a failed attempt to squeeze in at a local party place. Several beers and hours later, we called it a night and still aboard "Challenge" we hit it off back to Manila. We arrived at the MYC by around 6:15AM. Tapa for breakfast by Jeannie. Yub yub!

approaching Manila Bay
Super thanks goes to the entire crew of "Challenge" for bearing with my noobiness and of course especially to Martin for the opportunity to sail his boat.

i heart this shot. partida, cam-phone.

Kulang pa Ako ng Ginagawa

I was everywhere yesterday! From office meetings, to our band practice, to buyings stuffs at the mall, to the SE meet... schedule-artista na naman ang hecticity ko.

Office, Makati
Afternoon meeting...
I was helping the team find a place for our team excursion... for all 20+ participants. Being the resident lakwatsador, all I can suggest are trips I've been to before. And then thankfully I remembered Mex and her Discover Pinas. Now we're looking at going to Anawangin on the second weekend of December, right after our company Christmas party.

Konting gusot na lang ang kelangan plantsahin and we'll be booking up for the trip. I discussed to them what to expect on the trip and how we can be more practical with the expenses. So far, we might make it not to take out money from our own pockets. Let's see how far can we go with that.


Gas Chamber, Makati Cinema Square
After work...
Immediately after the meeting for Anawangin, I ran (literally) to Makati Cinema Square. Most of the band was there already doing their sound checks. Nakakahiya.

This is session number two of our practices for the office's Christmas Party celebration. I'll be playing the bass guitars on most songs but iL do vocals for "Buloy" of Parokya ni Edgar. Haha. Kulitan ito.

Songs we did yesterday:
"Iskul Bukol" by TVJ
"214" by Rivermaya
"Narda" by Kamikaze

Frankly, I'm not satisfied with our performances yesterday aside from the "Iskul Bukol" which is starting to get into us more adeptly.


National Book Store, Glorietta
After Gas Chamber...
Then I'll have to rush to NBS before it closes!

Ayn will be having her Black and White birthday bash this Saturday at Vivo Cafe in Batangas. In connection with it, she and a bunch of friends will donate school supplies to Bantay Bata. I was supposed to go but all depends on how late I'll be going home in Friday. Because of this, I'd rather just make sure that I can give something to the kids. So I bought them notebooks and crayons na lang.

Danilo was asking me to play a song for the celebration. If only I can make sure I'll be able to go. Sayangs. Madami pa namang dalagang nag hihintay sa akin doon. Haha! Di ba Ayn?


Starbucks, Greenbelt 3
After NBS...
I texted some of the SE14 people and just as I was about to leave for home, Kristie confirmed that they were still in Greenbelt. So I walked back to Starbucks to meet them.

SE14 Attendance: Joiner Laurie, Joiner Erl, Jiropot, Philip, Raissa, Lads, Master Joiner Obi, Drew's Brick Oven, Bazaar Niño, Pam, Makati Chapter Head Kristie, Jobert Jitterbug, Shep Mike, Shep Ali

We worked on the screenplay for our upcoming entry for SJRM's Halo-ween Indie Film Fest. We were assigned to do comedy so it should be easy. We actually ended up with a good story. I liked it and I can't wait to start shooting.

GO katorse!


Home, Pasay City
After everything else...
At home, I went on removing the price tags of the notebooks I bought then wrote a simple message on all of the notebooks' last leaf. My messages have the same starting and ending phrases...

...starts with "Kamusta kaibigan?" and ends with "Mag-aral kang mabuti."

The messages in between those phrases ranges from "Bigay ito sa iyo ng Diyos, sa akin niya lang ipinabili." to "Astig ang Diyos dahil alam niyang kakailanganin mo ito." to something as simple as "Mahal tayo ng Diyos."

first batch of notebooks
I've made the messages as random as possible and I know that God will let the kids get the notebooks whose messages fits their circumstances. It makes my day just to feel that I've been His instrument and I thank Him and Ayn for the opportunity.

Happy birthday Aynski!

Bedtime: 1:36AM
Woke up this morning: 8:35AM

Yes... I'm late today. Haha!

Cuarenta y Uno

This is allegedly one of Dr. Phil's psychology tests...

I got 41...

41 TO 50 POINTS
Others see you as fresh, lively, charming, amusing, practical and always interesting; someone who's constantly in the center of attention, but sufficiently well-balanced not to let it go to their head. They also see you as kind, considerate, and understanding; someone who'll always cheer them up and help them out.

1. B
2. A
3. C
4. B
5. A
6. B
7. B
8. E
9. C
10. F

*****

Doctor Phil and his muppet alter ego, Doctor Feel
1. When do you feel at your best?
a) in the morning
b) during the afternoon and early evening
c) late at night

2. You usually walk.....
a) fairly fast, with long steps
b) fairly fast, with little steps
c) less fast head up, looking the world in the face
d) less fast, head down
e) very slowly

3. When talking to people, you...
a) stand with your arms folded
b ) have your hands clasped
c) have one or both your hands on your hips or in pockets
d) touch or push the person to whom you are talking
e) play with your ear, touch your chin or smooth your hair

4. When relaxing, you sit with...
a) your knees bent with your legs neatly side by side
b) your legs crossed
c) your legs stretched out or straight
d) one leg curled under you

5. When something really amuses you, You react with...
a) a big appreciated laugh
b) a laugh, but not a loud one
c) a quiet chuckle
d) a sheepish smile

6. When you go to a party or social gathering, you...
a) make a loud entrance so everyone notices you
b) make a quiet entrance, looking around for someone you know
c) make the quietest entrance, trying to stay unnoticed

7. When you're working or concentrating very hard, and you're interrupted, you...
a) welcome the break
b) feel extremely irritated
c) vary between these two extremes

8. Which of the following colors do you like most?
a) Red or orange
b) black
c) yellow or light blue
d) green
e) dark blue or purple
f) white
g) brown or gray

9. When you are in bed at night, in those last few moments before going to sleep, you lie...
a) stretched out on your back
b) stretched out face down on your stomach
c) on your side, slightly curled
d) with your head on one arm
e) with your head under the covers

10. You often dream that you are...
a) falling
b) fighting or struggling
c) searching for something orsomebody
d) flying or floating
e) you usually have dreamless sleep
f) your dreams are always pleasant

POINTS:
1.(a) 2 (b) 4 (c) 6
2.(a) 6 (b) 4 (c) 7 (d) 2 (e) 1
3.(a) 4 (b) 2 (c) 5 (d) 7 (e) 6
4.(a) 4 (b) 6 (c) 2 (d) 1
5.(a) 6 (b) 4 (c) 3 (d) 5 (e) 2
6.(a) 6 (b) 4 (c) 2
7.(a) 6 (b) 2 (c) 4
8.(a) 6 (b) 7 (c) 5 (d)4 (e) 3 (f) 2 (g) 1
9.(a) 7 (b) 6 (c) 4 (d) 2 (e) 1
10.(a) 4 (b) 2 (c) 3 (d) 5 (e) 6 (f) 1
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

OVER 60 POINTS
Others see you as someone they should "handle with care." You're seen as vain, self-centered and one who is extremely domineering. Others may admire you, wishing they could be more like you, but don't always trust you, hesitating to become too deeply involved with you.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

51 TO 60 POINTS
Others see you as an exciting, highly volatile, rather impulsive personality; a natural leader, one who's quick to make decisions, though not always the right ones. They see you as bold and adventuresome, someone who will try anything once; someone who takes chances and enjoys an adventure. They enjoy being in your company because of the excitement you radiate.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

41 TO 50 POINTS
Others see you as fresh, lively, charming, amusing, practical and always interesting; someone who's constantly in the center of attention, but sufficiently well-balanced not to let it go to their head. They also see you as kind, considerate, and understanding; someone who'll always cheer them up and help them out.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

31 TO 40 POINTS
Others see you as sensible, cautious, careful and practical. They see you as clever, gifted, or talented, but modest. Not a person who makes friends too quickly or easily, but someone who's extremely loyal to friends you do make and who expect the same loyalty in return. Those who really get to know you realize it takes a lot to shake your trust in your friends, but equally that it takes you a long time to get over it if that trust is ever broken.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

21 TO 30 POINTS
Your friends see you as painstaking and fussy. They see you as very cautious, extremely careful, a slow and steady plodder. It would really surprise them if you ever did something impulsively or on the spur of the moment, expecting you to examine everything carefully from every angle and then usually decide against it. They think this reaction is caused partly by your careful nature.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

UNDER 21 POINTS
People think you are shy, nervous, and indecisive, someone who needs looking after, who always wants someone else to make the decisions and who doesn't want to get involved with anyone or anything! They see you as a worrier who always sees problems that don't exist. Some people think you're boring. Only those who know you well know that you aren't.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

- Dr.Phil McGraw

Back to Business

For what seemed like weeks in bed rest, I finally was able to play hoops again last Friday! Including that, we'll be playing at the Makati Stock Exchange basement basketball court for the next two more Fridays against the guys of BPI. Lucky us, we get to schedule the games despite several clamors from different companies for that place and time.

Hirap makakuha ng available court around the Makati area na "after-work" time ang schedule. Pero adik lang yata talaga kami sa laro at nakakita pa kami ng "fall-back" venue. This Wednesday we're also scheduled to play at the San Lorenzo Village gym near Assumption. Galing!

Nag-aalala na naman nanay ko sa mga lakwatsa ko. Sabi nya, "Oh... oh... nag-uumpisa ka na naman ng rampage mo. Hinay hinay muna at baka mabinat ka!"

rampage (n.) - lakwatsa, gala; from the root word "rampa" (Source: Diksyunaryo ni Lolo)

Sabado. I went sailing with Bozz Beef and the rest of the crew of the 45-footer yacht "Challenge". It was a welcome site to see them again after I missed two sailing Saturdays straight, including an exciting "sailing amidst the squall" experience last week. Those two weeks are critical since now I have to refresh again on the fundamentals of sailing. It's different in theory from when you're actually crewing the sailboat. One fuck up and well, that will summarize what could be the team's fate for the remainder of the race... fucked up.

Speaking of, Bozz Beef fell on the front hatch while dousing the kite and badly hurt himself that Saturday. Luckily, nothing's that serious according to hospital findings. Get well soon, man. Kita kits sa offshore! Redeem thy self. Haha.

happy birthday roch!!L-R: Eric, Ako, Aweng, Charles, Roch, Philip + 1, Jar, L.A., Pam, Lou
After checking on Gelo (well not exactly but that's the plan) at the Makati Med, I went with Charles and Lou to Roch's party in N-Lo's BF Homes. Ang saya. Happy birthday ulit Roch... keep it cool! Ampon na naman ako ng SE13... I love you guys.

"Oh... oh... nag-uumpisa ka na naman ng rampage mo. Hinay hinay muna at baka mabinat ka!"

Linggo. Eto ang na-miss ko... tumambay sa shop nila Arvs sa Virramall. Garrboy and Fluffman was there together with the usual hangers. Unti unti ko nang nagiging peborit yung mascot nilang Israeli Deathstalker... a live scorpion. Ang astig niya last Sunday. It was playing on its prey cockroach like a cat to a mice it caught.

We had this sundae cone na sooobrang sarap. It was in this ice cream store behind Haagen Dazs sa entrance ng Virramall (across Jollibee). Caramel! Yub yub.

"Oh... oh... nag-uumpisa ka na naman ng rampage mo. Hinay hinay muna at baka mabinat ka!"

As early as now, I already have scheduled lamyerdas until Friday! What I thought as a free day today was not so much as I'll have to pass by Cha's later for something of a sad news.

Anyway, I finally decided to decline the Sydney trip here at work. Sooobrang nahihiya ako sa boss ko to the nth power (wala ako mapakitang muka) pero kelangan talaga andito ako for the rest of the remaining months until New Year. My sister and her kids are migrating to Australia come January, and that's only one of several things that iL gonna miss out if iL push through with the business trip. I can go on for minutes to discuss what else.

It's not that the Sydney trip works much against me but weighing it out, it's worth missing for the things iL gonna do here in Pinas on the coming weeks...

...SE Weekend 15 included!!!

Pero nahirapan talaga ako mag decide and I prayed so much for this decision. Sana naman magawa ko ng tama ang mga dapat kong gawin at mapaligaya ko ang mga taong dapat kong mapaligaya sa pagpili ko nito.

Amen.

=)

"Oh... oh... nag-uumpisa ka na naman ng rampage mo. Hinay hinay muna at baka mabinat ka!"

Bathaluman

Boss My Arse
by Obi Concepcion (Oct 9, 2008)

Pity a boss who brags he works overtime to get the job done.
He's bound to live in a boring, lonely world.
For the miserable bloke might get a meager raise.
But is money worth being caged in a prison workstation?
Is an ample compensation pack worth you slash time spent with loved ones?
Is a hefty credit standing worth you burn your life doing monotony?

Shame to a boss who brings home his work and has a face to pride it.
And blessed is the company who has such nincompoops for employees.
For home must be home and work must be work.
But the pitiful laborer would rather be damned to eternal slavery
And content themselves with favor from those he helped get rich.
And content themselves with a good track record earned with sleepless nights at home... working.
And content themselves of having a bravado of a skilled corporate puppet.
And, to top it, still has the face to boast his false sense of competency.

Poor is a boss who hoards praises and points blames.
The ire of all his scapegoats are his and his conscience alone.
For what measly pat-in-the-backs he'll get from those he deluded,
Is equal to twofold shame to those who know he can't do scrap.

A try-hard big fish in his small self-made pond.
A makeshift bubble of swollen ego, all for show.
Just for show.

I'm this. I'm that.
And all of you are not.

*****

Kelan man, hindi ako mapapa-elibs ng mga boss ko kung ang ipagmamagaling lang nila sa akin ay kaya nilang tapusin lahaaat ng trabahong ibato sa kanila dahil sa sandamukal nilang overtime.

Kaya ko din gawin yun.

Pero tandaan: Hindi porket kaya mong gawin ay gagawin mo. At HINDI. HINDI ako tutulad sa mga walaaang kabuhay-buhay na taong gumagawa ng ganito. Unless...

1) Bukas, pag gising ko, matapos ang ika-isandaang overtime ko sa opisina, ako na ang may-ari ng kumpanya.
2) Kada overtime ko, plus one din sa araw ng vacation leaves ko. Auto approve, no questions asked!
3) Sagot ng kumpanya ang bayad sa bakasyon ko... international trips!
4) Sa kikitain ng kumpanya, akin ang kalahati.

Pagka-graduate ng kolehiyo, you'll spend more time awake at work than at home! At kung i-extend mo pa PALAGI ang oras na ito beyond what should be normal ay may tawag sa iyo... WALANG BALAK GAWIN SA BUHAY. Meaningless living. Yung tinanggap na sa sarili nilang mamamatay silang walang paki-alam sa mga nangyayari sa kapaligiran nila.

Yayaman ang mga taong ganito. No doubt. Pero kung iisipin, mahigit doble na ang iniyaman ng kumpanya dahil sa mga effort ("katangahan" sa Tagalog) na ginawa nila para dito. Pero sa kabila ng lahat, katiting lang kumpara sa kinitang ito ang pinapa-suweldo sa mga kawawang nilalang. Ang masakit isipin, tanggap nila ang ganitong sitwasyon... OR wala lang talaga silang kamuwang-muwang.

At san mo din gagastusin ang perang kinikita kung kalhati ng buhay mo nasa opisina ka? Haha!

*****

Nakita ko lang ito sa internet. Nag-edit lang ako ng ilang pangungusap...

"Every leader is a boss. But every boss is not a leader. The boss is respected and obeyed only because of his seniority. A leader is respected and looked up to as an example mainly because of the qualities of his character and ability.

Leaders lead by example. The team must always have a firm belief that the leader will be there during every crisis. Not to fix the blame, but fix the problem. A leader follows what he preaches and such the team members respect him. Once a person earns the respect of his team members he ceases to be only a boss and transforms into a leader."

-- Anonymous

*****

Nung ROTC namin sa San Beda, yung shirt na gamit namin may imprenta sa likod. Difference between a boss and a leader. Ilan na lang ang mga katagang nasa ibaba sa mga naaalala ko pero mahaba pa ang orihinal na listahan. At tuwang tuwa ako dito dahil sobrang totoo...

A boss creates fear, a leader confidence.

A boss fixes blame, a leader corrects mistakes.

A boss knows all, a leader asks questions.

A boss makes work drudgery, a leader makes it interesting.

A boss is interested in himself, a leader is interested in the group.

A boss commands respect, a leader earns it.

-- Anonymous

Back to the Land of the Living

5 days and 6 nights to be exact since September 26, I was bedridden in fever and all I can do is eat, sleep, and eat some more!

Ang saya saya! Sabog ang mga lakad ko last weekend. Hindi pa ko nakapag basketbol nung Wednesday na ang tagal tagal kong hinintay dahil may bago kaming kalaban. Kahit second submission ko sana para sa Art In Site magazine napurnada. Kulang na lang i-submit kong artwork eh kung ano mang imahe ang nabuo sa twalya kong tadtad ng uhog at pawis.

To top that, I started going to work yesterday still feeling a bit dazed. Hanggang ngayon. Spread the love, spread the virus!

I usually never run out of things to do and "idle time" itself is a luxury to me but this last week was unbelievable... no... UNBELIIIIEEEVABLE. I can't paint, can't guitar, can't piano, can't play PSP, can't read much, can't write things, obviously can't lift dumbbells... heck, I can't even connive myself to think too complex stuffs. All of it makes either my body or my brain aches. Argh. Double argh!

Sarap sana pakinggan ng concept na wala akong ginawa nung huling linggo kundi kumain at matulog, matulog at kumain. Pero yung kumakain ka at may nararamdaman ka at yung matulog ka at hindi mo alam kung giniginaw ka o naiinitan ka, aba hindi patok yun.

Nung ikatlong araw, nagpa-hospital na ako. Bihira tumagal ng isang araw ang lagnat ko. How much more THREE. I was adviced to have a CBC ("complete blood count" para sa mga nasa medisina o "pasupsop ng dugo" para sa mga ignoranteng hindi nakaka-alam ng CBC). Pagtapos pa ng ilang hokus pokus, niresetahan lang ako ng antibiotic. Respiratory tract infection lang daw. Duda ako. Pero patuloy pa din naman akong ginagamot ng nirisetang medesina hanggang ngayon.

mga candy sa loob ng candy dispenser
Hindi ko lang talaga matanggap na nagkaron ako ng gentong kahabang lagnat. There's a few things that I personally pride about ME and one of them is my uncannily extra strong immune system. I can list things of the abuses I do with my body and I mean ABUSES not the konyo likes of haaay-wala-akong-tulog-kasi-nag-bar-hopping-kami-till-three-and-drank-vodka-till-I-pass-away type of abuses. Those are wussy abuses in comparison. But this time, I din't get away with it.

Pinatikim sakin ni God paano "tumambay" ng kama, "maglakwatsa" sa sala, at "gumala" sa kusina paminsan-minsan sa sarili kong bahay. Makuntento naman daw ako ng nasa bahay lang. Hehe. Ayun pala ang isa sa mga iba ko pang nagawa those sick days... magdasal. And appreciate the fact that He has to point out that I have limits too and that I might be overdoing something on the vessel that He has lent me. Binigay niya din sa akin itong napaka-habang oras na ito para pag-isipan ang isang bagay na hindi pa pwedeng sabihin dahil hindi naman pribado ang Dear Diary na ito haha. Saka na. Basta for that, thanks be to God!

That aside, ano pa ba mga natutunan ko noong mahabang araw na "bed arrest" ako...

1. May bago akong kras sa TV. Si Jessica Mendoza. One of the finalists for Myx's VJ Hunt this year. She's so cutily chinky or chinkily cutey. For the lack of word to describe it. Wehe. And she's got talent, she deserves a spot. Nice.

MYXVJ 3 and send to 2366
2. Kahit pala sobra sobra ka na sa tulog at hindi ka pa inaantok at alam mo sa kaibuturan ng bituka mo na hyper ka pa, ipikit mo lang ang mga mata mo eventually makakatulog ka pa din. Astig.

3. I love my mom. She looked over me when if it was me looking over some other else I'd already be cranky. But she stayed by me (no matter how annoying it sometimes already get) till I feel good... if there's really feeling "good" about that condition.

4. Pag may sipon ako at ngongo mag salita, kahit sa isip ko ay super sigurado akong na-syllabicate at pronounce ko ng tama yung mga sinasabi ko. Ngongo pa din pala nilang napapakinggan.

5. Wala na palang FM station na 106.7 mhz, feeling ko tuloy tumanda ako bigla ng sampung taon.

6. May kulay ang bigote ko bukod sa itim. Eto yung isa sa pinaka maangas na na-diskubre ko. Medyo na-obserbahan ko kasi siya ng mas malapit sa salamin. Aba, may ilang hibla na kulay chestnut red namo'y pina highlights sa parlour. Astig. Akala ko na color-blind na ako dahil sa lagnat ko pero pina-confirm ko sa utol ko, may kulay nga daw. Bangis. Wala naman akong ginagawa sa bigote ko. Pinahaba ko lang, parang kambing.

7. Mas maganda sana kung tumutupi yung pakpak ni Anne Curtis sa avian-mode niya sa "Dyosa".