It’s summer time and to begin it with, a trip to Waterfront Beach Resort in Morong, Bataan. An invite was sent to the one big circle but only the Magic 4 made it – Rocel, Anabelle, Angie and of course myself. Rocel and I have been planning this for some time already. The last time the circle had an outing was in 2004 where we went to Vigan – Laoag – Pagudpud. Although, we were bigger in number the last time, just the same time we had fun and just happy to be with great companions.

We took the Genesis as our official transport. It took us 3 hours to go to Balanga, Bataan and another hour to go to the resort. On our stop over, we encountered one of the best halo-halo we ever tasted. We make it a point to have another glass on our way back to Manila. We also have met a lot of interesting characters during this trip. There’s lola “the direction guide-dess” from the waiting shed, manong Ernesto of Penalco (a local electrical supplier) who has been our angel, the chambermaid who has been Angie’s photography apprentice, and the casuy vendor who attested that the “Chop-Chop Lady” (which was sensationalized years ago) happened in one of the famous nearby resorts and not really in Laguna (the atmostphere just became gloomy after hearing her story). For me, these are inexpensive spices that made the experience unique and special.

To Rocel, Angie and Anabelle, thank you for spending the weekend with me. It was a good adventure and a liberating getaway… looking forward to the next!

This trip is a beginning of a good ending for me. For some time, I have been checking my self if I am still “unwell” and sensitive with Voldemort’s recollections. Last Friday, I went to a KTV with officemates. Just as I wanted it, I can sing along (they have been warned) and dance. On this trip, I enjoyed the long travel with good friends beside me. We all just been talking, giggling and enjoying the ride. I am free.

“Change is hard. Change is hardest to those who are caught by surprise. Change is hardest on those who have difficulty changing too. But change is natural; change is not new; change is important.” - David Schlesinger of Reuters published in The World is Flat

Touch & Go

What is a true friendship? They say you know who your friends are not when you're happy and everything is alright but when you are in your lowest point of your life and still you can find them beside you holding your hand.

I guess I'm being idealistic here. Perhaps, I'm just forgetting friends also have categories.

There are people that once you get to know you can get along quickly. There's a common denominator that attracts interest, shares a special something and fun to be with. They are with you until there's the opportunity and your common factor ceases to exist. I call them fashion.

There are friends who are angels in your life. They may not be consistent companions but you become friends because at some point(s) of your life they have heeded to your call and exchange favors. You have sweet memories of them.

Finally, there are friends who have committed themselves to you. Their existence in our lives is beyond comfort. These are the people who really know you. Even if they can no longer understand you, they'll just there for you to hang on. They are the people who will go to your side even if you found yourself in the most embarrassing and most stupid situation imaginable. Can you think of a person who even without communication for a long time will go that extra mile when you call, asks not much, judges not and decides to pick you up? If you do, be thankful for they are diamonds. Sometimes it just takes time for them to come but you know that they will, and they do.

On the other hand, there are circumstances we cannot avoid. As much as you try to understand, it will come to a point you will realize that they don't really know you. And, you just quit... Don't get me wrong, I know that relationships are not like transactions you can cancel if you’re no longer happy nor satisfied anymore. I know my being a friend does not stop there. I'll always be here. I just stop trying.

At this point of my life, I know who are my fashion, angels and diamonds. It's my challenge to be a diamond in someone's elses.

You cannot feel if you don't see... You touch and go.

Mojacko

Perhaps, the name sounds familiar? It’s a cartoon character that has become dear to the hearts of many. Well, this is not about the anime. I would like to share to you the cutest member of the family – Mojacko.

Let me begin with history. A puppy followed my cuz all the way home. The poor puppy was thin and has no hair on his forehead, obviously maltreated. A quick look would easily categorize him as an askal (not pure breed). My cuz has 2 kids and was very much delighted to see the dog. They named him Mojacko. So how did it got to us? My cuz family was not really serious with having pets around. On the second time, the puppy come after my mother to our house which is just near. This time he got lucky. Our family has always been fond of animals especially dogs.

What I first liked about him is that he knows where to do his “thing”. Never, not once, did he make pooh-pooh or wee-wee inside the house. Even as a puppy, he patiently waits for his walk. That’s how he earned his place inside the house.

His fave food is pandesal (local bread). He prefers it squeezed into a tiny ball. It’s like chicken to him. He’ll even try to jump vertically just for that piece of bread. And, he has his own way of eating it too. First, he’ll find a rug. (My mom is very neat and usually has door mats around the house.) If it’s not his regular meal, Mojacko won’t start eating without a placemat. Neat ha! I usually tease him by taking away his rug. This dog eats anything from meat, fish, chocolates, milk, junk food, ice cream, soda, veggies and even fruits (including pineapple, green mangoes and strawberries). He’ll eat anything of what you’re having! That’s him.

It’s more than once that we have seen Mojacko having a dream. Believe it! His making funny noises and even barks sometimes while sleeping. He would also move his leg just like a man making small kicks while having a dream. Just wondering what kind of dreams do dogs have. Hmmm

Mojacko knows only one trick – roll-over. When he was younger, he usually does this when he wants attention. We would say “Mojacko ikot-ikot(roll)” to encourage him. He's so cute!

One thing that I cannot forget about him is when he farted beside me. Yes, he did! I tell you what a foul smell it was. Darn dog!

What so unique about Mojacko is that he also have moods. We can tell if he’s having mood swings. His face is very expressive. We can tell if he lacks sleep. (His sleeping time? The whole day.) And, if he’s begging for food, he knows what look to use. If puffy eyes would not work on you, his desperate act would include sitting beside you if you’re in a sofa or just take it from you if you're not paying much attention.

This dog is no angel. More than once did he steal food (lollipop/candies) from little kids. He’s enjoying the treat while the little kids are crying.

Mojacko also have his arch enemy – Alvin, my brother. He can sense if Alvin is approaching. He would usually go under the sofa and/or growl. (He just growls. There’s no history of serious bite.) Why did they become enemies? Well, I guess it’s just something they did not have out grown. Mojacko ever since has been treated by my mother like a family. We would joke around “You can do anything you want to Abner (my youngest brother) but not to Mojacko. Otherwise, you’ll have to face the wrath of our mother.”

BTW, I have 3 brothers. The other one is Jojo who is Mojacko’s best buddy.

I know those who got the chance to know the cutest member of our family, all have something nice to say. It’s sad that Mojacko's already a senior citizen. If I’m not mistaken, we got him when I was still in high school. So that makes him more than 10 years old already (at least 56 y/o in dog’s age). Well, I’m just very happy that he is still with us. I would rather loose any bf than our beloved dog. Oooops! Where did that came from? :D

To end with, Mojacko’s past time is scratching…
Here’s a short video directed by Alvin. Enjoy!

"The earth is round and it won’t stop revolving even if I wanted it to..." How many times have I thought of this? For a long time, I have been just responsive with life rather than living it the way I wanted it to be.

I have been self-centered and ego-centric in the past 8 years of my life… (Sadly, it took me that long to realize it.)

I believe that the masquerade started during my college days. During that time, I have been dwelling and was blinded on all the attention and care from everyone that I wished… I have been too confident knowing that if I want something I can get it. Well, they all indeed have come my way – a chance in love, a promising career and a taste of good life. But I guess I am not ready to any of these after all. Even how many times, I have tried, succeeded, fallen and stood-up in everything that I do I still cannot get it.

For years, my measurement of happiness is having a "happy ville" family, a "happy-ever-after" relationship and a "high-paying" job. I have forgotten myself, my childhood dreams, my personal aspirations, and my true joy.

Now, I am not crying not because of any failure, rejection or misery. My heart aches because I have forgotten myself. I have placed myself inside a box with all the pictures of other people’s so-called happy lives and my false assumptions of how my life should be.

For years, I know I have been living my life selfishly at some degree. I only love those who love me. I maybe kind and good-hearted but I know that that is not all that is in me. There is more to me than I let myself show and others see. I have forgotten to really listen to my heart. My heart just not beat when I am in love; my heart can give more sense and depth if I only did not confine it my own egoistic boundaries.

I cannot live my life within my own expectations more so on how others’ think. God has already set a journey for me. I have cheated by taking "shortcuts" which just kept me astray from my goal towards happiness. I already have what is really important in my life – my family, my friends, a good health and a good job. Finally, I thank God that my ride in life is back on track…

And, for all those that I have met in this lifetime or anyone who just happens to breathe the same air as I do, I welcome you in my journey... friends?! Ü