The Year of Settling Down.

If 2008 was the year of everyone going away for greener pastures then this year a lot of people I know from high school or college is getting married, planning to get married by next year or has surrendered their single life into the walls of domestic haven. And then they are also having babies too. Wow. The last time I've checked we were searching gifts for 18th birthday parties, then we graduated from college and passed board exams and celebrated those milestones by having drinking sprees. Some got jobs and others like moi, got into postgraduate school.

Though I think it's about time for those people who are the marrying type to get married. Most of my friends have a stable job, savings for the rainy days and four years is already quite a long time that have elapsed since college ended. Four years since we all got mature but on a different level and have set priorities with different intensities. Time's a changing and deciding to finally settle down, quit the dating scene and choosing to commit forever is a pinnacle of emotional full growth.

Let's see. The first weekend for this year was kicked off with Julie's wedding. The month after my parents renewed their vows after twenty five years. After that I am hearing a lot of people getting married and then suddenly posting their unofficial photographs in FaceBook. One more wedding for me (for now) to attend which is Charisse's and I am honored to be part of the secondary sponsor. First grown up role for me so I'd better not mess this up.

Kim came home from Japan after resigning from her job so she could relocate to Singapore to be with her fiance, hence the reason for the move. She treated me with a Japanese lunch at Nonki and we got to talk for two hours and lo' and behold the bruja is also planning to get married next year.

I'm just a little bit overwhelmed. I still find it a little but weird sometimes. Just last week I had dinner with Charisse, bride to be and Eva, hardworking housewife with her daughter Erin. During high school and college we used to talk about anything under the sun. This time around we still do but the scope is a little bit limited. If you can't even recognize the Jonas Brothers on magazine then it's a definite sign you are indeed old and from a different generation. Both of them admitted shamelessly that they can't identify them unless their names flashes on the TV screen. Anyways when we talk the conversation is even more diverse so to say with the two of them talking about being employed and household related topics. Both of them now own house. So we talk about loans, finances and bills. I, however entertained them with my internship adventures, impulsive shopping sprees, and I update them on what's the latest on post high school pop culture. I feel a little bit sheepish sometimes that my concerns are getting some doctor to sign my requirements or getting broke after an impulsive BookSale shopping spree or coveting a shirt, pair of shoes or some underwear. But lunches and get togethers with friends not from med school keep me sane and gives me an assurance that my stint in this frustrating world of internship is not for nothing.

I am glad that even though most of my friends my high school are married we still keep in touch by these lunches or dinners every four months or longer. Right now I am getting more close to my single friends like Dawnah the ever "Living La Vida Soltera" and my coffee shop foursome friends. We need to sit over and talk again soon. Yeah, I am pretty sure that none of them will get married for the next two years.

Status Updated

It's been almost two months since I haven't ranted, talked, or simply just posted about anything that bothered me or managed to enter my stream of consciousness.

Current Status: Rotating in OB-Gyne, overworked yet at the end of the day it somehow managed to make sense. Really. I've learned a lot from the past two months than a two months of reading William's Obstetrics relentlessly.

MUST LIST:

1.) Roger Federer, tennis god.
I've actually predicted him winning the French Open this year and breaking Pete Sampras's all time record of 14 grand slams. Kudos to the greatest ever by rebounding from a slump during 2008 and rising up from almost obscurity. I am even more convinced he'll win two more. Sampras picked up his 14 in a span of 12 years, Fed Express did it in 6 years, Rafa or no Rafa it still would have been accomplished.

2.) Kopiko coffee
Homemade Filipino style blend in ready to mix sachets that kept me awake even after 40 hours of eye opening.

3.) Mango Float Ice Candy
A new twist to the traditional Filipino ice candy by adding graham crackers in addition to mangoes and milk. The result is a sweet concoction of oh so addictive creamy goodness. This is one of the things that I've discovered and learned from three rotations in Vicente Sotto Hospital aside from being composed, calm and delivering a baby in the lobby. A strenuous 36 hour duty is easier with these ice candies after every meal.

4.) Chicken Salad Buns and Iced Mocha from the French Baker
Perfect combination for a relaxing post duty, pre-church Sunday afternoon.

5.) Penshoppe
I'm still loving last season's underwears now on sale!

6.) Booksale
Where else can you get "Oranges are not the only fruit" by Jeanette Winterson for 22 pesos? My ultimate retail therapy stress reliever store.

Current LSS raves:
1.) Come Back to Me by David Cook
2.) How Do You Sleep by Jesse McCartney
3.) Insomnia by Craig David (still after almost six months of constant overplay mainstream, I'm still in tune with this song!)

Movies I Want To See:
1.)Villa Estrella - yup I will waste pesos for this, can't resist Pinoy horror fare.
2.)The Inglorious Basterds - Tarantino will not disappoint in this flick. Trust Me
3.)Ice Age 3 - the only animation movie I will watch on the theaters
4.) Public Enemies - Johnny Depp and Christian Bale on the big screen together another great combination

Books I want to buy (just among the countless unending impulsively updated booklists)
1.) The Accidental by Ali Smith
2.) Saturday by Ian McEwan
3.) Sundays at Tiffany's by James Patterson
4.) Nine Stories by J.D. Salinger
5.) Columbine by Dave Cullen

And I am turning 25 in a month. Getting older, wiser but second adolescence won't go anytime soon. As for this year my birthday will be a minor event due to Charisse wedding. But no plans for a major celebration for now anyways. If I could have my way I would ditch the hospital and go somewhere distant yet near and just enjoy the simple things. Shit. I sound pretentious. One thing's for sure I am buying a new camera and more books to add to the tower of unread books this year.

Of Sex Scandals, Movies and Jumbo Mumbo Mixture of Unfinished yet formulated posts.

This post is a summary or a formulation of different posts that I wasn't able to translate from brain to PC. Let me just say I am overworked these days and I am used to eating only one decent meal a day, and this means chomping down in a rush, without pleasure but the purpose of replacing the body of fuel to keep you going when your EQ wants you to collapse. Yeah blame it on internship.

As much as I wanted to watch movies these days, the body automatically magnetizes to the bed and a planned one hour nap turns into a 5 hour sometimes an 8 hour sleep. I've been wanting to watch "Pineapple Express" for a month now but I always end up sleeping or FaceBooking, or trying to finish reading "The Jane Austen Book Club", which is really light fiction fare but right now after almost three weeks in counting I'm about to reach halfway. Sleep is indeed luxury. So far these are the movies I've been wanting to see but sorely missed: Wolverine, Angels and Demons, Star Trek (and I don't even know about this phenomenon but I've wanted to watch), He's Just Not That Into You, I'll prolly watch next weekend or this Saturday just to break the spell.

Pacman pulverized the cocky Brit Hatton in 2 rounds? And to think most people paid quite a hefty sum with so much anticipation that this will be an exciting match. As it turns out a right blow to the jaw is all it required. Once again the Filipino people was on a stand still except maybe me. During that time I was making progress notes for my ENT patients. I was probably one of the 5% in the archipelago moving around not sitting in front of a TV set.

Sex videos are no big deal actually. Not unless they are scattered for the whole wide web to see. I mean I understand why some get a kick out of it but if you have a couple of those just keep 'em hidden for the sake of your dignity. Hayden Kho has got to be part exhibitionist, part maniac but 100% with some form of undiagnosed compulsion. Sex addicted anyone? Well I feel sorry for Katrina Halili and those involved. The moral of the story is keep your kinky fetishes to yourself. Kidding aside, I think this is an eye opener for the country to develop laws on privacy and online copyright properties. Censorship at the same time regulates yet suppresses. It's hard to find a balance to maintain our essential human rights without tampering on our creativity and expression.

Kris Allen's win in American Idol has got to be the most predictable upset in the show's history. I've been rooting for Adam Lambert since Day 1 but when the final two was announced I started to have an intuition that Kris Allen, the underdog, charming nice guy and run past Adam Lambert. It did happened. I know compared to Adam, Kris voice is so-so. But he did have a couple of moments, from his version of "Ain't no Sunshine" and my favorite "Falling Slowly"from the movie "Once". He's also likable. But don't get me started on Adam from his personality his banshee scream and I'm not yet even talking about the performances. Black or White. Ring of Fire. Mad World. If I Can't Have You. Crying. Adam is one enigmatic person.

A month ago I was so happy that I was finally able to buy a book, a biography about James Dean. I've been looking for 5 years already and thanks to BookSale, the best place for books. I also bought Case Histories by Kate Atkinson and Night Trilogy by Elie Wiesel. I also bought Candide by Voltaire from National at 99. And Frankenstein Vintage published for 99. I love cheap books!

Can't wait for May to be over.. really stressful month.

Flashbacks of Enchanted Aprils

I am a little bummed about spending a humid, sweltering April, which is perfect for beach or any outing for that matter, by going on duty in a hospital. Oh well. I am constantly reminding myself that it is to early to whine.



So I was looking at some pictures and I realized that I was having so much fun this time of year from three years back till last year



2008: Dumaguete City weekend, Casaroro Falls, Forest Camp and Balinsasayao Lake

I fell in love with the quaint, lovely, peaceful town with great food. Plus nature sites that are not so far to travel to.

Siquijor was very worth it experience! Undiscovered and totally serene. Plus I was sporting my mohawk!



2007: Kawasan Falls. The best outing ever because it set the bar high for our trips. Very spontaneous, wild, loud with no inhibitions. Open talk at 10 am, chugging beer, tequila and brandy then Mock war at 2 am. I love it! I still chuckle at the sight of our pictures.



2006: Boljoon. This was also not planned since our Camotes trip was cancelled. Since Cha moves heaven and earth to have her three days off she was not gonna settle for the city. Melben and Cezan then invited Cha and I for an overnight stay at a three star hotel with a fish sanctuary. Then road trip in the South. It didn't need a lot of people to have so much fun.

2005: Bantayan. With 3S party people. Great people I spent lots of fun times during MedTech internship. Karaoke, partying, drinking and getting drunk, frolicking under the heat of the sun it was so much fun and being able to visit that island before everybody else did.

Sigh. I'll definitely have a getaway next year. I am saving for that already. Now back to my new life again tomorrow.

New Life

This post is way overdue. I've started my internship over 15 days ago. Something that I want to get over with but at the same time I am dreading.  I'll make this short. All I can say is what a test of determination and will power to survive the grueling days of physical exertion, emotional stability which include making amends and adjusting to mood swings of residents. So far rotating in Pediatrics in the Emergency Room and Out patient department taught me patience and cool composure. Seriously I am not that intimidated with kids anymore and I am really improving on not panicking and avoiding anxiety.

The first fifteen days have been stressful not due to the patients or the long hours but dealing with the fluctuating moods of some residents with an attitude problem.

One great thing when we ended our rotation in CVGH, was all of our group passed the exam for Pediatrics ER. Rock on!

Tomorrow, we will be invading Sotto and at the same timeI am looking forward and excited but also scared slight considering the hospital's bed capacity. My goal for the next fifteen days is enjoy and learn, chill out a bit because I do not have paperworks and have a successful IV insertion!

I have lots of ideas for post but I can't seem to find time. Yeah having two Sundays half day should have been ample but I chose to watch movies and sleep instead.

Fast Times at Sci-Hi

8 years ago, exactly I graduated from high school. It was a blistering hot Saturday afternoon and I was dripping wet inside my white toga and was feeling both fulfilled to have finish and sad to be leaving a place, despite of its imperfections I've grown attached to. It was memorable in the sense because at that time I felt huge that I was able to cap another milestone in my life.

High school was indeed a learning experience. Not only was I able to acquire knowledge on the scientific names of the trees and plants in school (one proud Agriculture major here), Asian history, solving Trig problems, Filipino grammar and all those sciences that students from other schools don't have to take till college, the most that made an impact on me was how to tackle life. At that time high school taught me on how to deal with people of different personalities, consequences of losing your temper and half-meant efforts, striving in moments of adversities and quick and sensible decision making. Though right now I still need to improve on the last. Really. Those things I've mentioned became really useful not in college but still even today and the course I lived my life with. Most of these values I've started obtaining during high school and as I grew older and wiser (ahem) I've improved and still currently improving through every situation and every single day.

High school was also a blast. I mean it wasn't all balloons and cheeky but it had lots of ups and downs, happy and sad moments that helped me grow. Four years just went by, though the first two years kinda dragged a bit. I started Freshmen year really intimidated with the company of such magnificent people and I've really worked my ass off very much to prove to myself, my parents and everyone in school both teachers and students that I belonged there. But as the months kept on I've learned to relax and let go. Sophomore year, I became more assertive and happy go lucky I think. Those were the days of carefree me and man, it felt really liberating to be such. I was more aggressive in a sense this time and I would willingly put myself into a gabfest or debate with anybody whom I never liked or had a clash of opinion. My fondest memory of sophomore year was getting my own Internet connection and of course with my own phone at my room (let me remind you those days of dial-up, wherein if someone uses the Internet the phone will be busy). Weekends I would stay up late surfing HTML sites. Java and Flash was almost elitist back then. I would play games and search and print lyrics of the latest hits. I would also be updated on new movies and TV shows like Dawson's Creek. I secretly felt I was cool because I was so updated with information. I would download MP3s that would take a freaking hour just to finish one. I was also a chat addict that time. Talking which literally means typing all over the keyboard to both classmates or people from school and people from different countries. I believe this was the year teen angst took me over. Yup those days emo was still preconceive somewhere in someone else's mind. My angst continued throughout Junior year. It was full of drama, fights and I slacked off causing me to messed up Trigonometry and Chemistry and that was the time where I first encountered integrity and hard work. People were caught cheating at the end of that year and it affected the reputation of the batch. I'm glad I wasn't one of the perpetrators. One highlight of this year was taking home the championship crown over the Seniors. Right now it is petty but to a sea of fifteen year olds with racing hormones and equally competitive, that was BIG. Senior Year I was mostly preoccupied with CAT and enjoying every last of high school. Last Intramurals. Last Dance. Last Christmas party. I liked the first three grading periods of Senior Year. We were united. But during the last two months. It felt like everyone can't wait to get out of high school leaving me behind. I was also confused on the decision making regarding college. I was torn on whether to pursue a dream since childhood which was becoming a doctor or take something that is new of interest like literature, history, film or law. I went with the former.

High school brought a lot of memories for me. Right now it's all becoming a blurry memory. But every time I talked about it with friends and batchmates it suddenly becomes vivid and alive again.

Most of my bestest and closest friends are from high school. Dawnah, my partner in crime in malling, shopping and eating delicious food, is one of my best friends from high school. For two years now we regularly meet up once a month to catch up with occasional phone calls every week. Jo, my co-conspirator on books, movies, coffee and basically almost everything. I've met from high school. My wonderwall and ever accepting of my quirkiness and idiosyncratic nature. She is also my translator when I am lost in Philosophy. Though we have been classmates for only a year, we got even closer during college along with our coffee mates, Bingo and Julio, also from high school. We still keep in touch a lot composed of talking on the phone, e-mails and dinners and group hangs till the wee hours of the morning when she comes home to Cebu thrice a year. She is currently an incoming fourth year law student. Most of my closest friends from college were people I went to with from high school. We didn't hang out much but at college we had lots of fun moments from staying up all night to impromptu and spontaneous drinkfests. Most of them are already abroad exploring greener pastures. The rest of my friends are caught up in work, having cute babies and getting married or have already tied the knot.

High school was a part of my life that completely made sense after all. Everything that happened way back prepared me for what happened during and after college and the rest of my life. I met people who contributed a lot on life. Right now most of us still say hi or talk for a while when we meet at public places. We support each other's business and endeavors by recommendations and have prayed for each other's successes. My sensible support for the last three years of medical school were from high school. People who endlessly told me everything will be alright and have never complained that they are tired of listening to me rant and bitch about medicine and the people in medicine. You guys know who you are, and I am ever thankful for the support and love. 

Now I can't hardly wait for your ten year reunion by 2011. I hope that happens because I am excited to see those I haven't seen for years.

Top 5 Memories of Summer 2004

That was a great year indeed. Looking back, the summer was a prelude of how awesome overall the year was. Just simply reminiscing after five years...

1.) Making it into Internship First Batch

Very rewarding because it made the sacrifices, sleepless nights and self-deprecating days totally worth it going through them. Medical technology was tough. Imagine, at second semester junior year we had seven majors all crammed into one. The feeling when I found out that I passed all subjects and made it was indescribable. Superb and euphoric!

2.) Family Gatherings
It was the summer of April's 18th Birthday Bash, Alvin's graduation from high school, Uncle Franz's wedding which I regret missing but had no choice and little cousins Tara, Caitlin, Adele and Therese leaving for the US.

3.) Beach Parties
This was the year where I went to the beach every week in the course of four weeks. Georel and Eva's birthday party, celebration with college friends for passing and family day trip to Plantation Bay.

4.) Getting addicted to American Idol
Cable TV aired this show for the first time albeit two weeks late but still good entertainment. We were rooting for Jasmine Trias to win it but then midway she faltered and cracked under pressure.

5.) Hanging out with High School Friends
From splashing around in the beach, or sitting around in the mall devouring ice cold treats and exploring downtown, going to book fairs and buying pirated DVDs it was the summer of reconnection. The last summer of less responsibility days. A year after we graduated from college and got a little serious, so the times spent that summer will always remain in my memory as carefree, casual and spontaneous as frolicking around and lying down in the grass while looking in the sky kind of thing. The bonds were stronger and made new and deeper connections of acquaintances that are now friends.

Soundtrack of the Summer (these were the songs overplayed in MTV or MYX)
1.) The Way You Look at Me - Christian Bautista
2.) This Love - Maroon 5
3.) Hold Me Now from 50 First Dates soundtrack (still a great album after 5 years)
4.) I Miss You - Blink 182
5.) I Believe in this Thing Called Love - The Darkness (what happened to them?)
6.) The Reason - Hoobastank

25 Random Things

I got this one from FaceBook, which is right now the emperor of social networking. A couple of people already tagged me but that time I just couldn't gather enough facts that I thought interesting and besides I don't want all of FaceBook to read what I write. Too much attention. So after four weeks I decided that I'll do it already but as a post in this blog for privacy and to increase the amount of entries (I'm on a goal to make it to at least 100 posts before the year ends). Heck even Celine Lopez did an article of this shameless tool of plugging how cool you can be. Here goes.

1.) My mouth is both a strength and a weakness. Double edged sword.

2.) I'm half-extrovert and half-introvert. Most people only think I'm the former but the latter gets me back to my senses.

3.) Books are to me, as Carrie Bradshaw are to shoes. Been lovin' reading since I was three and been hoarding a lot of books for the past 5 years already. Half are yet to be read.

4.) Instant pancit canton is even more satisfying when shared with people, paired with bread on the side, toasted or not.

5.) It's either I'm on the go, driven, super motivated and goal oriented or chilling, apathetic and lazy ass... never in the middle.

6.) I can't park or drive a car in reverse. Really. Need a lot of practice.

7.) I get a kick of watching movies that are quirky, full of idiosyncrasies and unusual. Put in a some poignant scenes, heartfelt conversations and a killer soundtrack, I'll love it!

8.) Spontaneity and carefree behavior are fashionable traits.

9.) I'm a die hard Federer fan, so all you Rafa fans can go to hell!

10.) I'm the Prince of Cheap. Call me sale whore, bargain hunter and cheapy cheap lollipop. I'm proud of it! Must get the best value for those hard earned moolah.

11.) You can get everything in Downtown Cebu. Not really but almost everything cheaper.

12.) I am very conscious about breaking a sweat and sweat stains since I am a sweaty person. I managed to project this behavior so I tend to observe people who have sweat stains in their armpits. I love High Endurance deodorant and a piece of advice, avoid gray shirts except when exercising.

13.) Chuck Bass and Seth Cohen are fashion icons.

14.) Skins is the most humorous and edgy teen TV dramedy of all time. Highly recommended.

15.) When I look at a person's face the first thing I noticed is their nose.

16.) I also envy people with magnificent lower extremities from the thighs down to the toes. So I observe these body parts on people a lot. Roger Federer's legs and feet are an epitome of athleticism and finesse. However if a lady has big thighs or calves then that's a big subtraction. Heck even my thighs are too big for my frame. 

17.) Even though I'm talkative it's hard for me to express my feelings vocally. I do on rare occasions. So if I get mushy, it's comin' straight from the heart.

18.) My taste in music is so diverse from pop, emo, alternative, rock and classics. If the lyrics catch me then its good. I'm picky when it comes to R n' B and I think House shouldn't be considered music at all - it does not define talent but what it means is a good mixer and an even greater studio with state of the art equipment.

19.) Walking and people watching relaxes me.

20.) The 90's was an awesome decade. I'm so attached to those years of growing up and making mistakes. What can I say I love the 90's, baby!

21.) My fashion principle is wear what you want, comfort, statement, a tinge of emo and affordable, not necessarily in that order of importance. 

22.) I wanted to be a great writer or an editor of a magazine like Entertainment Weekly. However I don't think I'm good enough and my poems are just awkward and rubbish.

23.) Sunsets interest me more than sunrises.

24.) I think birthdays are overrated. Christmas and the Holidays are more gratifying and life-affirming.

25.) I'm a complex person that wishes he was a little bit more simpler.

The One Where I Loathe My Totally Worth It Purchases

Yes. I am a sale whore... But the best sale whore in town!

This is an adaptation due to my meager ration every week and I've developed this skill over the last 6 years or so. Since I couldn't ask my parents (though I can), its just a personal choice of mine to be able to control impulsive buying sprees and increase my EQ. I get a very modest allowance. It allows me to enjoy good food and buy me a good time but it does not satiate my appetite for shopping books (bookashopaholic, if there is such term) and my penchant to buy clothes at times. I only ask my parents if I can't fight the urge anymore or I couldn't sleep just thinking of that item. It has to be a very intense fixation. Trust me it rarely happens.

Here are some items I am proud of acquiring from the past two months. So totally worth it.

1.) Rusty Lopez Black Loafers (I own a pair of leather shoes now that's not Doc Martens, it's about time!)
Orig Price: 1800 php
Sale Price: 799 php

2.) Crash by J.G. Ballard
Orig Price: 375 php
Sale Price: 50 php

3.) Dispatches from the Edge by Anderson Cooper
Orig Price: 599 php
Sale Price: 50 php

4.) Brokeback Mountain by Annie Proulx (its still in covered in plastic wrap, in honor of the late Heath Ledger)
Orig Price: 335 php
Sale Price: 50 php

5.) Super Villains Vintage T-shirt in Orange
Orig Price: 169.75 php
Sale Price: 84.50 php

6.) Super Heroes Vintage T-shirt in Green
Orig Price: 169.75
Sale Price: 84.50

7.) Utz by Bruce Chatwin
Orig Price: 425 php
Sale Price: 50 php

8.) Griffin and Sabine (I wanted this for a really long time)
Orig Price: 575 php
Sale Price: 120 php

9.) 2 Decent Denim Jeans from Ukay-Ukay which I cut into denim shorts for summer
Orig Price: 180 php each
Sale Price: 20 php each

5 Things to Do for an Urban Jungle Weekend.

Strictly speaking, this refers only to places in Cebu City exclusively or the metro. These are what I actually do if I'm not contented just by TV or surfing during the weekend or if I don't have out of town trips.

1.) Lunch and a movie
A perfect way to bond with old friends whom you haven't seen for a while. An awesome lunch with a great conversation is always a perfect way to catch up. The Terraces at Ayala offers a wide array of choices from high end to affordable but always satisfying. Terrific choices outside the malls include Oh Georg, Tara's Cafe and a personal favorite El Loco, a Mexican diner. Sometimes watching two movies in one day at the cinemas can be really exhilarating!

2.) Read in A Coffee Shop
A time also to think and reflect or write in your journal, but with a good book over cappuccino, Saturday afternoons are never a bore. So dig through your unread books and head to Bo's or KopiRoti, for cheap yet richly flavored brews and open the pages. For book bargains, BookSale at SM will never disappoint. They get stocks of used books mostly in good condition twice a week, fairly priced and current as well. I love digging through piles of old magazine issues and browsing through coffetable books about art and entertainment.

3.) Get a massage
This is great after reading over coffee. I love to do this at around before dinner time. Thai massages are very cheap and relaxing. Prices range from 100 - 200 pesos. A foot massage is also very soothing after a day of walking and shopping.

4.) DVD marathon
If you don't want to go out and aren't satisfied with the TV line up, then head to Traveler's downtown for more choices of pirated DVDs from movies, TV series, Korean dramas they have it there. It's a hassle since its all the way downtown near Carbon market. You have to watch your pockets and back because the area is a little bit unsafe. For more accessible place to get your fix of these DVDs head to Fuente or Raintree Mall. But I enjoy going to Traveler's since I buy at least five, I like the fact that there are more choices and at the same time exploring the downtown area. Don't forget the junk food, diet soda and ice cream to keep you company until the wee hours of the morning.

5.) Indulge
For those who aren't budget conscious, try the Edge Coaster or Extreme Skywalk at Club Ultima,  dinner buffet at Marco Polo or clubbing at Vudu or Formo. Of course, there is shopping!

Citations of Last Summer

I can't help but reminiscing about last summer. Atypical (it rained last summer and the temperature was lower compared to the year before) and short (4 weeks!?!)  but it left with lots of mementos, new discoveries and stronger bonds with old and new friends.

Most Memorable: My Mohawk hairstyle whom my friends said I couldn't pull off and my mother detested but I went for it anyways and looked really cool!

Best Place Visited: Siquijor, for its mythical charm, untouched nature and wonderful scenery. I finally crossed out another less visited place that I have been longing to visit for years.

Best Place for Dining Out, outside Cebu: Dumaguete City, hands down for cheap but with quality that equals the restos and cafes here in Cebu, even Manila.

Best New Discovery, Gastronomic Delight: Silvanas from Sans Rival Cafe in Dumaguete City. Mouth watering, soft and sweet , you already have an excuse to drive 3 hours down south and cross an ocean for 30 minutes. Totally worth the journey and back!

Most Worth It Purchase: Tie between Cherry Chapstick, for taking care of my lips and Hawaiian Tropic Sunblock for the making me tanned and didn't even give me the experience of pain.

Best New Discovery, Rediscovered: Metro Cafe, down in the basement of Ayala. An ideal place for reading. Quiet and isolated little nook. Affordable and good service

Best Place for Bargains:
BookSale at SM for selling Entertainment Weekly back issues for 27 pesos each. I bought a lot and these magazines made time less idle

Best Movies Watched: Volver and Eastern Promises

Best Book Read: Glamorama by Bret Easton Ellis

Favorite Past Time: Watching American Idol while munching on Honey Banana Crackers with Iced Coffee

Guilty Pleasure: Pinoy Big Brother Teen Edition

Songs That Remind Me of the Summer:

1.) Bleeding Love by Leona Lewis - washing dishes after dinner while belting out together with the radio in Siquijor

2.) No Air by Jordin Sparks and Chris Brown - after the exhausting yet fulfilling hike in Casaroro Falls

3.) Ang Sarap Dito by Project 8 - due to watching Big Brother, but the song is really catchy with a summer-esque feel.

4.) I'm Yours by Jason Mraz - the video makes me want to have a getaway to some secluded waterfall or pristine beach of my own. Just thinking about makes you want to wish its summer all the time, yes?

5.) Always Be My Baby by David Cook - this will always remind me of Summer 2008 and getting addicted to American Idol. I just realized this at around July that this song indeed reminds of that summer.

Best Pal of the Summer: My laptop for being my TV/DVD player and as my window to cyberspace

I'll post one like these before internship starts.

Suddenly, Last Summer

Yey! Summer is here already! After retaking my practical exam which I unjustly failed and my written exam, a mildly deserved one for effin' Pediatrics, I am starting to work on my clearance so that makes it more or less official.

This year it's different because up until early Friday evening I didn't have plans of getting away and making fun use of the first weekend of this short yet monumental summer. Come on. People are even labelling this as the last summer ever! Last year I was off to Siquijor the day after the last finals in a freshly cut Mohawk and then to Dumaguete City for a long weekend after a week. Two years before I dashed to Camotes for a weekend chill then had a wild, bond-forming, drinking spree in Kawasan Falls.

I was reminiscing on the way home while standing on an old 80's looking bus with Linkin Park blasting on the background from our weekend unwind trip in Tabuelan a sleepy town located in the northwest part of Cebu. The hospitality was great. Quoting Vic "Humanity is innately good".  Anyways last summer was awesome. Short yet significant. It didn't have much time for solace and reflection as the previous summer but overall I was able to make use of the four weeks to reassess my priorities and revisit those moments where I caved in to my temperament and those times were I was classy.

Ma was staying in Manila for a month and we were practically left under the guidance of Pa, who is more open, liberated and he was also enjoying the freedom we boys had.

Yeah, summer is here and I will take this all in before the pressure of internship takes its toll on me.

Anxiety and Bittersweet Endings

Tonight, despite the fact that I still have to study for tomorrow's finals on Family and Community Medicine, I have to take a break to get myself together because just 20 minutes ago my anxiety level went up! This is not attributed to coffee, I'm already moderately resistant to the adrenergic effects of caffeine, but a mixture of apprehension for internship, anticipation for summer and nervousness of the possibility that I might get an extension on Internal Medicine. I am biting my fingernails like hell and I am a bit scared that I might have failed the OSCE. At least for Pediatrics I don't have any extensions but I have to comply with the repeat written exam tomorrow and repeat practical exam on Monday. Fuck. Oh well at least and hoping that after this I'll be cleared already.

I am also amazed at the same time that Junior Year will hopefully be over tomorrow meaning I don't have to repeat it. I don't want to be cocky and start acting that I have passed due to the disastrous finals of OB-Gyne and Surgery last week. But this week it's very very good! Praying fervently that I had made up the wasted points already. Sigh. It has come full circle already. I am excited and was really looking forward to summer weeks ago but the thought that it might be the last hurrah before the storm just sends me into jitters that affect the core out of me. I am happy but at the same time I can't explain this sensation that's more or less like butterflies in the stomach plus slight paresthesias at times. I should be happy. Kind of like Heath Ledger winning an Oscar, triumphant yet he's no longer with us. Left a legacy but bittersweet victory for which he wasn't able to accept it in person and bask in its glory with his peers.

The T-shirts that we've ordered which was supposed to come out a week ago has been delayed already and I was about to get it today, before dinner after so much tardiness but damn it still hasn't pushed through it would be at lunch time after tomorrow and I am so stressed already because I hate apologizing to people! Ugh! I am really pining that I will finally get it tomorrow afternoon as promised. No other time.

Breathe in, Breathe out, One step at a time...

That's why I need yoga so badly but shit, the yoga center in BTC closed. So my efforts of getting sweaty on a humid March afternoon, braving the heavy Banilad-Talamban traffic, inhaling dirty polluted semi-urban air and dodging speeding vehicles was useless. Oh my oh my!

Desperately need to get away this weekend to obtain peace of mind. Yeah and I desperately fancy a fag. Oh crap!

Life Imitates Rom-Coms: My Friends and their Pursuits in the Name of Love

Lately my friends are tangled in the clutches of this little thing called love. These events that are about to be broadcast have occurred not at the same time but from way back some more remote others recently. Since hearts day just happened last weekend I think this is the perfect timing.

I feel like I've been watching a live version of "He's Just Not that Into You" or a less classy and unpolished "Love Actually" because dude we're not in London nonetheless another beautiful locale and we don't have the British twang that's so elegant and posh.

In order to maintain privacy and security for the persons mentioned and to prevent a lawsuits against yours truly all names shall not be disclosed. The identities of these individuals will be hidden by their new alter egos which I made up for them.

Set A:

Mr. Loner Artist and Little Ms. Sunshine have been friends for almost two years. They hang out, watch movies and basically do the fun things with their friends. The relationship is purely platonic. Until after a summer trip their friends started teasing them, in which Little Ms. Sunshine just shrugged off but Mr. Loner Artist didn't. It continued for months and Mr. Loner Artist was already harboring feelings for her all the while that she wasn't aware of. Two weeks before Christmas he told her and she freaked out a little bit. In respect and because of the friendship, she didn't bust him then. She gave her a chance but showed signs to him that maybe she's just not that into him and it might happen. Still Mr. Loner Artist was very patient. And clearly he's been mesmerized and inspired by her beauty that she even gave her a sketch of her face on her birthday. Still no feelings from Little Miss Sunshine. During a festival, Little Ms. Sunshine was becoming guilty that she's already hurting Mr. Loner Artist. To make matters worst when she saw her Ugly Ex-BF, she realized that she hadn't fully gotten over him despite of his hideous nature after three years. She felt a surge of emotions then she cried. She decided to do the right thing - by ending Mr. Loner Artist's perceived suffering. She told him the truth that she will not ever look at him besides a friend. Though she didn't tell him that she hasn't come to terms 100% with what Ugly Ex-BF did to her heart. Enter Mr. Dreamboy, Little Ms. Sunshine's longtime crush, who had just broken up with Bitchy Ex-GF after two years and a half. Now Little Ms. Sunshine is overjoyed in secret because she wanted Mr. Dreamboy for a long time. Intrusive and straight forward me told her not to squeal and show emotions so much in front of Mr. Loner Artist. I still am hoping that she'll realize how great Mr. Loner Artist is though she insists every single day that it's getting awkward but right now I think they are on a stage of rebuilding the friendship. Whew! I haven't given up the thought that Mr. Loner Artist has surrendered. Not yet, not now.
In Summary: Mr. Loner artists wants Little Miss Sunshine who got burned by Ugly Ex-BF and who also wants Mr. Dreamboy for a long time, who broke up with Bitchy Ex-GF recently. Complicated much?

Set B
Ms. Pretty has never had a boyfriend all her life though she's got plenty of suitors she never quite found "the one" among them. She works in this company for almost three years when she noticed Mr. Office Romance. It's been quite a while since they work on different floors. As they got to know more of each other in office outings and parties she felt something about him. She finally found someone she wants to give the honor of being her first boyfriend - the only thing going against her is her conservative and traditional ways of courtship and she will never allow herself to bend the rules and court Mr. Office Romance. He wasn't courting him either but he's been showing signs that he digs her like sweet talk, text messages about love, treating her well (he's quite stingy!) and more. Which left her confuse and perplexed every time. He's hot, then he's cold he's yes and then he's no... you get the drill. Our ever hopeless romantic was holding on despite of that until she finally received news that he already has a girlfriend from her co-workers! Up until this day she hasn't had the guts to confront Mr. Office Romance about it and neither did he had the balls to tell her if the news is true. But nosy and rumor mongers in the office confirm it to be real.

Set C
Last year Ms. Glamorous was dumped by Mr. Bartender after dating for almost a year of some pathetic reason that's just means he's a coward. Brokenhearted and lost, she turned to the comfort of her friends. There she met Mr. Oil Tycoon, friend of her friends, whom she was smitten because she was reminded of a crush from childhood. Mr. Oil Tycoon was also captured by her radiance and charm. At the same time he was also vulnerable because his long distance relationship for half a decade already has been rocky. So they were introduced and got to know each other and even went out on dates - even though he did not officially end the fractured bond and the same time Ms. Long Distance didn't even know about it. It continued and continued to the point of deepening connections. Ms. Glamorous was becoming ambivalent. He tells her he likes but couldn't put up a brave front to face and talk with Ms. Long Distance. She knows it wrong but the passion just takes over. It continued more. Let's say she became an adulteress. Finally her conscience overpowered her and then she confronted him but still he couldn't do the right thing. He just keeps on saying that he wants her but just couldn't end it with Ms. Long Distance. Ms. Glamorous couldn't take it anymore so she dropped him instead and got affected by it. She immersed herself in work until she met Mr. Multi Millionaire who treats her like a queen and was a guy that's so different from previous boyfriends. They became romantically involved then she got over Mr. Oil Tycoon. Now one year later, the wheel of fate turned. Mr. Oil Tycoon was dumped by Ms. Long Distance since they couldn't keep it alive anymore. When he checked Ms. Glamorous profile page that she is already in an amazing relationship his quest of winning her back just faded. It's his turn to get hurt, depressed and was really affected  by Ms. Glamorous labelling him so yesterday. He' s sulking but of course as a guy he doesn't show it much. He is always pondering on the could've beens and would've beens. Meet Ms. Passive-Aggresiva, sometimes annoying sometimes pathetic sometimes aloof who I suspect has the hots for Mr. Oil Tycoon as evidence gathered by moi that's will definitely reveal their identities if posted here. If only Mr. Oil Tycoon has the same feelings for her. Sorry, honey. Lesson learned: Karma's a bitch, payback hurts!

Set D
Ms. Longing and Mr. Genius had some form of special bond that didn't really move forward. It was MU - as so popular during those times. Then college came. She got hurt because he just left her hanging, no explanations at all. It started Ms. Longing's efforts of trying to get over him which was highlighted by the string of men, hook-ups and cover up relationships. She dealt with whiny, abusive, neurotic and even psychotic men and still her heart longs for Mr.Genius. Badly bruised and beaten and her world is already muddled by the color of abandonment. Eight years later due to a secret blind date set up by a mutual close friend they rekindled their love after and finally after 8 years, 96 months, 4992 weeks, 34,944 days, 838, 656 hours they are officially together as meant to be from the start. I wish them both the best! Good things indeed come to those who wait and first love never dies. Ms. Longing have never been this happy her whole life!

Set E
For three years now Ms. Sweetheart and Ms. Gentleman are in a perfect relationship that's clearly both fair and compromising. She loves him and he treats her nice. The only rain on the perfect parade is Daddy and Mommy of Ms. Sweetheart still doesn't know after all this time. All they know is he's still courting. To hide themselves well Mr. Gentlemen have became a cousin, a classmate and even a gay associate when spotted and confronted my both parents and relatives alike. Only time will "tell"...

Set F
The On and Off Couple composed of Ms. Older Girl and Mr. Younger Boy (age gap = 4 years) have been fighting and making up almost every month for the past two years due to reasons that will be deemed immature. Last time I check they had an awesome V-Day date and before that a fight because Mr. Younger Boy wasn't given enough attention.. Looks like Katy Perry's inspiration for one of her songs.

Set G
Ms. Neurotic is dating Mr. Entrepreneur, a very patient and understanding person for three years now. Still she couldn't shake off thinking of Mr. Whiny Patheticus who was a very close friend whom she developed feelings for which trashed her heart and changed forever she handles relationship. But Mr. Whiny Patheticus wsa also showing signs that gave her hope and perseverance. The only difference is he didn't personally admit. All of those were results of keen observations and eavesdropping. By now she has realized that Mr. Whiny Patheticus wasn't really for her but still she can't stop thinking and reminiscing about him in some days - the non-existent birthday and Christmas present, the no show at her bash, the conversations and fights together. A lot has happened and still she couldn't somehow manage to bury the hatchet. She loves Mr. Entrepreneur and knows he takes good care of her but she is waiting for the day that Mr. Whiny Patheticus will come back from the greener pastures he explored two years ago so that she can finally get the answer to all her questions that's swimming in her mind that's apparently beginning to seep to her subconscious. One answer or one facial reaction is all she needs...

And in the tradition of Gossip Girl, my friends, XOXO, I'll never tell...

Ends and Beginnings

This week will be the last one of normalcy and routine. For 10 months that means, small group discussion, junior clerkship, reading at the library with naps in between and basically the last few days of us being students, come this April, we will be interns.

Everyone is hoping that they will make it but at the same time dreading it due to its huge demands, unreasonable hours, unpredictable situations and stress and lack of sleep. I have never been this ambivalent towards something. When Junior Year started, I was the only ballsy student looking forward, eager to start and secretly wishing that third year would just be skipped. After all, we have to go through it anyways. The moment you enrolled yourself in med school it is inevitable. Like death. It's a crucial stage in any one's quest to be a physician. You can't be a doctor if you can't complete one year of grueling, mind bending, back breaking, eye popping training. Package inclusive of sleepless nights monitoring morbid patients that might die any hour due to fate or negligence, finger spasms due to countless histories and progress notes of gazillion patients, discharge summaries, shouts, insults and harsh comments from underpaid and overworked residents any time day or night and most of all lost of normal routine of physiological existence - skipping meals and forgetting the feeling of waking up after a wonderful night's sleep.

As it draws near, I can wait and I am concocting up ideas of how to derail fate from beginning. But then I realize it's unstoppable. So I surrendered and let go. Hence every since I did as I've mentioned in a previous post I've been living and cherishing every moment of this borrowed time that will soon be taken away. Then when it will be returned I'll never be the same again. Scarred and haggard, abuse and over challenged but I am hoping that I will be a stronger person and a better practitioner. In the end all those obstacles that were overcame have given me something in returns. That's all I'll look forward to at the end of this ordeal.

***

Ma and Pa's 25th Wedding Anniversary Renewal of Vows will be in a week. Last Sunday, it was the end of my anxiety as it was confirmed that we will be wearing Barongs. I can't even begin to explain why I have this personal aversion to donning it. My twisted brain associates with Halloween. All I need is gruesome make-up and cotton balls at my huge nostrils then I'll be nominated for Best in Costume. I wanted to wear a suit or a blue long sleeved shirt with a silver tie and a Fedora hat. Since my parents are traditional and conservative they opted for Barong. So I again gave up and secretly cringed at the thought. Man, they are freaking expensive! 3,000 php! I have no choice but to get on with it.

***

I haven't been watching any TV shows lately. Haven't downloaded any new movies from torrent of updated my iPod play list.

If ever I do watch TV, I am so addicted to MYX Backtraxx every 11.30 pm. It relaxes me reminiscing the good ol' days since right now they are featuring 90's videos 3 - 4 times a week. Music hits from high school mostly which were dear to my heart. I get nostalgic more than usual. It's like those videos literally bring be back in time and I remember vividly of what I was doing that time when those songs were overplayed on TV or on the radio. Talk about waste of brain gigabytes! One time they even played songs from college, which I still think was not so long ago but the videos like Milkshake by Kellis and Cry Me a River from Justin Timberlake surprisingly had a feeling that they were old. And if I don't like the play list set I just go to Maxx and watch Attack of the Show, a lifestyle program that features movies, Internet sites and mainly gadgets. I am not a techie boy but I get a kick out listening to features regarding digital cameras and games and the hosts Kevin and Olivia are so fun because they are so game!

***
I've been buying books lately but not as much as I used to. I think I managed to buy one to two books per month - at discounted or really cheap prices and yes, I admit I still didn't have time to open most of them. As much as I wanted to read books after exams or during clinics after progress notes, my incompetent brain could not keep up so I end up sleeping or watching a movie at home instead or web surfing. Last month I bought (finally) Blindness by Jose Saramago and PostSecret, mini coffee table book both of which I got 20% off the original price. This month I bought Peace Breaks Out by John Knowles for 30 php and Nick and Norah's Infinite Playlist for 269 php. The latter book I contemplated for a month before getting it but heck this will be worth it anyway since I can read this in 4 hours or so. I gave in.

My group mates from Clinics started reading books. Since Surgery is a relatively less stressful rotation, they've been bringing books to read. What flatters me most of all (yup, a little narcissistic here) is they asked me for recommendations. I lent The Catcher in the Rye by J.D. Salinger and told them to buy Dear John by Nicholas Sparks and of course they loved it! They even ask for more wonderful books to read. Hey I can do this for a living mate! I even gave them advises on where and when to buy to maximize and get your moneys worth when it comes to books! And to think I was doing the emo trip thinking I was the most boring person in class since I don't play DOTA and poker like the other boys do and I don't party and go out as much like the other girls like before. I prefer getting cozy up in my bed watching a foreign film or reading a book or a magazine Monday nights after exams.

***
At the same time, summer is coming! It's about to start! My other favorite time of the year after Christmas. At least that something to look forward to aside from getting freaked out by internship. I have to hit the beach or else I'll go crazy! I will finally pursue a crash course in Yoga and making up for lost time with friends by making them scrapbooks. Plus I will bake banana muffins and learn simple Filipino dishes. Yikes hopefully I don't have any extensions

***
I want to take the Pedia repeat written exam already to get this over with and failing the practical exam in which you did well just annoys me. I want to be done with it already and ace it! I am so not gonna be a pediatrician in this lifetime. Sorry guys!

***
I met up with a classmate from high school yesterday to settle the plan group T-shirt we want. I really really want our Group Clinics T shirt to be printed for it will be a souvenir of the good times learning together. I am excited! Hopefully we can get it next week or during finals week.

***
And those are the things that I am preoccupied with that I find significant. The rest are just attempts in trying to sleep and suppress anxieties that I think need pharmacological intervention already.  Yup and trying not to be melodramatic again and again and again....

Borrowed Time

I've been sick of myself lately. Though I've bounced back from vacation mode right after the memorably wild Sinulog weekend, after that I felt like I've been more melodramatic than usual and at the same time I've been evolving slowly and surely into the great procrastinator, a trait that I don't want to bring to internship for it will surely spell doom for the intern. I've been arriving at school late for the lectures and sometimes skipping case conferences, reading chapters seriously at around Thursday night (which reminds me that I shouldn't be blogging and ranting). Worst of all my immune system is ineffective. I just recovered from the flu and I am sneezing like a blowtorch since this morning and I am pretty much concerned that I would get another strain of the flu again cause that would suck big time!



Since two weeks ago, I've felt like I've been living on borrowed time. Not that I have a terminal illness, God forbid, but I am already prematurely mourning the lost of time and sense of self come this April. This remaining pre-internship days. In similar aspect to Veronika from the Coehlo novel, it's like I am cherishing every moment, each precious moment because I already have an idea that this will be taken all away in less that 8 weeks. Kind of like Veronika when she was told that she will die soon, she then began to let go of all inhibitions and enjoy her remaining days here on Earth. Well this is indeed proof that I am over reactive and overacting at times. But I do feel this way.



So the past two weeks, I've been doing things that I really like. Of course, the dedicated, diligent pupil in me couldn't abandon my readings but since then I learned to balance fifty-fifty. So far it works and man, I don't want to jinx it.



I partied wild and crazy during the Sinulog, I rode the Edgecoaster and Club Ultima and had a high literally and figuratively while walking above 36 floors, made up sleep and just pretty much tried to evoke a semi-Zen state, constantly reminding myself to relax and hoping that everything will be alright.



I also made a list to do before internship starts, among them include Yoga classes and making scrapbooks while reading the long overdue books stashed bed side and in the closet and get our group shirt in the Clinics printed. Another event I am anticipating is Ma and Pa's 25th Wedding Anniversary. I expected a celebration or maybe they'd travel together as originally planned, but I never saw this coming. They will be renewing their vows in a garden ceremony overlooking the city on the 19th this month. Oh well, I love them so much that whatever makes them happy I have to do it. Even if it means staying up the whole night after the party because I still have a final exam on the next day. That's the challenge. But I know it would be totally worth it because that celebration signifies 25 years of love, understanding and happiness. Kudos to my parents for starting from scratch to being able to send four kids to school - three already done with college. I wish that I don't have to wear barong though. Not my type.

And right now I am not making any plans for summer yet - nothing definite but I still have Plan A's. I am hoping that I don't have any extensions so I could enjoy and just sleep and relax and eat.

As it nears, the more anxious and apprehensive I get.

But I know for sure that I will surely make the best of this "borrowed time".

The Best Sinulog Ever!

I admit, ever since we planned to party in the streets by having lunch and drinking alcoholic beverages I was so excited and I just can't help but think about it and was looking forward to it since last Monday after the exam! After all after two consecutive years of being a loser, it's about time I inhale the air of country's most grand festival! The chances of us being off duty next year is slim so that's why I really wanted to go all out and have fun, get wild and wasted and just have an awesome time.

It was a blast! I had the most wonderful time in the company of friends, previous acquaintances and new found friends together while eating grilled pork chops and fish, roasted chicken, pancit canton and siomai. Someone even brought black sambo - yummy! Then we started the alcoholic drinking spree right after at around 2 pm. In between gulps of beer and shots of tequila, I watched a little bit of the parade while standing on stools, playing Guitar Hero as an exit strategy to lessen the alcohol intake with some buddies, drank more, got tipsy, danced in the streets with most friends and other strangers while people passing were staring at us, smoked, watch a classmate exhibit a face plant on the concrete nonetheless, bumped and grind, strolled around Jones Avenue and tried to shoplift a pair of yellow Wayfarers, drank more and resisted the vomiting center, witnessed a lot of open forums and heart to heart talks, talked and talked with friends, all adding to an awesome time, baby! I've never laughed so hard in a long time.

I realized that I have friends that who are always there. I already knew this but today just solidified this fact.

There was also something relaxing while walking on the crowded streets full of dancers in colorful costumes, vendors selling anything from tribal necklaces to soaps and shampoos, people walking to sites that will give them full access to the parades, henna tattoo artists and the different policemen trying to maintain peace and order. I felt like I was the lead character of a Murakami novel. The setting was just a little bit surreal. Maybe it's because I haven't been in a really crowded place for a long time that it was almost refreshing and paradoxically serene.

With all the events happening today I associated this year's Sinulog as something that would have happened in an episode of a TV show like The O.C. or an independent film. It's that awesome!

I wanted this day to be memorable and I got what I wanted. The Best Sinulog of My Life, and it will be years to come to top this off. Will post pictures in the succeeding days...

Sinulog Days of Yore

While I was channel surfing tonight, I chanced upon a showing of the remake of "The Ring" starring Naomi Watts on Studio 23. I then remembered the first time I watched this movie and it coincided with the Sinulog Weekend way back 2003. It was a Saturday, sophomore year of college, second semester, after Physical Education class which was about Crafts and Leisure, I think. We proceeded to Ayala, my classmates and I, to watch the movie. They were mostly new friends because this was the time when I was enrolled in a separate block from my usual friends due to unforeseen circumstances at the line during enrollment. We were so eager to watch the movie because we've been hearing raves and good reviews about it being scary, that the audience was screaming all time and it was indeed spooky. While waiting for the movie since we didn't catch an earlier showing right after lunch, we went to what was a parking lot now a jeepney terminal, under the heat of the sun watching the now defunct noontime variety show, MTB,  which was very popular that time. Yeah kinda crass but I admit I did have a good time. Then we watched the movie, sitting in the front at around three seats from the screen and it spooked the hell out of me. But the repeated viewings became predictable, after that we went to Mandaue City for Riza's party. The next day I went out with the same group of people to watch the parade. Imagine, I had to walk from Gaisano Metro in Colon St. all the way to Ramos St. where we would all be meeting. Then we walked a little bit more to Mango Avenue to brave the crowd to see the dancers on the island, across Jollibee. When the parade was over, we then took a jeepney all the way to P. Del Rosario St. to catch the remaining five performers. I was really glad I spent Sinulog that year with those people. Among the five of them, only one was able to graduate Medical Technology with me two years later, the rest shifted mostly to Nursing.

Watching TV tonight had open a floodgate of memories about an event I'll always look forward to at the start of the year.

When were kids we would always beg our parents to take us to the streets to watch the Sinulog and the would always say, "when you're all grown up, you can go out every year". I've always remembered that and indeed they kept their promise.

Those days the family will go to church on a Saturday anticipated mass, eat dinner, then, we, the kids would walk around malls buying books or any thing we want and then it was never complete without stopping at Glico's now Timezone and the currently defaced but renovated Entertainment Center in Ayala. It begun when I was in Grade 4. Some years it was a trip to the pool or beach on Sunday morning. Then watching the festivities live on TV in the afternoon.

The only childhood memory of me watching it live was sometime in the early 90's with little ol' me, sitting comfortably in the shoulders of our driver back then near the stage in front of the original White Gold Department store.

2001 was the first time I finally was able to go out but it was just malling in Ayala like any other teenager who decided to go out late since it was already to tiresome to walk all the way uptown.

The next year was the one where I had duties in ROTC. I was stationed right in front of the entrance to the grand stand! Those assigned there were able to see the dancers though not dancing, while some actually did, preparing for their turn to wow the crowd and the judges. So technically it was my first time to be in the streets. I was there from 6 am to 8 pm while trying to fight the urge to blow off some diarrhea. I even caught the fireworks. It was totally, a worthy experience!

After that, from 2004 - 2006, I went out to watch the parade, some years I just caught a concert and got wild or watch new movies in the mall and some I really partied! Partying and going crazy were exemplified during 2005 and 2006, the best ever Sinulogs in memory! I sat out the last two years because I was in a depression type of status and the exams were pulling my leg to stay at home. So pathetic as I've blurted out in a previous post.

Tomorrow, I'll definitely enjoy walking the streets, taking pictures, eating and drinking booze with my friends. This might be the last great Sinulog in a while and I'm not sure if I'll still have the luxury of time to just sit back or shout Pit Senyor! in the upcoming years. I'll take tomorrow all in, no matter what! Hoping it will be memorable because it was awesome not because something bad came.

Cold Fronts and All Hyped Up!

Cebu's been experiencing cold weather for almost a week now. The sun has been hiding somewhere or been on hiatus till she appeared earlier this morning for an hour and then she took off again. It's not usual Cebu weather but I'm loving the cold, windy sometimes drizzly days. People donning scarves and jackets that have been sequestered for too long in moth ball laden closets have filled the city streets and jeepneys everywhere!

As for me, the weather was so conducive for sleeping that for two straight nights all I did was curl up in bed and sleep to my heart's content. I hope the weather will continue through this Sunday so that the Sinulog festival will have a different tone to it. Usually it is hot and humid as shown from the previous years with occasional rain interrupting the merry making for a while then it's back to tropical weather. Dawnah says this cold environment for the Sinulog will be an excuse to strut with a scarf on your neck on Mango Avenue while watching the parade. I wonder how that goes for the dancers?

Right now there are a lots of things to do here in Cebu. The malls are still continuing the slash down sales and calling it Sinulog sale - is it sign of the times that the economic recession have worsen or does that signify that the people have more to spend? Bazaars are everywhere too! I think there is one in Colon St. and with opening of 138 mall (I think inspired from 168 in Binondo) gives us another choice for bargains. Then there is the annual stalls right in Osmena Boulevard, right in front of Abellana High School and the malls also have one. It's like a post-Christmas bonanza!

Two days ago, I went to MV Doulous, which last visited two years ago, but this time I was not only able to browse and buy through the book shop but I was able to see the ship and had a tour! We would've gotten a free lunch and we lack one person, for their lunch tour policy. When they docked at Pier 2 last Friday I was excited to visit again, so after Bioethics class last Tuesday, 5 of my classmates went. It was fun and it brought back childhood memories of the boat with my mother and siblings. I bought a pocket encyclopedia but a colorful book on Impressionists and a Guide on making punches and smoothies for only 125 each. Not much choices if your the type who read Nobel prize and award winners but if you're into Christian and Inspirational books you're in for a treat. Another highlight was eating the creamy vanilla ice cream. Yummy! Planning to go back before they sail away. I envied those cute little colorful books about art ranging from 100 - 200 each!

I am also hyped up for Sinulog!

The plan: We will be setting up a table in Arlington St. this year with my med school classmates. People will be bringing food and we will be pitching in money for drinks. In between tagays of beer and shots of tequila, some of us will be walking to Osmena Boulevard or Mango Avenue to watch the parade and take some pictures!

Hoping that this year's Sinulog will be the most memorable!

And yes, I will get wild and wasted! Maybe get a henna tattoo too! I'm praying that I'm not gonna get sick!

The Book Lover's Quiz

I've come across this quiz sort of like one of those personality type question and answer from blogthings.com but it's just about books. I've got this from a blog while I was googling when I should be reading about Vasculitis syndromes.

Honestly, it was hard to pick the right book to answer to the question asked. I can say that I am a voracious reader, a book addict to the point of unstable and I have read lots of books from different authors but not enough to consider myself a master or I am not yet competent of being able to talk about books especially the classics and books from different genre. In more dramatic words, I am not a good TV show host if the show would be about book reviews. But I can carry a conversation about books though over coffee.

Here it goes:

One Book that changed your life:
Doctors by Erich Segal. After reading this book I was more motivated and determine to pursue a career in the medical field.

One book you have read more than once:
The Catcher in the Rye by JD Salinger. This is my favorite book and I've read this first when I was about the same age as Holden. I read this every year and every single time the message of the book resonates. I have a personal attachment to this book because I got 100% in an oral exam during Speech class when I was talking about this book.

One book you would want on a desert island:
Any thick coffee table book about rock stars, Hollywood or World War II 

One book that made you laugh:
High Fidelity by Nick Hornby. Perfect balance of intelligent humor and laugh out loud moments. I was smiling while reading the whole book. 

One book that made you cry:
Dear John by Nicholas Sparks. I know, right? But the man can write while tugging your heart strings. This book is typical Sparks flair but more pain since most of the book the characters were only happy for a while.

One book you wish had been written:
Chicken Soup for the Medical Student's Soul - something enlightening in between reading Harrison's and Schwartz's 

One book you wish had never been written:
The Purpose Driven Life - I don't want to sound like a minion of the anti-Christ, but I gave up on this book because its formulaic and overrated. All I can say is Live your Life Fully, do what you want to do as long as your not stepping on any one's toes! 

One book you are currently reading:
Love in The Time of Cholera - a Christmas gift from my manito, which surprised me! The narrative is flowing and vivid, very detailed! 

One book you have been meaning to read:
The Unbearable Lightness of Being - I already have my copy but I'll get to it as soon as I'm in the mood for deep philosophical stuff.

I'm supposed to tag five people after this but since only one person knows about this blog, so I'm tagging you Jo!

Remains of the Holidays

The summary of my life this week, the first week of school from Christmas break, has been the unending effort of trying to go back to reality. Adjusting back to routine life of small group discussions, junior clerkship, long chapters and finding time in between for sleep and leisure. Apparently so, it's been very hard. Right now my body clock is so messed up. But then again I didn't even had a normal one to begin with. I study at odd hours, I went out three times this week already, continued by window shopping for books and things I wanted to buy last year which I didn't and it's been very hard to wake up early in the morning. I am so behind in readings for this Monday's exam on Arthritis too. I'm also relaxed because I read most of the chapters since we also had this topic last year. Let's just say it's been a struggle.

Since after Christmas I've been in emo mode. More emo than the usual Albert "the world hates me" type. I was overwhelmed of the speed of time. I've been pondering a lot about how the past ten years went by and it was a lot of memories and ups and downs filled with achievements, unions, friends and family and failures as well. But it was the most awesome Christmas break! Every moment of impulse was totally worth it, every precious time spent with family and friends was memorable and the holidays were not even sprayed with a droplet of drama. I wouldn't change anything. It was so great that I still feel the wonderful high everytime I reminisce the events during the Christmas season. Though right now it's slowly fading away but I'll never forget those new memories to think fondly of. It ends this week. Then Ill be back on track.

I am also thankful that the exam was mostly old questions since I would've failed it for sure if it was new ones. The studying lacked depth and concentration. I even messed up the basic questions and important factors to remember that were in tables. That just goes to show how effective my studying was. When I wasn't sleeping on the night before the exam due to cramming just to make myself feel better, I was thinking a lot and slowly it sinked in that the holidays are officially over. What sustained the high aside from the from the effect of the unforgettable break was the remnants of Christmas decor in our house including the tree which I think my mom didn't have time to take them off yet or she's planning to let them stay until Sinulog like she did last year. The gigantic tree from Fuente is also a BIG reminder of the previous festivities.

I should be studying now but instead I'm blogging and looking at pictures from break again. Reading blogs and checking FaceBook for other people's holiday experiences. I even squeezed more time to spend with friends my going out on Monday night, after being sleepless from the night before to help me focus back on track. I even missed the next day's laboratory too! I wasn't able to wake up even with an alarm. But after this blog entry my brain will surely or more or less sink back to where it should belong so I can finally get my act together.

The First for This Year

I should be studying now like full mode concentration with as little distractions but with right breaks to keep me going. I am abusing the "break rule". I am just doing this post for the heck of having a post on the first day of this new year.

The holidays season is more or less over. Not being blasphemous, I usually do not celebrate the three kings feast. Today I'm just tired and exhausted and damn I have to study for Monday's exam and I have dread which has no remedy on going back to school on Monday. Back to routine, back to reality and just same old same old stuff. But it was an awesome Christmas break. I'm very fulfilled.

Right now my mind is set on just finishing the readings and getting a good score on Monday, attending Julie's wedding, writing the cards for Cha and Yvonne for Cezan to take home and catching up on sleep too which also includes normalizing my sleep patterns again for school.

I am very excited for the Sinulog. I will go out and have fun. The last time I went out was three years ago and it was fun getting wasted while jamming at concerts. The best Sinulog has got to be a toss up between 2005 and 2006. 2005 - I was on 24 hour duty at CVGH lab but nonetheless it was memorable by default already and I was partying the whole week before Sunday. 2006 - I was volunteering without pay but it didn't stop me from going out the whole weekend. Most memorable event: walking from Mango avenue to Ayala to catch Parokya ni Edgar and we were having the greatest time even in the rain. The last two years were mostly preparing for the exams on the Tuesday. Not pretty. So pathetic.

I am also very optimistic about 2009. We'll see!