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!