Collage! 
I. Currimao
II. Vigan
III. On the way to Pagudpud
IV. Pagudpud!!
V. On the way home…
Surf’s Up
I started the Christmas week in the cold, welcoming embrace of the waters of San Juan, La Union. And all I can say is – Hell, Yeeeeaaaahhhh!!!!
The invitation to go to La Union for a “daytrip” came around 11 in the evening. I received the text while I was still out drinking. I hurried home and quickly stashed 3 shirts, 1 suit, 1 towel, and 3 shorts in my backpack. I ran out of the house, and promptly went back in to get a few toiletries. I got in the car wearing the flimsy dress I’ve gone drinking in. And by 2AM, my friends and I started on the greatest adventure I’ve had in 2008!
The ocean has always been a magical place for me. It has always been my favorite sanctuary when the universe conspires to send its wrath my way. The rhythmic humming of crashing waves eases my worries. It reminds me that I should go out of my shell and reach out. That I am not the only one who has troubles. That someone else might need more help than me. Of course, the surf board underneath me helped me focus and harness all the optimism I can muster to finally f*ing dance with the waves and forget my sadness.
It was my first time to surf. Ever!! I was absolutely excited. I could have screamed were it not for the embarassment I’d have caused my friends. And of course I was nervous, especially when the first thing the instructor told me was to listen and follow what he said or else I might end up letting the fins of the board slice my face.
I’ve always thought that my worst enemy in learning how to surf would be my poor balancing skills. I’m just naturally clumsy, plus I’m flatfooted to boot. I found out that balancing was the least of my worries.
The first position was to lie on my tummy with my feet almost at the tail of the board. When the instructor shouts, “Ready! Go!” I’d have to push against the board and jump. Ideally, the position of the feet should be a bit perpendicular to the length of the board. I’d have to be in the middle of the board as well, making sure that my legs are not too close to each other to maintain good balance. The “push up and jump” activity required upper body strength, which I do not have because I’m a lazy bum who does not exercise. Add to that the fact that I haven’t slept and the liquor was still running through my veins. Needless to say, I spent almost the entire morning session being washed off the board (I think they call it “wiped out”).
Good thing about that morning was the cute surfer who kept encouraging me to try again. He said that the moment I get to stand up, I’d understand why he kept cutting his weekend classes to go to La Union. When I heard “classes,” my brow went up and I figured he was still in college and that I should not be flirting with a minor.
My friends and I took a break first to ease our tummies and our sore bodies. After lunch, two of them were already learning how to paddle (that was their third or fourth time to surf). Another friend, KC, was like me, a beginner, first time to surf. After 30 minutes, KC figured she’d be better off taking pictures from the shore. So I was left with my instructor, and another cute surfer with a great tan and cherry-kissed brown hair (but was quite short and just kept smiling without saying anything; my friends and I later figured he was from Japan and that his English was not that good, let alone his Tagalog).
The morning session wore my body down and so I kept falling off my board more. My instructor kept telling me to move faster. Since I did not have the upper body strength, I bent my left leg first and then used my knee at the same time that my arms started pushing my body upwards. If I were to move too slow, I’d topple over as the balance would be terribly off. Still, I was not keen on giving up. And going under did not bother me. As I’ve said, I love the ocean and I’ve always felt peaceful when I’m in the water, no matter what the circumstances are (unless, of course, if I’ve just jumped off a sinking boat or if there’s a shark or something of that sort).
And then – a miracle!! Until now, I’m not sure how I was able to do it. I just felt that if there was a time I’d learn how to surf, it would be at that moment. My instructor gave me the signal that a nice wave was on the rise. I inhaled sharply as I heard him shout, “Ready! Go!” I let my body relax and just move on its own without thinking about the sequence of steps I should ideally follow. Next thing I knew, I was riding a wave.
It was absolutely exhilarating. I felt the cold wind rush against my cheeks as the board gently glided over the water. I heard some people cheering and figured it could only either be my friends or the cute minor. I forgot how to breathe for those few seconds that I was on top. And I wasn’t just on top of the water. I felt on top of every thing I needed to conquer.
After that great ride, I figured I should follow the maxim, “Quit while you’re ahead.” I thanked the instructor profusely, and headed towards KC for some excited shrieking and high fives. The rest of our group joined us on the shore, and we sat peacefully as the sun set over the teasing waves of La Union.
Prayers for Tara Santelices
Why do bad things have to happen?
A college dormmate, R, used to say, “When someone takes something from you, try not to feel bad. Think of it as your little way of helping out that someone. Just pray that he uses whatever he took from you for some good purpose.”
I hold on to that thought whenever I drop my phone and it’s gone before I can even pick it up, or when I turn around for one second and the wallet on top of my table has been filched. I think of it even when I become too careless and misplace stuff that seem to be immediately transported to the never-to-be-found-items closet located, I guess, somewhere between Earth and Jupiter. I pass on that advice as well to other friends when they encounter similar misfortunes. I most especially use that statement when that something is taken by force. Patawarin mo na at baka may matinding pangangailangan lang [Please forgive him as he might just be in dire need].
A few weeks ago, an officemate, M, suffered the loss of her friend who just happened to be withdrawing from the ATM when he was bludgered on the head by a thief. The blow to his head was so hard that his skull was fractured. The worst part – he was able to bring himself to the hospital, but the emergency room people did not take care of him until after FIVE hours. By that time, the hemorrhaging was too severe. After a few days, he passed away.
This morning, I received an email from a friend asking for help for Tara Santelices, a 23 year old graduate of Ateneo. She was riding a jeep along Felix Ave., Marikina when someone declared a hold-up. She did not want to let go of her belongings. The thief held a gun to her head. And fired.
Tara is currently in the ICU of Medical City in Ortigas. She’s still fighting for her life. Her family and friends stand by her side through this painful ordeal. They need help. Any kind of assistance would suffice. If anyone’s reading this, please…
If you have something to spare, her family and friends have opened a bank account under the name of Anne Marie F. Santelices, BDO, SA 2140-062201. You can visit them as well at the ICU Waiting Room of Medical City, Ortigas Avenue, Pasig. Calls to let them know that they’re not alone would help as well – 09228154987, 09167243071, 09163695148.
Of course, a simple prayer asking for Tara’s and her family and friends’ deliverance and healing would also be a comfort. Especially to her friend, Joee Mejias, who was with Tara in the jeep, who suffered through the same nightmare, and maybe more as she singlehandedly brought Tara to the hospital. Pray that her spirit fights and heals in time.
Faced with these terrible consequences, I find myself questioning the optimistic counsel R left me with. Should the life of a person be taken just so you can feed yourself? Your family? Your whims? What good is there in taking – be it be money or a bag or a laptop… Or the wife of your neighbor… Or a life?
How does that help you? How does that make your existence better? How does that make your reality and your reasons right?
I do not want to relinquish my belief that people are innately good. We are all created in His image, guided by His hand and heart. But please…
Please…
Why So Serious?
Spectacular performance from Heath Ledger! Batman is only as good as his foe. And Ledger’s portrayal of Joker surely made Batman a SUPER hero. I did not find Christian Bale as a befitting actor for Batman when he first appeared in Batman Begins. But paired with Ledger, they were phenomenal!
There was no dull moment. The twists were not predictable! Like the scene where Joker was being interrogated by Gordon in a dim lit room. Gordon steps out supposedly to get coffee. Then the lights are turned on and Joker’s head was banged on the table by Batman who was standing behind him!! Great! I doubt if anyone expected Batman to be in that room! The script was good as well. I liked most the part when Joker tried to convince Batman that they were meant to be together. Joker told Batman, “You complete me.” Ledger’s delivery of that line was way better than Tom Cruise’s. Haha!
I will watch it again! Maybe tomorrow. Then I’ll buy the DVD when its out. Maybe I’ll look for a poster as well. Fanatic?! Haha!
But the movie’s really good. Hope everyone gets to watch it even once! 
Affairs of the Heart
First, the wedding. Then, … *sigh* *with hearts and stars dancing before my eyes*
My friends got married yesterday. A dream wedding come true!! The church ceremony was held at the Manila Cathedral. The reception followed in the Peninsula Manila. P and A have been together for 7 years! Grabe noh?! I get suffocated if I’m still in a relationship with the same guy for more than 6 months (average). 
The bride was so beautiful!! Her gown had that long train which dragged gracefully as she walked down the aisle. Her veil was as long as her train! And she had a tiara on. She really looked like a princess. And the groom! Haha! Talk about toads turning into princes. Hehehe. 7 years did him good. He used to be someone who did not even care to change his shirt that he played basketball in before going to class. And who liked stuffing his tongue down the tonsils of our former classmate while the rest of the class looked on in utter disgust! Hahahahaha! Now… He’s sophisticated and cultured and knows when he’s out of bounds. PLUS!! He was the one who worked so hard to give the bride the best night of her life… He organized almost everything, talked to the wedding gown designers, chose the flowers, picked the motif, listed down songs, etc. Since the bride was very busy working in the US and cannot attend to the arrangements, the groom made sure that he’d give all that he could. He loves her that much. *sigh*
But the best part of the wedding for me was when I saw HIM!! HE has been a friend for almost 9 years. He went abroad around July or August last year, and has flown back to Manila only for this wedding. He has this thing about “finding himself,” and he’s having a hard time doing that in Pinas. And so he flew away! But that’s a different story.
Anyways… I was excited to see him coz I haven’t seen him for almost a year. The excitement was more like I’m excited to see old friends and reminisce and stuff. I DID NOT expect to feel what I felt when I saw him standing near the entrance of the church. I saw the look of surprise on his face when he saw me. Then he smiled. And my heart dropped to my feet and, in a matter of seconds, soared up to the heavenly murals on the church’s ceiling.
He walked to me and extended his hand. I wasn’t quite sure if I should kiss him on the cheek or just shake his hand. I opted for the latter. But it seemed he was a bit confused as well if we should beso. He ended up holding on to my hand as we said our hi’s and hello’s and wow it’s been so long since we’ve seen each other. I did not want to let go. But I had to. AS MY DATE WAS STANDING BESIDE US!!! GOD!! *sigh*
Not-so-good parts of the night:
1. My date commented about me and my friend HIM… I forgot the exact words my date used, but the import was that me and HIM looked good together. I didn’t quite know how to react to that statement. I wanted to say, “Really? Thanks!” Haha!
2. I was not able to get HIS phone number while in Pinas. But then he’s only gonna be here til the end of July. *sad sigh* I just hope we’d get to see each other again before he leaves… *dreamy sigh*
*sigh* *with hearts and stars dancing before my eyes*
Evening of Seconds
It was my second time to meet him last night. Let’s just call him D. He was introduced to me by a friend, K, almost two years ago. But we only went out on a date last night. And I was not even aware that it was supposed to be a date. I thought we were going out as a group! Well anyway…
D chose Cibo @ Greenbelt 5. It was my second time to eat in a restaurant at GB5. (I think I should go out more… Hmm…) The view was good! One of the walls of Cibo was just clear glass. We could see the fountain on the lower grounds of GB5 and the park and the colorful facade of GB3. :)
D ordered, though K and I had to persuade him to be the one to order. Since he wasn’t sure what we’d all like, he got a salad (insalata pacifica. it was good! i love balsamic vinaigrette…) and 3 pasta dishes! Haha! We had spaghettini alla bolognese and two other dishes which I failed to get the names of. Basta one was farfalle with pesto, and the other one was penne or cannelloni with seafood and cream based sauce (TRY THIS!! Yummy!! 
)
(side note: I like my men decisive. So it was a bit of a turn off when D kept looking at K for an affirmation that his orders were good.)
Then K suddenly announced that he was supposed to meet his girl in QC. Tsk.. Tsk.. Bad tactics. Haha! :p
D and I continued our “date” in M Cafe @ GB4. We had a couple of drinks (DO NOT TRY THE MELON BALL!!! UGH! Tasted like cough syrup!), and a delightful cheesecake. This was only my second visit to M Cafe, the first was way back in 2006, for a despedida of a high school friend who was off to Harvard. The ambience was nice. And the drinks helped loosen us up some more. But D and I both did not approve of the service. The waiter was courteous enough, but he just kept forgetting what we ordered. He did not have a pen and paper with him. Hence, he had to repeat our orders thrice before leaving us alone. Granting that he was at least amiable, I’d like to think that the waiter was just new.
In toto, the evening was nice. Not fantastic. But okay enough to make me think about saying yes if he asks for a second date… If only he were a few inches taller!
H Salon @ G4
I didn’t expect that the mani-ped service in H Salon would be good.. But it was well worth the money!
It was just sheer luck that I got to know of H Salon. I don’t usually roam around Glorietta looking for a salon. But today, I really wanted to get a mani-ped. And I do not have the luxury to go to Nail Spa because I’d have to fit the mani-ped in just an hour’s worth of lunch break. So I crossed the street (I work in Ayala, in front of Glorietta 3 ) and went to Fix Bench, which is the only salon I know of in Glorietta. Fix was booked until 230PM. Buti na lang the receptionist there was kind enough to direct me to H Salon.
Since it was my first time there, I wasn’t aware that they didn’t have a pedicure-only service. Hence, I was surprised when Ms. Judy started pampering my feet. She told me that she’ll give me the full service though I asked for just a pedicure since I’d be paying the same price. Cute noh! Sya pa nanghinayang sa ibabayad ko.. Haha!
Super good service! I usually get irritated with the feel of the tools scraping my nails, especially when the cuticles are being pushed. (Girls! Never ever cut your cuticles! ) What I usually feel is the same as when a knife is scraping against a plate! Ugh! Surprisingly, Ms. Judy was skilled enough that I didn’t get the usual eeky feeling!
Come polishing time, she took out an almost-full bottle of polish from her basket. Another manicurist commented, “Isn’t that new?” Ms. Judy replied, “Yes, it is. Is there a problem?” When the other manicurist left, Ms. Judy told me, “It’s better to apply this rather than old, sticky polish. You’re paying for it anyway. Might as well get the best.”
So for anyone who’s looking for a quick fix from a stressful day, go to H Salon at Glorietta 4 (near Wendy’s) and look for Ms. Judy.
P.S. For those who wanna know the price, I paid 400php for the pedicure and 350php for the manicure. The manicure is a bit overpriced, but the pedicure is worth it!!
