April 22 2007 | Sunday | 11:59pm

"CAVITE HANGOUT"

 

    I spent my entire day at Keizel's house in Cavite. She's our newfound friend who also belongs to my volleyball circle of friends. Ate Flo and I planned this trip so that her mom could meet Ging. Tita Tina (Keizel's mom), who used to watch V-league live, has been idolizing Ging since then. And yes, we seemed to become angels in disguise when we finally brought Ging in their place.

 

    Ate Flo and I took a bus in Lawton to reach Bacoor. I supposed there might be traffic, but luckily it didn't take us long to get to SM Bacoor where Ging waited for us. When we saw each other, haha, it's as if we didn't meet last Friday. =p While waiting for Keizel, we stopped by an internet shop to check on Alvin's friendster account which has a new photo. And OMG, he's really a drop dead-handsome guy. Haha. So anyways, after that, we went to the arcades to play basketball (and I won wuhoo) and we also sang at the videoke booth. Funny thing was, the booth was so small and we were like sardines suffering from intense heat! Haha. Despite that, we really had loads of fun singing or I must say, shouting. =p

 

    When Keizel finally arrived, we rode a multi-cab to reach her place. I just felt slightly dizzy in the vehicle because it was so hot! Grabe yung init talaga. So anyways, we were welcomed by her mom who was very accommodating to us. She served lunch and after the scrumptious meal, we sang again at the videoke. Suddenly I thought, we spent money earlier in the mall whereas we could sing continuously in Keizel's house pala. Haha. Later on, we took a break in singing. We ate halo-halo outside then played badminton. Our game was extra tiring because we laughed hard as we play! As Ging would often say, "baliw-baliwan". Haha.

 

    We sang a few more songs again as the night fell. Keizel thoughtfully offered dinner to us before we leave their house. While eating, it became an opportunity for us to have a "bonding talk". Nakakatuwa lang. Whenever we talk like that, I feel much closer to them. The more I become thankful to have friends like them especially Ate Flo and Ging who have been my closest pals helping me through thick and thin moments. As I often say, "It's not everyday that we find real friends. Once they pass by, seize the moment". =)

 

    An entire day was too short for us, but we had to call the expanding night. Past 9pm when we said goodbye to Keizel and her mom. The three of us took a Lawton bus but Ging went down at Talaba. I was only with Ate Flo as we went back to Manila. Tired and sleepy, we just took a cab which brought me home.

 

    OJT day na ulit bukas. Hay. Back to work.

 

Lumubog na lahat ng ship, huwag lang ang ating friendship.

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April 21 2007 | Saturday | 11:36pm

"BIG"

 

Winsome Ateneo pair strikes

   

    The Ateneo pair of Patti Taganas and Charo Soriano kicked off its bid on a high note, crushing Philippine School of Business Administration, 21-11, yesterday at the start of the 2007 Petron Beach Volleyball Tournament second leg at Rajah Solaiman Park in Malate, Manila.

 

    "We've been partners for less than a year," said Taganas. "We haven't played officially played together. We train indoor and most of the time, our coach just tells us the strategies in beach volleyball."

 

    The Katipunan-based spikers used constant communication to overcome their unfamiliarity with each other's play.

 

    "Everything's constructive in terms of criticizing each other," said Soriano. "We don't take it personally. We have to learn from each other."

 

    Meanwhile, Aura Rosello and Stephanie Llaguno of University of Perpetual Help hammered out a 21-13 triumph over Letran's Bangladesh Pantaleon and Joy Cases in the second match.

 

    Other participating pairs are Raxellene Pilar and Joanna Basas, Melissa and Mariel Legaspi, Mary Abigai Escandor and Suzane Roces, Daffne Deborja and Apple Sebastian, Mary Anne Calleja and Ma. Jane Portia, and Diana Distajo and Jennifer Halos.

 

    The participating pairs, which were divided into two groups, will compete in round-robin format. The winning pair will get P10,000 plus trophy while the runners-up will claim P5,000 plus trophy. The top two pairs will also qualify for the grand finals which will take place in October.  Shelly C. Dimaculangan

 

(published Saturday, April 21,2007 Philippine Daily Inquirer A28 Sports section)

 

    I just feel so happy to read this first ever sports article of mine in Inquirer. Some friends texted me early in the morning, saying that they read today's paper as well.

 

    If I was happy, my mom was happier. Tsktsk. As I expected, when she knew that my article got published in PDI, she began to spread the word right away in the house and among some relatives. In a way, I felt a little shy that my mom is overweening on that petty achievement because I choose to be quiet rather than to act like a bigheaded person. I always remember what my mentors tell me, "Stay humble forever". Amen to that.

 

    It's been a lethargic Saturday. I did nothing but to catch huge sleeps. PLDT DSL has been driving me nuts since last night because up to now, the internet connections at home aren't fixed yet! Marami sana akong gustong i-check online pero napako na lang ako sa pagmo-Movie Maker at pag-o-organize ng files sa computer. Harhar. I'm missing the cyberworld.

 

    It was dinner time when we went outside to celebrate my sister's birthday (originally celebrating her natal day tomorrow). Since I'll the be out the entire day tomorrow, my mom decided that we go out today. So we ate buffet-style at Dad's Restaurant in Quezon Avenue. And whoah, I felt dizzy with the variety of foods to choose from! The buffet costs P500 per head, but definitely the price is all worth it. Nakaka-bundat kumain. I felt like I got bigger by 20 pounds at once. LOL.

 

    * The temperature is damn hot! How I wish I'm in Alaska. Haha.

 

Never let the water enter your head and get big. It causes hydrocephalus.

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April 20 2007 | Friday | 11:30pm

"UNDER TIME PRESSURE"

 

    Journalists live by the minute. Time is so precious that they always catch for it.

 

    It has been a very tiring day. Earlier, I covered Petron Beach Volleyball at Baywalk. Despite the blistering sun, I was in the venue ahead of time. Well, as said, it's better to be early than late.

 

    I arrived in Malate past 2pm. The makeshift sand court in Rajah Solaiman Park was still empty. I just observed around, searching for possible authorities to interview. Later on, I decided to walk away from the venue first to rove the streets of Malate and look for an internet cafe to type my story later on. It really took me a while to find one, but thank heavens there was. Nakaka-negrang maglakad, tanghaling-tapat pa naman.

 

    When I came back to the venue, Madam Tisha Abundo, the tournament organizer, was already there. I thought she was a snob (from her mestiza look), but when I introduced myself as an Inquirer reporter, she smiled back and said that she was glad because somebody from PDI covered the event. So I interviewed her, as well as other notable people involved in the event. It was a nice feeling to talk with people. I even felt happier when I got to meet co-media men who are from different newspaper companies like Malaya and Manila Standard. I may be the youngest reporter but I never let myself be left out from the senior reporters present. In fact, the guy from Malaya requested a share of some details from me because he came late. Hehe.

 

    Even if I was there as a reporter, my attitude as an avid spectator of beach volleyball was never gone. I enjoyed watching especially that I know the players. Some of them are my friends and in a way, my friendship with them has become an easier way to get scoops for my story. Like for instance, when I interviewed Patti and Charo (from ADMU), I didn't have a hard time anymore to get a word from them. Props to my addictive involvement in volleyball world, it has been helping me a lot in my OJT.

 

    The games started late (because of the ceremonial toss), and consequently, I only covered two games. I could have covered three. So anyways, after the 2nd match, I hurriedly went to the internet cafe to type my story. My deadline was at 6pm and I was only given short time to wrap up everything I gathered (including the taped interviews). At first, I was really feeling oh-so pressured. Well, I got used to feature writing with less or no pressure at all in submission. So yun. Nakaraos din naman. Hehe. Thank God I made it on time. After sending the email to my editor, I just leaned on my chair, sighed and said, "Whew! I'm done!".

 

**********

 

    I told myself that I deserve a night out with friends after that coverage. Dahil wala talaga akong kapaguran (haha), nag-lakwatsa pa ko kinagabihan =p Ate Flo met with me at Baywalk and we went together at UST to surprise Ging. She didn't know that we were coming. Her boyfriend even teamed with us in the surprise by giving a bouquet of flowers (so sweet! <3). Funny talaga. Haha.

 

    As we arrived, Ging was just stunned to see us. Haha talaga. She kept on saying, "Mga sinungaling! Sabi niyo busy kayo!" After their training, we ate at P. Noval along with Ging, Che, Lilet and her friends. So yun, kuwentuhan at tawanan nanaman. I kinda missed that already since I was quite busy in my OJT for a couple of days.

 

    Ate Flo stayed over the night at my house. Unfortunately, Ging was told by Kuya Ding to go home in Makati. Sayang. Sasama sana siya sa bahay. We could have talked more. Perhaps we'll just continue our bonding moments on Sunday when we visit Kzel in Cavite. Hehe. Nilulubos ko na ang day offs ko. =p

 

   

Whenever you are stressed and about to give up, just remember: STRESSED is just DESSERTS spelled backwards. Piece of cake isn't it?.

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April 19 2007 | Thursday | 12:00am

"IT'S A CHOICE"

 

    I was so pissed off on my way to PDI. Perfect timing that I was in a hurry, the LRT malfunctioned. The train was idle at UN Avenue Station and I thought it would be fixed by then. I chose to stay. So I waited and stood for around 15 minutes. In the end, the train announcer said that they were sorry because the repair might take some time. Grr. It was an infuriating moment that I had a wrong choice.

 

    It was my first time to experience to went down at UN Avenue. I knew that I had to find an alternative transportation right away since it was already 2pm (and my time in must be at 3pm). Despite intense heat, I was left with no choice but to ride the jeep. I overheard the driver who was madly talking about the consequence when LRTs malfunction -- that many people suffer in traffic via jeep or FX and they go late to their respective destinations. Oh well, what to expect, we're living in the Philippines. It's been a normal scenario to experience such defects in the system.

 

    So I arrived at PDI office 15 minutes late. I already caught Sir Ted on his chair, busy and typing something on his computer. I sat beside him as he asked what were the things I did yesterday under Sir Francis. Later on, our conversation shifted to our personal lives. He asked where do I live and the like. I found out that he's also from Lipa, Batangas and with enthusiasm, I listened to his petty stories as regards to Batangueño life. Generally speaking, he's not the stereotype editor whom you would fear much. As a matter of fact, he possesses such fatherly-like image to me. Perhaps I have to punch Sir Francis the next time I see him for joking me that Sir Ted peels off women. Moral lesson: "Don't believe in hearsays especially when you can sense out that it's a real-time joke". Haha.

 

    I just stayed in the newsroom for around three hours only. Sir Ted dismissed me early since I was already given my first field assignment! And yes, it really gave me huge excitement. Tomorrow I'll cover the Petron Beach Volleyball at Rajah Solaiman Park. I feel so flattered that Sir Ted allowed me to cover an event without a trainer. It's an implication that he trusts on my capabilities and that I need not to have a companion anymore. He even aided me with some beach volleyball articles to serve as my background data.

 

    By the way, before leaving the newsroom, I met Sir Roy who had just arrived from US. He's the reporter who covered Pacman's fight. It was my first time to meet him. Nevertheless, I feel so at eased as I spoke with him. He even gave me a huge chocolate bar from his trip. Nakakatuwa yung mga kuwento niya. Sabi ko tuloy sa sarili ko, "Balang-araw ipapadala din ako sa ibang bansa para mag-cover ng sports news". Hayyy. Fingers crossed.

 

    While waiting for the 7pm-seminar, I met with Ate Flo who was timely at Makati as well. We ate together at KFC. As usual, whenever Ate Flo and I meet, it won't be complete without laughing on all sorts of things. Haha. Inakala ko tuloy na kapag mag-o-OJT na ko, mawawalan na ko ng panahon para tumawa. Hindi naman pala. Happiness would always be a choice. I waived goodbye to Ate Flo with a smile on my face.

 

    I went back to PDI office before 7pm. I met familiar batch mates and classmates at the lobby who were also attending the seminar meant for all interns who will cover the 2007 elections. While waiting, we chit chatted on our respective OJTs. Nakakatuwa naman. Halos lahat talaga kami natututo sa trabaho namin. =)

 

    NUJP conducted the seminar/workshop. As an icebreaker, we had a Game Knb-type of game wherein questions were asked to test our general knowledge on elections. I was able to answer some questions but too bad I didn't win and get the free NUJP shirt. Haha (pinagtulungan ako nina Paulo hmmf =p). The game was followed by a group activity where we tackled matters regarding election media coverages. I must say that I learned a lot from the senior reporters who shared their views and experiences on the given topic per group. I learned further when a representative from each group reported on what they talked about. From there, the speaker highlighted some notes which led to her discussion. The lecture may be quite sleepy but indeed it was informational.

 

    The seminar ended past 10pm already. As I reached home, much that I wanted to be on my bed sleeping, I had to read the beach volleyball articles and formulate my questions for the interview. Hay.

 

    Nakaka-ngarag. But journalism will always be my choice. It's never an option. =)

 

Never let someone be your priority while allowing yourself just to be their option.

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April 18 2007 |Wednesday | 11:24pm

"ZOMBIES IN THE NEWSROOM"

 

    My first afternoon of work wasn't that toxic. In a way, I was thankful because my first-day-jitter fears had simply swept away. However, I also got disappointed because there was less challenge on my part. I was stuck in the newsroom and toiled nothing but pains on my butt.

 

    I arrived 15 minutes ahead of schedule. Of course, I wouldn't want to be late on my first afternoon. To start with, I went to the HR department to submit my waiver. Ma'am Neyla clearly reminded us that once we start working, we must hand them the waivers. Mattix (from Kalayaan College), a co-intern, was with me as I went up. He's a newfound friend whom I met last night at  the OJT Orientation. Afterward, I went straight to newsroom and there I met Kuya Miko who was quite busy at the Day Desk. But he still managed to accommodate me. Since there was nobody in the sports section yet, I just stayed at the Day Desk and got a few lessons from him.

 

    Along with Mattix and a guy batch mate, Sir Miko demonstrated us on how to use Terra, PDI's computer software for news layout. The software also serves as a storage for news stories, sent from different sources such as from wire news and beat reports. We caught Sir Miko meeting his 3:30pm-deadline to pass the first list of news summaries for the story conference. As I noticed, it wasn't an easy job at all. If only Sir Miko had eight hands, he could have wished for it. Tsk. He typed on his PC, he read text messages from field reporters, and he answered nonstop calls. Even though he wasn't my trainer, I helped him na rin by answering the calls. I was just a bit shocked when the first caller was Sir Yambot (PDI's publisher). Haha. Later on I told myself that perhaps I must get used already to people with huge names because indeed they will be part of my OJT life.

 

    Later on, Sir Francis had finally arrived. So I transferred to the sports section (which is 5 steps away from Day Desk only haha) and I was given my own computer. So yun, he demonstrated further on Terra. He taught me how to get sports news and images from wire agencies (AP, AFP and Reuters). Then he also showed the skeleton of PDI's sports pages (which is commonly composed of five pages, A21-24 and A16 for late sports). I was expecting that he would allow me to at least layout a page or two, but I guess it will take more days for me to experience it. =/ My only task was to read the wire news and judge which were news worthy.

 

    Since the news stories were around 20+, it took me hours of reading talaga! My eyes began to get sluggish and my back started to pain. I was about to ask for a break time so that I could eat, but without words of mouth yet, free food came into the scene! Wuhoo. If yesterday was pizza, today's free food was palabok! =p "Maraming kainan sa newsroom" (Sir Miko, 2007). Haha. Indeed it's true.

 

    Going back to work, I was still reading news stories. This time, I read the ones picked already for publishing. The task was quite boring. It was a mere proofreading only. I can't help but stare at the PC of Sir Francis who was layouting the pages. Nawawala lang yung antok ko kapag nagka-crack ng jokes si Sir Francis. All through, I least felt that he's superior than me. I mean, he's so approachable and he's just like a classmate or friend to me. In fact, I requested to be out by 9pm (instead of 11pm) because I'm having a hard time going home late and yes, he freely allowed me to do so. Basta, ang bait niya talaga. =) At ang cute pa ng boses. Wahaha!!!

 

    By the way, comedian Manny Pooh-quiao dropped by the PDI newsroom a while ago. Papunta pa lang siya, natawa na ko! Paano kasi, narinig ko kay Ate Kat (siya yung kumausap kay Pooh sa phone) na nawawala daw siya kasi di niya makita yung PDI office. Haha. Tapos ang tagal pa niyang nakaakyat sa newsroom. Biru-biruan na baka pinagkamalang masamang-loob ng guwardiya. Haha! As Pooh arrived, the room was filled with laughter. Some people took photos with him. Sir Francis even joked me that I must took a shot with Pooh. I answered back saying, "Bakit kaya hindi ikaw noh? Tapos lagay mo sa friendster!" Haha. Tawanan talaga kami. Ang kulit.

 

    Tomorrow, I will be under Sir Ted (the sports editor) because Sir Francis will have his day off. Funnily, Sir Francis was trying to scare me saying that Sir Ted peels off women and he is a terror type of trainer unlike him. Ewan ko ba kung maniniwala ako kay Sir Francis, puro joke time na kasi siya nung pahuli na. Haha. But I wish myself some luck for the second day. I hope to learn a lot and make sense.

 

Smile. Who knows, that smile might complete somebody's poignant day.

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April 17 2007 | Tuesday | 11:28pm

"SA PDI SPORTS AKO WAAH! ^-^"

 

    Today marks the beginning of my life at Philippine Daily Inquirer. Honestly, it's a mixture of excitement and anxiety. Well, I'm excited because it will be my first time to experience real-time journalism practice. Nevertheless, there's a feeling of discomfort on what's in store for me.

 

    So awhile ago, I reported at PDI office to attend the OJT orientation. It was Sir Chito and Sir Miko who accommodated us all throughout. They were so funny. They carried the flow of orientation in such a way that I didn't get bored at all. Inakala ko kasing magiging boring talaga. And yes, I really learned a lot from them. Basically, they gave us a briefing on the possible experiences that we may encounter in field. Furthermore, they assigned the beats already (per intern). They told us that they will rotate the tasks on every intern. Well, the OJT in PDI is composed of field and desk work. Field work means that you go out and you cover the news. Desk work is more of learning the acts inside the newsroom.

 

    Initially, I was assigned to the Day Desk. It's a term for general beat. For the other trainees, they were allocated to the Metro section. As to my surprise, Sir Miko told us that there's a slot available for PDI Sports! Of course, I didn't let pass of the chance and right away, I raised my hand to tell that I want to be assigned in sports. Waah, I'm happy that I will be trained under sports section! It has been my long-time dream to be attached with PDI sports. I've proven myself that indeed, some dreams do come true. Haha.

 

    After the orientation, Sir Chito and Sir Miko accompanied us upstairs to tour us the newsroom and to meet our individual trainers. At grabe talaga, OA sa reaksyon pero na-starstruck talaga ko sa trainer ko. It's Francis Ochoa!!! @,@ As an avid reader of PDI sports, who would not recognize the name di ba? Waah talaga. Nahihiya pa kong nakipag-shake hands sa kanya. Then he asked which school I'm from. When Sir Miko said, "from UST", I was so happy to see that he reacted with a smile on his face. Perhaps it's because we share the same blood (he's an alumnus of UST) and I feel like it's easy to get along with him. Since then, I've been wishing to be under a kind and understanding trainer. Afterward, Sir Miko also introduced me to Sir Ted (Teddyvic Melendres), PDI sport's editor-in-chief. It was really a smacking moment. Haha. If you would check my friendster account, Sir Ted is in the list of those people I really want to meet in person. What an experience. =)

 

    Around 10pm when they called the night. Before leaving, they reminded me that I must report tomorrow at 3pm. Okay na rin at hindi maaga. Haha. So anyways, I reached home quite tired. From PDI to our house, the trip was utterly distant. So I guess this is the onset of workaholic sleepless nights again. Hay.

 

    But I'm pressing the "go" button. This is it. I'm ready.

 

There's no impossible dream until you wake up in reality with efforts of making your dreams come true.

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March 24 2007 | Saturday | 11:33pm

"COLD WRITING"

 

    It was a month-long cold treatment with my blog. Well, I've been very busy tossing my time doing school requirements, making petty businesses and bonding with friends. Apparently, with so many things happening in my life, I failed to absorb them. Honestly, this is the only time that I would have a moment for myself. Tsktsk.

 

Junior Year is Over

    I hardly felt that school officially ended. Perhaps it was because the piles of school works killed me until the end. During the last day of regular classes (which was last Wednesday), our Art Appreciation final exam really turned me down. As I expected, the exam was so difficult, in such manner that even though I had notes in front of my desk, my test paper remained blank for a long time.

 

    I'm so worried about my second semester performance. At this early moment, I can sense that I might get bad grades especially in Political Dynamics, Literature and Art Appreciation. Hay. I feel bad that my efforts aren't enough to excel in studies for the sake of my scholarship. Slowly, I'm trying to convince myself that I have to wave goodbye already to that PDI perk. Anyway I'm feeling that I really don't deserve it because I'm such a faulty student. Tsk.

 

    Despite all, I'm still thankful for the whole semester. I knew that those sleepless nights of researching for thesis, managing the sports section of our newspaper project, and preparing Powerpoints for every report would indeed make me strong. Some subjects may be evaluated as "walang kwenta", but it left me with good lessons on how to adjust to them.

 

    And so I kiss goodbye to my junior year. I'm looking forward to my senior and final year in UST. I bet it's going to be another chapter of jack-in-the-box thrills.

 

It's All About Making Money

    Earning cash is stiff nowadays. As an impulsive money spender (haha, and yes I admit it), I knew that I have to make money to sustain my "luho sa buhay".

 

    My involvement to the volleyball world has been paying me a lot. Unexpectedly, I've been earning money by selling DVDs of the UAAP Women's Volleyball Finals! Haha. It so happened that I partnered with Tonti (I met her via PEx forum) who took an effort to burn copies of the game. My job goes as the seller and marketer. I get a percentage from every P250 purchase. Well, the commission is enough to compensate my efforts in meet-ups and PR's with the buyers.

 

    Speaking of buyers, aside from earning money, I also earn new friends because of this petty business. For the past weeks, I've been meeting different faces and I love the experience of getting to know many people. Knowing myself, I am fond of sharing my self to others. Just like what happened last Thursday, when Ate Flo and I met three UST supporters who bought DVD from me, I felt like being a bridge between and among fans. At the same time, I introduced them to Ging who was with us. I saw in them that they were happy to meet UST's team captain. Come to think of it, they used to see her on TV before, but the day came that they finally met her in person. I'm happy to bring smiles through simple ways.

 

Frenchipz

    The world has hugely turned 360 degrees as regards to my circle of friends. For the past weeks, I've been spending most of my vacant time with Ate Flo and Ging. As I can remember, it all began when Alvin came to Ging's life. We would often hang out to talk about their sweet and cuddly relationship. Haha. But beyond Ging's love story, deep friendship has bloomed from the three of us. Believe it or not, we've just separated a while ago. We were together for three straight days! We went to the comedy bar, watched DVD, and stayed awake until dawn at my place. It was a total bonding that went beyond our expectations.

 

    Props to our bonding moments, Ging and I had finally closed the issue between us about her fans from San Pablo. For the first time, she told her side and I said mine as well. I also heard side stories which I never heard before. From Ging's story, I discovered that Ate Rox became my heroic redeemer during crunch time. She defended me despite opposition by Ate Chelle (who sided the other camp). Ate Rox did talk to Ging as a way of expressing my side. Grabe talaga. And now, I have the guts to treat Ate Rox coldly only because she failed to get the thing I was supposed to give to her! Waah. Guiltiness. Ging even mentioned that Ate Chelle and Ate Rox had a conflict since Ate Rox was siding me and Ate Chelle was siding the fans from San Pablo.

 

    Honestly, I almost cried when we were at Dencio's. I didn't expect that such issue would be that huge, especially to Ging. I thought it was just nothing to her. I was really embarrassed to my big pride when she told me that she almost went back to Davao because she couldn't stand the feeling of having enemies in Manila. >,< Hay.

 

    I believe that those were all products of misinterpretation. At least right now, what's important is that she knows that I'm a real person and I never did wrong. It was her fans who did something terrible. Tsk. But I really want to end it all. I have no hard feelings anymore to those fans who had misjudged me. Anway Ging and I are in good terms already. In fact I'm thankful that we've become close friends. My vacation days has become extra special because of unplanned escapades. Haha. I hope that we continue as friends even if we may encounter another 360-degree happening in our lives. Hehe.

   

 

People come and go. Some will stay to accompany you. Others will leave and let you go. In the end, you'll distinguish who's real and who's pretending to be real.

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February 27 2007 |Monday | *12:37am

"THE MATCH-MAKER"

 

    Minsan, makukuntento ka na lang na masaya ka para sa kanila.  Sa huli, matututunan mo na ring maging masaya dahil alam mong naging masaya sila dahil sa iyo.

 

    I was idle in writing entries for the past weeks. It's not that I didn't want to write what happened to me anymore but rather, perhaps I was still absorbing the incidences which took me time to comprehend how everything went. But yes, finally, here it is. I'm ready to open my side.

 

(Some readers might not understand this story, my forgiveness. I limit this entry to close friends who know the whole issue)

 

QUICK FLASHBACK

    Last week, my life was with volleyball again. I watched UAAP Volleyball Finals. Aside from the assignment (for our broadsheet in Layout & Copyreading) to write an article about it, I made myself present too as a pure supporter. UST women's team entered the finals. Upon their entry in the finals, I just thought of taking part in organizing a massive support for the team. I never thought that it would be so much fun. I met many people, especially elder ones who are alumni of UST. I went to adventurous trips like in Divisoria and at Joey's place with Ate Flo. And when the game finally came, the school spirit was very much felt. The yellow balloons which we prepared were distributed during the game, some of my friends made banners, and of course, we cheered UST chants with all pride and enjoyment. Pretty much, our efforts were paid off because UST became champions! Everything worked out for them. We all witnessed UST's kiss for its 14th UAAP WVT title. I will miss those days. What a fantastic moment.

 

AFTER THE GAMES

    I must admit that during those days when UST was competing, I slightly got attached to @@@@ (a UST player which I prefer to keep her name secured) again. Quite a shock isn't it? Who would have thought that the person whom I formerly considered as my enemy, would suddenly turn into a good sheep? Our closeness went further when an odd incident happened. It was a toss of being happy for a friend and letting go of another friend.

 

    And my telenovela-like story begins here.

 

    @@@@ has many fans, supporters, and friends. Actually, I got used to it. Knowing @@@@ since I was a freshie, her name is attached with popularity. Whenever we would hang out in campus, I wouldn't be shock anymore when there are people smiling at her, greeting her, or even requesting for her photo. People admire her for being a great player -- that's given. But when somebody attempts to win her heart, that's a deeper thing. I got involved in a match-making scenario when I introduced @@@@ to a guy which has been her admirer since V-league days (beat that)! A time came when I already want to get out of the scene so that they can be on their own, but I failed to do so. I didn't expect to be so much affected between ***** (the guy which I prefer to keep his name secured too) and @@@@'s relationship.

 

    ***** is a sweet guy. When I found out that he likes @@@@, I just thought of helping him to be close to @@@@'s heart.  I became his real-time bridge -- forwarding letters, giving chocolates, passing text messages and the like. At first, it was nothing to me. In fact, I enjoyed it because I spent more time talking and laughing out loud with @@@@. My friendship with @@@@ became better because of *****. Hindi kasi kami ganun ka-close noon. Remember the past issue between me and @@@@? Ngayon, madalas na pag-usapan namin ni @@@@ ay si ***** So anyways, aside from bonding with @@@@, I just got delighted for being a match-maker. I'm happy for others when they're happy. Ganun naman yun eh. But I never expected such point in time when I got saddened and regretful about the whole match-making.

 

    I don't know how ***** got my number. He was the first one to text me. Dumating na lang yung isang araw na nagtext siya. It seems that he knows a lot about me, even my class schedule. We kept on texting each other as we got to know even more. Finally, beans got spilt and I realized that he has crush on @@@@. I granted his wish: I told @@@@ about him and asked @@@@ if they could be textmates. Si @@@@ pa nga naunang mag-text sa kanya eh, kasi nagpasalamat si @@@@ sa chocolate na binigay niya matapos ang championship. As days passed, I noticed that ***** rarely text messages me already. Mas madalas na silang magka-text ni @@@@. Ewan ko ba, parang nainis ako. Nagte-text lang si ***** para mag-kwento ng pinag-usapan nila ni @@@@. In fairness to his stories, they were indeed sweet and thoughtful. This may be wrong but I reached to a point when I wished that ***** would say the same thing to me! =( Maski ako natatawa sa sarili ko. Pero yun ang totoo. I got attached to ***** in a wrong way. In the first place, ako naman kasi ang nagpakilala sa kanilang dalawa. Nang mapansin kong nagkaka-igihan na sila, parang ako yung nainis. Tapos sa huli ako yung magsisisi kung bakit ko sila pinakilala sa isa't isa? Perhaps I have to blame the inventor of cellular phone because it was through this gadget that they got linked together. Hahaha. *Kidding*

 

REVELATIONS

    A while ago, I was with @@@@ for almost the whole day. Since I was doing nothing during Spanish class, @@@@ and I decided to hang out at Jolibee instead. So okay, kuwentuhan tungkol kay *****. Medyo okay na rin sa akin ang lahat. Later that night, I met with @@@@ again since she planned to meet with *****. I went to McDo car park. Wala pa si *****. She was with two friends instead who are from the swimming team. So anyways, after eating, tumambay kami sa field para hintayin si *****. Naghintay talaga kami hanggang 10:30pm pero napanis kaming apat (ako, si @@@@, team mate ni @@@@ at yung isang taga-swimming). Naubusan na kami ng pagku-kuwentuhan at pagta-tawanan, hindi na talaga sumipot si *****.

 

    Na-badtrip si @@@@. Ewan ko ba, nagulat din ako sa sobrang reaksyon niya. She reacted too much for the reason that ***** didn't show up.  Suddenly, I realized that she must be liking or falling for ***** already! In fairness to *****, any girl might fall for him talaga. @@@@ was even calling ***** for the whole time but the guy wasn't answering his cell phone already. Napaisip ako, parang baligtad na mundo dahil babae na tumatawag sa lalaki. Hehe. Loka-loka rin kasi si @@@@, di ko alam kung trip niya lang talagang ubusin ang baterya ng cell phone ni ***** o gusto niya talagang makausap.

 

    Finally, I risked to press the "button". I asked @@@@ whether she likes ***** already, but her reply was vague. Even so, I feel like she already likes ***** na. Ayaw niya lang bigkasin nang diretso. Naalala ko nang sabihin niya, "Hindi naman ako magiging ganito kung hindi talaga ko interesado di ba" WAAH! <3 Kaka-durog lang ng puso. Pero hindi ako galit kay @@@@. Promise. Ako naman ang gumawa ng sarili kong ikaka-durog eh. Tsktsk. Kina-karma na siguro ako ngayon.

 

    This entry is dedicated to my friends who had listened to my crazy stories since morning.

 

    To @@@@, mabigat ang kasalanan ko sa iyo at hindi ko alam kung masasabi ko!

    To *****, zzz thanks to my creative imagination, you've gone a long way. But this marks the end of it.

   

    I have too many sins to confess. I must begin listing it. Harhar. X.X

 

   

Karma: What goes around, comes around. What goes up, must go down!

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