Marooned.

I was out for coffee with a friend that morning when torrential rains swarmed Metro Manila. We shared hypotheses of a potential twister, or snow in Makati, only to find out that on our way home streets turned into pools of water.

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All day, I had nothing to do, but listen carefully to stories of how deep the water is in my usual route to work from those who feel marooned like me.

 

Oh well…

Lessons From Work

There are many reasons that lead a person to quit a job. But for someone who is determined to be stable at work and be there for the long run,   the weapon, I think, that would take me there is character that’s in tact.

Passion. I’ve always been the type who’s passionate about work. It feels good to get a job done and well sans the frustration when things go in shambles. Moreover, nothing can be more satisfying when you begin to influence others’ work perspectives… the right way, and see something you love so much prosper. It’s a plus if you get to motivate them.

Initiative. In connection to being passionate, one needs to have initiative. I reckon it’s just logical to think that with passion comes initiative. When you are given a task, try to make sure that all rears are covered. If you think you can do more, seek opportunities subtly. With the current job that I have, when I see an opportunity to be responsible for  a task, I take it and try to drive action from others as well (if need be).

Team player. With work, hardly anything could be done single-handed.  As far as I understand it, both independence and co-dependency are at play. When I was with a magazine, I was the perfectionist. As the chief, I left no room for late submissions, bad reasoning, and unacceptable English because on a bigger scale, I thought, any late and badly written article would mean extending press work and delaying the release. Every individual in the team should be a contribution. And to do that, it would take personal will to make sure that a task is done well and on time! Everyone should be accountable to each other for a team can only achieve success through teamwork.

Integrity. There really are instances when you’re character is challenged to do something against your will, especially when you are desperate. Rationalizing the act won’t do you well. Keep your integrity in tact! Bad can never be the definition of good no matter how well you twist it. Think about the repercussions of your acts before even doing it because it could cause you the job that feeds you. Consistency is associated with this characteristic. Don’t be a hypocrite.

Interest. No job is easy. For you to keep learning, interest must be developed on a daily basis. There’s always something new to learn everyday, and so is there something new to appreciate daily. We should not grow dull toward a job we love. This is part of our life, and it is fantastic.

Engage

Today, honesty is a single line of dialogue. Concise. Sincere. And unrevised.

Do we need to disguise ourselves to get closer?

GET CLOSER.

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Hey, hey! What’s the best place to go to in Cebu?

If you any idea in mind, shoot me an e-mail. I’d love to read suggestions. 🙂

A Look Back in 2011

2011 was a good year. I earned a degree in Communication Arts from a good university, got a job, reunited with very important people, found myself a place in busy Manila, and… gained weight. Let me share to you my year last year.

JANUARY:

My year started off as a celebration of reunited relationships. I was in Manila where I met my awesome relatives from my mother’s side – Tito Lito, Tita Merci, Kuya Michael, Ate Barbie, and Bea – and my best friends – Bruce and Sandi. These were people I have not seen for years. And because of these people, I learned how to play scrabble that month, and got better on how to commute in Manila. In addition, I started this blog to document my musings and wanderings.

FEBRUARY:

Back to school, and the start of my gaining weight. I was drenched in thesis. I thought, ate, and breathed thesis. I immersed myself in a community of Moro Women who try to redefine what it is to be a “Moro” every day. I had earplugs daily, transcribing discussions and analyzing how they made sense of their environment. And when the month ended, I… well… I humiliated myself by singing in public for MOCSTRA.

After MOCSTRA

MARCH:

I don’t recall much about March, except for countless hang’s with Mhea, Ged, Harvey, Shimea, Leo, Rica, Archie, Dora, Maejoy, and Duchess because this month marked the end of thesis and we splurged on food and karaoke. But apart from that, this month was witness to tsunami in Japan, which caused worldwide alarm.

APRIL:

Glorious Graduation. I finally finished college, and I breathed a sigh of relief. After receiving an offer to work in Manila, I flew north a few weeks after the commencement exercises. I had a small shoot for graduating, and I arrived in Manila shortly after. I was welcomed by my papa’s relatives whom I stayed with for seven months! And to cap the month, I met up with Tita Neneng and Ate Kleng who came all the way from Texas for a Reyes reunion.

MAY:

I was part of the growing pool of bums. This was the month I set out for the jungle. I was job hunting, almost desperate to be part of the elusive employed world. And yes, I ditched my early offers to work for a bank and teach just because I thought it was not the right… avenue for me (yet). And so I searched and searched, and my blog posts have become fewer. At the latter part of the month, the Osorio’s arrived and it was such a fun family reunion with my sister, brother and sister in law, and my nephew. We went to Intramuros and dined… a lot.

JUNE:

Finally, I landed myself a job! There was much to learn, and I have to get used to getting up and meeting with traffic on a daily basis. The first weeks were stressful but it taught me endurance and patience. June was also the month when the 9089 Project started.

We went to ABS for the heck of it

Meeting Akiko

JULY:

The all-steady month. I had no other thing to do but work. I was used to just reporting for class 4 days a week because of UP, but with work, I have to report 5 days a week. As if it’s a biggie. LOL! Anyway, July marked the first meal I have ever cooked: Filipino Spaghetti. This month was the month I promised to learn how to cook, and I did (sort of).

AUGUST:

August, August, August… Aside from work and trying to cook, August was an interesting month because of Showtime! We had to dance… you know, all that shiz. I also met with up Duchess and Bataan whom I’ve never seen in months in SM Megamall with Archie.

SEPTEMBER:

September was a reunion with my mentor, Prof. Jeni Eligio. She was my teacher for debate, writing, ethics, and many more. She’s really helped me a lot when it comes to the academe, and I’ve valued all her lessons. As of this writing, I don’t recall anything significant happening in September. I apologize.

OCTOBER:

October was a reunion with my college friends, Jordan, Archie, and Maxine. We dined at Nasi Lemak and had dessert at Jack’s Loft.  This was also the month when I was itching to move out of my relatives’ home because I wanted to be independent. It was my house-searching month.

NOVEMBER:

A month later, I found myself a new home! Aside from getting hired and graduating this year, finding a space to call “my own” is one of my big achievements. I just realized, I’ve done so much this year and I’m excited to do more in 2012! I hope it’s as eventful as 2011. 🙂 At the of the month, there was another surprise. I got regularized as an employee. Woohoo!

DECEMBER:

And here comes my favorite month of the year because I see the Philippines at its most festive mood. This is the month where people splurge! But for me, it’s not the spending that marked this month interesting. This is the month where I was reunited with my mother… after almost 2 years! Although my birthday this year was too different from my past ones (because I spent it sleeping most of the time), the reunion with my mother was  a great consolation. And because of her, I was able to go back home after 7 or 8 months! Ahhh, December good times.

How about you?

What made your year interesting and what are you most thankful about? I had a contest a few months back about that question and I have chosen two winners. Here are there answers:

Watermelon Princess:

February 25 2011 was the day i decided to really know someone in the most unconventional way… facebook. i was afraid, i got a bit scared and i doubted my feelings but at the same time, i felt happy, glad and loved inexplicably.

Nine months ago i took a chance on a relationship. i feel that up to this day it was one of the best decisions i have made for myself this year. it was the perfection our God has blessed my life with. i met someone who was affectionate, loving, understanding, everything i prayed for and more.

right now, i’m just saying thank u… and i want to let people know. i want to say thank u to a moment in 2011 when a man reminded me of what im capable of feeling, and what i was capable of giving back.

Nine months later, i have not regretted i loved a man by the name of Oscar. true enough, there must be something between two people, even if it’s an ocean apart. there must be something when you end up having conversations where you just feel like running around and dancing and pulling everything out of your cabinet and tell the person “this is all of me, know me, love me.” there must be something when you meet someone who will say he’s willing to be the first and your last. there must be something when even if a mistake is committed you’re willing to overlook it because both of u believe that love keeps no records of wrong… there must be something when both of you believed in taking a chance because both of you know that it’s the start of a life together.

=)

Love Ninja:

Long distance relationships.
Such an unconventional way to stay together, yet far apart. In February 2011 my life changed for the better. in short, i met a girl. online. we shared our stories, made each other laugh. shared what has been happening in our days. we became really good friends. The times we spent online (around 5-6 hours a day) fuelled a growing feeling deep in my heart which was soon going to become love.

Is it love? or just infatuation? all of the above happened in the space of 2-3 days. i’m a 22 year old who’s never been in a relationship before. I was not desperate to be in one. but i said to myself. “I do not want to lose this girl”. She lived in adelaide at the time, and i’m in Brisbane. I know it seems silly to fall in love with someone online, but it felt so real. eventually, i asked her if she would be my girlfriend.

The plan was for her to come to Brisbane to visit me. so we can meet and just be with each other. But she had to go back to Philippines because of urgent matters. Honestly, we almost broke up a few times. saying “this wouldn’t work. the distance is too great”. We decided to stay together and against all odds, we’re still together after nine months. We haven’t met properly yet. but we Skype and call each other when we can. we’re far apart in the physical, but honestly our love feels like its getting stronger and stronger. I’m happy to announce our ninth monthsary which happened on friday.

I’m thankful for someone who i can share everything with. and i thank God that he gave us the ability to love, despite the distance and obstacles. it’s been nine long months. we can’t wait to finally be together. it’s going to be worth the wait. I’m thankful that we stayed together this long. because you know, no matter what obstacle comes your way. love is worth fighting for.

– Love Ninja

PS: If you’re reading this babe, i love you so much. 
PSS: that was to my girlfriend. not you sergei 

Don’t worry guys, your prices are on their way. I’ll stay in touch thru e-mail! 🙂 Thank you very much Alysa and Oscar.

Have a fruitful year to everyone!!!

Thank you!

Dear Friends,

I had to let you know again that I so appreciate the greetings and wishes from you the other day. It’s awesome… that I have built solid friendships with amazing people over the past years, and I’m very thankful that you’ve taken the time to know me and to understand my ways. For the next years to come, I hope the camaraderie would only get stronger. Merry Christmas and have a blessed year ahead! 🙂

 

// Off to General Santos tomorrow! It’ll be a busy weekend! See you next year, readers!!! Enjoy the holidays. 🙂

Teatro Ambahanon

Thanks to Alysa, one of my readers who forwarded a link of Teatro Ambahanon’s performance to me. I had no idea they reached the noontime show, Showtime.

I’ve heard of their shows in General Santos, but I’m very unfortunate that I have not seen them perform live. But man was I awed by this performance. I thought I should share as well. Click on the link!

Teatro Ambahanon

From 05:53-08:01.

(Sorry about the video quality)

Good job, guys!

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Also, I would like to congratulate the folks of UP Mindanao for the successful Deviance Day, which of course is led by Dugong ANTRO. I’ve heard a lot participated. And LOL! This is the first photo I saw for Deviance Day…

In lieu of Thanksgiving

Let this post be in lieu of the recently celebrated Thanksgiving Day by the people in the West. The blog is almost a year old, and there are people to thank.

I am surprised to have maintained a blog for this long. My stamina has improved if not for the blogs I have read and the bloggers I have met.

Much thanks must be given to my readers who have dealt with the excruciating task of reading me. I say task because it would some times entail you to keep an open mind to consider an opinion.

Primarily, the blog was for food. I realized such great potential ‘scouring’ through lanes of food at the supermarket and trying out food in the locale. Thanks… I have gained weight!

To the restaurants I have been to, your food/ place/ service have been awesome I don’t mind giving them at least a 1 out of 5 rating.

To supermarkets I have raided, I applaud you for introducing food and brands to the Filipinos… Despite fake Tim Tam’s and many more!

I utter words of thanks as well to my college publication, Himati, for being an avenue for me to write.

A few more posts before 2011 comes to a close, and I would like to take this opportunity I endowed myself to thank those who have been part of the posts in sergeiwrites. Please don’t make me mention your names, God knows how many you are.

Lastly, I would like to extend my question to you.

Simple question, simple answer:  What are you most thankful for in 2011? You may include a photo for added points. Cut-off is on the 31st of December.

I need your name, mailing address, and contact number. So shoot all these details as a comment or e-mail: sergeiserj@gmail.com (especially for photos).

Whoever answers the best shall get the goodies by January. The next post on this blog will be in December, so I should prepare for that. 😉

The Story of the Thirty and Twenty Seven

Two years ago was the darkest time for the media. Two years ago, fifty seven died. Two years ago, justice was not served… up until today.

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Remember the hole.

And the pens that fell from the hands of people whose families were made incomplete, whose bodies were left mangled further crushed by vehicles not more than six feet under, and whose stories were not known because of political interests. They are the thirty, who died last November 23, 2009, whose names we shall keep on remembering until we dig our own pits.

It all happened in Shariff Aguak, Maguindanao during pre-election period when every man who aspired to be the greatest was filing his certificate of candidacy. Esmael Mangudadatu, then vice-mayor of Buluan, was one of those men. He believed he would be successful if he used women and journalists to protect his bid and to make sure it was filed peacefully. Unfortunately, he was wrong as every person in that eight-vehicle convoy received fatal blows; his wife included, despite forewarning him via phone call about the private army of Datu Unsay Mayor Andal Ampatuan, Jr. stopping them on their way.

This was what happened: They were told to swallow the certificates of candidacy that they brought and at ten in the morning, bullets punctured the skin of those thirty and twenty seven more. Witnesses added that it happened fast. They say gun fires were part of the sounds of everyday life, and it was enough to maintain the silence. The people who live in the shanty located near the place of carnage heard the shots whilst farming, but it did not matter to them. Numbed by the sound, I supposed?

And there they were. By the cliffside were the fifty seven men and women who were left dead in vehicles, on the ground, and under the ground. Mangudadatu thought that they were immune from violence, but they all bled on the earth. Not a single life spared.

Thirty men and women from the media were murdered that Monday, the most number of deaths in the history of journalism.

Some were shot. Others were left with their zippers open; some women had their vaginas poked by a twig. Some bodies were bloated. Others’ faces were smashed. Some had to be dug out from a pit. And the others were either lying in the car or on the ground. Newspapers covered their visages; the same publications some of them worked for.

We used to feel safe when journalists were around. A safer world compared to having armed men deceiving to protect you. They guarded what was truth to most of us, and they assured that the worst will not ever occur. But November 23 marked that journalists were not as powerful as most of us thought they were. Like ordinary citizens, they are easy targets of government-purchased firearms and a backhoe.

“And how did the former government respond to this?” you might ask.

By eight in the evening that same day, the president without her caged shoes called for the military and the police, through AFP acting Defense Secretary Norberto Gonzales and Local Government Secretary Ronaldo Puno, to pursue the people behind the manslaughter.

The next day, the little queen placed Sultan Kudarat and Cotabato City under the State of Emergency; and more pits were excavated.

November 26, at the Pink and Peach Capitol, Presidential Adviser Jesus Dureza arrived with two helicopters to fetch Andal Ampatuan, Jr. who was said to have turned himself in. He was sent to the Tuna Capital for questioning, and then later sent to Manila to be detained at the National Bureau of Investigation. His charges? Seven counts of multiple murder.

 

On the 29th, Police Regional Office- 12 reported that there were rebels deployed in Maguindanao, allegedly consolidated by the Ampatuans. This ignited fear in the south.

December first, the Department of Justice charges Andal Ampatuan, Jr. with 25 counts of murder. Two days later, Versoza announces in a press conference that search warrants for the houses of Ampatuan, Jr., Ampatuan Sr., and Akman Ampatuan were issued by Francis Palmones, Regional Trial Court Judge in Kidapawan City.

More evidences came out pointing to the involvement of the Ampatuans (and the government’s). Finally on December 5, 2009, Martial Law was proclaimed in Maguindanao. And as if that was not enough, we live today without justice served to the fifty seven, who died; thirty of whom were from the media.

The government wished that Andal Ampatuan, Jr. be treated fairly; however, what about the people found dead in Sitio Masalay in Shariff Aguak? There was nothing fair about detaching these people from their families through death. There was nothing fair about those bloated bodies that resembled overripe watermelons that droves of flies devoured.  There was nothing fair about leaving this incident as it is, as if it never happened, as if the lives that were lost were stones you just cast in a lake. Call it retributive justice, but forgiveness is earned. You ask for it.

It is weird when you wake up with the sun one day, but you realize that it’s cold. You want to know why, but the answers do not show up even after the sun has decayed. They say we just have to be vigilant and keep remembering. But at some point you ask yourself, what is the value of remembering the story of the thirty and the twenty seven men and women? The answers we want do not show up so we just… remember them.

These are the names: Benjie Adolfo, Rubello Bataluna, Jhoy Duhay and Ronnie Perante of the Gold Star Daily; Arturo Betia, John Caniban, Noel Decina, Rey Merisco and Fernando Razon of Periodico Ini; Mark Gilbert Arriola, Eugene Dohillo and Victor Nuñez of UNTV; Romeo Jimmy Cabillo and Reynaldo Momay of the Midland Review; Bienvenido Legarte, Jr. and Joel Parcon of Prontiera News; Marites Cablitas and Rosell Morales of News Focus; Marife Montaño and Gina Dela Cruz of Saksi News; Napoleon Salysay of the Mindanao Gazette; Lindo Lupogan of the Mindanao Daily Gazette; Henry Araneta of DZRH; Santos Gatchalian of DXGO; Hannibal Cachuela of Punto News; Ernesto Maravilla ofBombo Radyo; Alejandro Reblando of the Manila Bulletin; Lea Dalmacio of Socsargen News; Ian Subang of Socsargen Today; and Andres Teodoro of the Central Mindanao Inquirer.

“Those who are dead are not dead; they’re just living in my head.” – 42, Coldplay

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First published in HIMATI.

Video courtesy of HIMATI.

Photos from Move.PH and Ms Patricia Evangelista.

First Commemoration of the Maguindanao Massacre in UP Mindanao could be viewed on this link: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gQvg-pcBiJs&feature=list_related&playnext=1&list=SP8C439CB21B0F6AB0

First Week Discoveries

The first week of staying in the new place was (prepare for the overused adjective) AMAZING.

I enjoyed shopping for the things I needed, e.g. shower curtain, plate, glass and utensils, a broom, et cetera. I got so into it I spent the entire morning last Tuesday to buy everything, I thought, I needed.

I discovered that when buying stuff for the home, it is important that you know where to go. You might want to check where you can find the best home accessories at the most affordable price first. Most of the basic stuff you will need can be found at a supermarket. But for other furnishings and accessories, you might want to visit shops that specialize in making them or you might want to visit vintage/ thrift shops. Makati and Cubao might be good places to start. I shall scout for more places soon.

There’s more to buy, trust me. I don’t even have a wall clock yet! So I might go on shopping again until I feel that the new place is close to feeling like home.

Anyway, the place is amazing bar none. I say so because I am just 30 minutes to an hour away from work; and this is one of the factors one has to consider when moving. I used to go two hours before my shift starts when I was at North, therefore, I had to shell out more for fare and not to mention the stress I have to go through because of EDSA traffic. But thankfully, traffic is not much of a problem in Pasig considering the distance from the metropolis. This means I get to sleep more!

Furthermore, I get to satisfy my craving for carbs easily because Pan de Manila, my new favorite bakeshop, is close by. I get freshly baked bread daily. Pandesal for only 3.50 to 6.00 pesos, that’s warm, soft, and tasty; in addition to the other pastries they make. More of Pan de Manila on the blog, soon!

Moreover, I get to have delectable slices of cake in the condo courtesy of Bonus Cibus Cafe. I had Oreo Cheese Cake last Wednesday, and it made me happy for a while until I got a sore throat.

Also, their Sansrival Cake and Tapsilog are worth trying. You get your money’s worth. 😉 Cheese cakes are priced at 85, Sansrival at 70, and Tapsilog for 65. Gobble up all these goodies with water for free!

The best thing I thought I got from the condo was the awesome view of the sky. At night, I would just open my window and stargaze until I fall asleep.

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Read on posts about Pan de Manila and Bonus Cibus Cafe here in sergeiwrites soon!

Currently feeling rusty about blogging. Themed posts beginning next week! I might start a contest, but we’ll see. 😉

Finally moved!

Yeah, I guess I’m growing up. In line with graduating uni, leaving home, and getting a job, is finally moving to a place of my own.

I think this is perfect time to play this as background music, c/0 my music tumblr: http://the9089project.tumblr.com/post/12379915928/fragile-dustin-ohalloran

I love the idea that I’m slowly moving on to adult life. I’m starting to know more about life, and getting in touch with it more than before. (I honestly felt like a bystander who would just watch everything pass by.) But now, it’s different. I find myself participating more in life.

Today was one of the most tiring yet stellar experiences I’ve had. From North to Ortigas to Pasig to Rizal to Marikina and back! Archie’s car has survived what is to be called Day One of my ‘condo’ life.

It’s been a dream of mine to get my own place and after… 5 months of being employed? I got myself a place where I can have more of me. LOL! Admittedly, I didn’t do it on my own. My mother still had to help me out, but this is with assurance I have to pay her off. HAHA.

Well, to cut the drama, here’s a few photos of my space:

“Things which matter most must never be at the mercy of things which matter least.”

I just realized that sometimes, you do not how much you have until you pack them.

Special thanks to Archie and Maxine for helping me move in, and for helping me carry my stuff to the new space.

Friends, our weekend jogs shall take place here. I’ll message the address if you want to visit the loner. 😛