Life Threatening

I was at the back-center seat of the car when I saw the explosion. I did not know that the car, the fourth car in front of us and the one I was staring directly at, was to explode the next second. We were in a car pool going to basement parking of Megamall Building B. On my right, my friend, Edward, was ready to open the door and run. On my left, my younger brother, Sean, was silent and actually frightened. My friends, Bongster and Grace, in front were thinking of the next best thing to get us out of the area.

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What we saw and heard were enough to drive several things in our minds. Will the fire spread and hit us? Will it be too late to get out? Will the handy fire extinguisher be not enough? Will the crowd not cooperate and clear the way out? Will the five of us be the last persons we will ever see?

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It was just an ordinary day but no one knew it was going to happen. Fortunately, it was not our time yet, not anyone's time in fact. No one was hurt. However, it left us vigilant. I learned one thing about cars and it is one of those things a person already knows but does not value enough until that time when he/she needs it badly. Good maintenance is a relatively cheap prevention of overheating vehicles and eventually untoward incidents.

Badminton and Fever

Last March 11 marked the first intra-office badminton competition I have ever witnessed live. That Saturday was intense! The entire Ultimate Impact Court was filled with energy. Players used the most appropriate racket movement and footwork they knew to earn a point, to defend their area, to endure the game, and to surpass their records.

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We cheered for our team in every game of our players in the specific bandminton court near us and this was regardless of the score. We were there to give our total support. Most of us, non-palyers, cleared our schedules just to be present in that event. Instead of enjoying the sleep we needed after an overnight stay in the office on the previous Friday, Cecille and I were there by the sidelines, enjoying the competition.

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Last June 17 marked the first inter-office badminton competition I have ever witnessed live. That Saturday was doubly intense! The entire The Zone was filled with action. Players used their speed, agility, stamina, and wits to improve themselves, to complement their partners, and to outshine their counterparts.

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We cheered for our company in every game of our officemates in the specific badminton court near us and this was regardless if they knew us personally. We were there to provide more support than the other company. Most of us, non-players, made time to attend that event. Instead of going straight to the mall and celebrating the end of the first week of Grade 6 classes, my younger brother and I were there by the bleachers, treasuring every sporty moment.

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Aside from the growing passion I have for badminton, coincidentally, there was one more thing I had during those two events. Fever! The first was at the peak. By afternoon, I found it hard moving and breathing. If not for my teammates who assisted me, I would not be able to get down from the second top bench where I was sitting. As for the second, it was developing. That morning I had second thoughts of leaving for the competition (and the mall as well) since I could not get up from my bed. If not for the additional minutes of lying, I would not be able to get enough energy to move at all.

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In both dates, I can say that I did enjoy the Badminton Fever! Til the next competition.

Young Adult Book Lovers

The June Powerbook's Sale had gathered us, my officemates and me, heading straight to the Greenbelt branch right after our corresponding 8-hour time. It was nice to know that people, who were strangers before, became buddies in the name of books (young adult section particularly).

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Everyone went to his/her favorite author's subsection. I for Meg Cabot's and Lemony Snicket's. Joanne for Nancy Drew's. Kei for Jonathan Stroud's. Albert for J.K. Rowling's. Glen for Charmian Hussey's. Much banter took place. Discussions were about previous book collections, personal book reviews, movies which are based from books and soon to be released, relationship between creative book covers or quality pages and interest of reader, pros and cons of ebooks, and high school literature subject requirements.

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The whole time we were in that section, we felt like children, eager to learn stories about fantasy, adventure, mystery and love. Work-related topics had no space in our talks. We were busy exchanging opinions and searching for the best book our enthusiasm wanted and our budget could support. It was a time to make the most of the Sale and our Passion for books.

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We left knowing that there will surely be a next time. We even thought of forming our club and electing our set of officers. It then boiled down to just simply wait for the company's SIG (special interest group) updates. That would be a better avenue for meeting new friends (increasing network size), exploring new books (borrowing hard to find or hard to purchase books) and sharing views (debating which is better). We knew it would be worth the wait. Otherwise, we could just meet in Powerbooks or any specialty book store, Sale or not Sale.

Bowling + Beerkada = Bowlkada

Received this announcement from my Aristocart Yahoo Groups and I immediately got interested. Bowling is one sport that I can participate in. Beerkada is one local publication I collect. Putting them together is excitement raised to the second power.

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Having read only the first page of the forum, I did not know what to expect but a relaxing game. That is, no pressure at all. I invited my bowling teammates (company Sportsfest March - April 2006) for I assumed they, like me, haven't played since the Sportsfest. However, only Edward agreed to join.

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Come June 10, I gathered my four Beerkada books and went straight to Megamall. Edward and I saw the participants as well as Lyndon Gregorio, the author, via their printed Beerkada shirts. After gaining enough courage, we approached them and received the instructions to proceed.

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Edward and I plus JR and Ces were placed in one team. Our early throws were ok. Some got spares. Im quite satisfied with my game until I got only 1 pin in my fourth or fifth frame (can't remember exactly). My personal aim is to have no less than 6 pins in a frame. I thought I won't be able to come back. Fortunately, I did, simply by recalling the basics, my usual throw steps and the fact that it should be a relaxing game.

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On the eighth frame, I got a spare. Then a strike. Then a strike. Then a spare. Wow! It looked familiar. Last Sportsfest bowling finals (game 2), I had, from the eigth frame, a strike, a strike, a spare and a strike. That was my career high then, final score was 128. Before the sportsfest, my average is 105. I only had more than 120 twice, those were 122 and 126. You can say that I was really happy during that finals.

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When our Bowlkada game was over, the four of us were cheering. Our team was the highest. Then Edward casually said, my final score was 140. It took two seconds before it actually registered. 140! This is my new career high!

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Since there were other participants who just started, our team opted for a second game. All three of my teammates got way higher scores than their first. As for me, I got 129! Who cares? I was still happy. That was still above my previous (128) highest. This brought me to thinking that I can actually get even better.

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I was surprised when Lei, the second significant person (first was the author), told me that I would receive a Beerkada shirt (from Spoofs Ltd). Aside from the unbeatable happiness I got from the games (scores and new friends), I earned my very first Beerkada shirt. I told Lei, I would wear it on the next working day (and I did!). There was more. I had my latest book signed by Lyndon Gregorio. Triple treat indeed!!!

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That was my fun-filled Saturday. Before the event, I finished my planned chores at home. After the event, we went shopping. Let me rephrase my statement. That was one happy and productive Saturday!

Elevator Mishaps

I have a number of hilarious and serious encounters with the elevators. Below are those that top the charts.

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Enterprise Building Elevators. We were going to Sony Office to meet our client. We had enough time so we simply strolled towards the nearest elevator which serves the floor of Sony. This was already a cautious move and an application of a lesson learned from a past experience. Lesson Number 0: Make sure the elevator's range includes the floor you are going to. The door opened and to our surprise, the welcome wall indicated another company. We checked with the security guard and he said, Sony was in the other tower. Ok, so we went down and headed to the correct elevator. Lesson Number 1: Make sure the elevator's range includes the floor of the RIGHT TOWER you are going to.

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Atrium Hotel Elevators. Upon parking at the basement, we went straight to the elevator to check in at the 15th floor. I'm not sure if it's 15th but it's definitely not just the ground floor. The way up was shakey. After some levels, an old thin woman, an employee perhaps, entered. The elevator moved such that it hit the four surrounding walls. We thought it's because the elevator was rusty, shabby, worn out or not well-maintained. The woman answered yes when we asked her if it was normal, which then confirmed what we thought. The door opened and we saw alarmed people on their feet. The hanging plants were swaying. We felt the movement. The shaking was not because of the elevator. It was an earthquake. We waited until it was over. Without any hesitation, we decided to leave and go home. Lesson Number 2: Do not take the elevator (when you are panicking) during an earthquake.

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Centerpoint Building Elevators. When you are working in an office, 18 floors above the ground, you will likely be mad if you arrived in the lobby that morning and the elevators were down. Good thing the other elevators serving 2nd to 10th floors are working, thus, your rage is less than half. I was already soiled so early that morning and the following mornings since it took more than 2 days to make them operational. Lesson Number 3: Try the stairs for your total hips-legs-feet workout.

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As I come face to face with elevators, I am now more equipped to take these situations. :)

Caliraya Adventure

June 3 and 4 marked several FIRSTs in my life.

It was my FIRST out-of-town team building in GXS. So this is what big teams do. Go some place and bring out the other non-work-related side of your personality. Some played the guitar while some sang several foreign and local hit songs during the bus ride. Some were wacky, telling jokes and commenting on every blooper that just happened. Some were athletic in the land and pool activities. Some are just laughing and enjoying every moment.

It was my FIRST three-time buffet meal (lunch, dinner and breakfast). I knew what balance meal means but haven't TRULY experienced it then. Every Go, Glow and Grow food was on the table. Every dish up to the dessert was delicious and healthy. I like the vegetables the most. Finally, some break from canned goods and convenience-store edibles.

It was my FIRST mud slide. Held by the embarassing situation from the Biolink commercial, I did not want to try it at all. The laughter and excitement made me change my mind. Though I did not slide on my own, I joined the others and went sliding down that hill. I shouted almost the entire length but had to shut up just before the splash of mud entered my mouth. It was a nice save. Haha, I heard it did not taste good. Of course, it did not and does not always. Aside from the running water supplied by Kuya, the rain and the diluted laundry soap powder contributed a lot in the thrill. So, I had to try it several more times. :)

It was my FIRST earthball competition. I actually got hit and felt like a toy with a sinkable head. It was huge and heavy, I felt the pressure on my neck. Moreover, the muddy ground added to the challenge. Before you could even touch the ball and throw it to the other side of the court in defense, you have slipped and landed on your back. What a way to exercise upper and lower extremities!

It was my FIRST canoe experience. I'm no outdoor person. I'm no good at any ground activities (wheels or skates), moreso, with water activities. I do not even know how to swim. This canoeing was actually a test. I had to keep my balance. I had to aim at a specific destination, move the paddle, and maneuver the canoe. All these in coordination with the other rower (two rowers in a four-person canoe). Except for the sun adding new freckles on my face (I noticed two new freckles on my left eye bag.), this experience was wonderful.

For the entire time, every objective was met. To have fun. To bond. To have no idle time. What a way to build the team! Thanks to Jaja, the major inspiration of our activity committee. Superb work, committee! It was really a great adventure!