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!

The Only Thing Between Us

The last romantic novel I read was the True Believer by Nicholas Sparks and that was last Q3 2005. I didn't even think it was almost a year ago until my seatmate Eileen sent me this PDF file.

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The Only Thing Between Us

Some major items are as follows.
(1)They are childhood friends. In high school, they didnt know how valuable one is to the other until Guy chooses to have a partner. Girl finds tricks to make Guy jealous. Still, they end up with each other.
(2)Relationship blossoms up to their college days. They have not faced a greater problem until Girl's parents sent her to another country to continue her studies. Girl took it negatively, eventually ignoring her studies and focussing more on their relationship. Guy took it positively, eventually continuing his activities and then looking forward to their daily communication via net and phone.

(3)Guy decides that breaking up with her will straighten up Girl's attitude. He tells her it's because of another girl. It is hard for both but they continued on with their good lives even after graduation. Guy sends letters but Girl doesn't read nor answer. Guy decides to pay her a visit, first time since they have separated. Guy catches another man in Girl's apartment and assumes something else.

(4)This novel is 5 chapters SHORT. Sigh.

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Although you can say that this is your typical love story, it's the author's writing skills that will move you, pierce your heart and remind you of your first love. There are parts that make you think otherwise. I actually fell on them. Those were nice twists indeed. The drama content may not be as heavy as Nicholas Sparks' but they are enough to really squish your heart. I have not read the entire part but I will immediately once it is released commercially. I'll give this novel three stars out of five. For more details and for the actual copy, please see the author's website. http://www.geocities.com/pamelasantos_online/

X-Men 3 Times 2

I haven't seen the second installment but I have watched the first several times. The latter was through a VCD I own. Haha, I bought it back when VCDs were P250 per title. Then came May 24, it was time for X-Men 3, The Last Stand. I was hesistant to watch it. I might not be able to understand the story due to continuity problems. But my officemates convinced me otherwise.

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The movie was great. The seats we took were at the center. The Holy Kettle Korn was the right balance of sugar and salt. During the gap, just when we planned to see the first part (since we were about 20 minutes late), one officemate has brought out her digicam and aimed at the rest of us who were already in a pose. Timing was indeed perfect! The lady guard caught us and immediately asked if we were to watch the movie again (if so, then she has to get the camera for the meantime). Our officemate didn't want to so she quickly blurted out that we leave. Sigh. Some of us, who eagerly wanted to see the first part, were disappointed. Anyway, we learned our lessons. One, do not invite someone who has a camera. Two, if you can't then make sure that person won't show the camera inside the moviehouse. Three, if you still can't then make sure that that person will leave the moviehouse alone so that you can watch the movie again. Four, if you still can't then just go to an eat-all-you-can dinner. Peace Karen!

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One more reason why I was hesitant to come with my officemates is that I already promised my bestfriend that I would watch it with her. Eventually, I gave in to the double damage. It was double the fun anyway. :)

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My bestfriend and I were supposed to meet in Megamall. Plans were changed and we met in Gateway. It was almost 8 pm, the lines were not tolerable and all the seats were almost taken. So we decided to watch it in Megamall. Walking from Gateway to the MRT Cubao Station, we saw how it was raining very hard. When we got off the Ortigas Station, we knew it would be a challenge to walk towards the Powerbooks Entrance. And I say, it was TRULY a challenge. Even when armed with an umbrella, our socks, lower part of pants, and the back parts of our shirts were soaking wet. We headed straight to the moviehouse. We were early and so there was still time to freshen up. Without any hanky or extra shirt, I was freezing. Good thing I remembered my childhood days when newspapers were used beneath the shirts to absorb the sweat. I placed my documents beneath my shirt. What a relief! As for my feet, I removed my socks and watched the entire movie (including the trailers before it) barefoot.

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Indeed, after two screenings, my whole X-Men 3 experience was double the fun!!!

The Old Man, The Sea, The Shuttle and The Trains

Waiting for the fx shuttle going to makati takes 30 minutes, 1 minute tops. Waiting for the mrt going to cubao takes 10 minutes, 2 minutes tops. Waiting for the lrt going to santolan takes 9 minutes, 1 minute tops. Last year, all these valuable minutes were wasted by shifting my weight from left to right foot. Then I thought of bringing my old archie comics. Finally, that idle time has become idle time no more.

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After the comics, I brought The Old Man And The Sea. We already read this in high school but since I didnt remember the end part plus I just borrowed the copy, I bought my own. Although this is a short story, I have folded several pages. It has been my habit to fold the upper corner of the paper when I come across a quoteable phrase or sentence. Here are some of those.

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Every day is a new day. It is better to be lucky. But I would rather be exact. Then when luck comes you are ready. (32)
...because he knew that if you said a good thing it might not happen. (43)
No one should be alone in their old age, he thought. But it is unavoidable. (48)
There is no sense in being anything but practical... (59)
Now is no time to think of what you do not have. Think of what you can do with what there is. (110)
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Ernest Hemingway was awarded the Pulitzer Prize for this short story. Why? I'm not quite sure. Perhaps, it's because of the way he described the littlest detail of the weather, every sea creature that came near the Old Man's boat, and the relationship between the Old Man Santiago and the young boy Manolin. Moreover, it could also be the way he narrated every step of the "battle" between the Marlin and the Old Man. Haha, I thought it would never end. Talk about waiting 84 days to catch a fish and then waiting another 4 days (I cant remember. I just know it's more than 2 days but less than a week.) to finally kill the huge (2 feet longer than the boad) marlin that already got the bait.

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Weeks of May has The Old Man and The Sea. For June, it is The Secret Garden. :)

Hugely Unpopular But Right

Back in highschool, we discussed a short story whose moral I never forget. Doing what is called an Honorable Dishonor. I still rememeber when young Doogie Howser said the wrong answer in a quiz show so that the older smart contestant will win. In the movie Scent of a Woman, when in a school trial, Charlie (Chris O'Donnell) refused to name his classmates who he knew poured paint on the head master's jaguar, an act of vandalism. Moreover, he stood by his decision even when told he's not worthy to be part of the institution and that his future will be jeopardized.

So much for the examples. Anyway, I truly believe in this. You don't need to do something just to be recognized or have that sense of belongingness. You don't need people to recognize every nice thing you do. You simply do what you think is right. No reward or bribe should motivate you more than the mere thought of the fulfillment and satisfaction you get when you do it. Not only your mind but also your heart agrees on this. It makes you happy and you get that Natural High.

Our boss had this talk last Friday. The title I used for this post is the catch phrase. Our boss said, "Have you ever done something hugely unpopular but you feel is right?" So, have you?

I'm one of them.

I used to admire those people who pour their thoughts online. Thanks to my dear friend Rachelle, now, I'm one of them. Visit her blog as well. http://www.hikain.blogspot.com/

Why funny freckles? It's from my friendster profile. These are the two words, taken separately, I used to describe myself. Actually, it's funny and freckleD. More details in the next posts. ;)