Metamorphosis

I may live along Katipunan and can visit Ateneo anytime I want, yet it’s a different feeling as an alumna than as a student. When I’m in Ateneo, it’s either I visit teachers, read books at the lib, or hang out at the cov courts during weekends. I’ve left Katipunan to be closer to my job, staying in condos and apartments along Mandaluyong, Makati, and Pasig, but like a prodigal daughter, I came back to my second home… Katipunan…because its where Ateneo is…

10. Studying Alone or in Groups before Exams…
I can safely say that I am a combination of an organized student and a whiz at cramming. People I barely know would sometimes photocopy my notes and join in study groups at the caf esp for Accounting and Finance exams which were departmental. My block mates and I would practice solving endlessly for Chem exams and help each other out with assignments. Sometimes I catch myself thinking that I need to browse through my notes for chem or accounting. So for brilliant and brave MAC students like me (ahem), chemistry sa umaga, accounting sa gabi

9. Chem Lab…
Laboratory sessions are stressful, you have to prepare a prelab, ensure accurate data are gathered, and prepare a post lab. With amazing block mates and friends, they become funny, exciting, and a learning experience. How can I forget my “lab” triangle with Macyl and Alex where Macyl and I would tease and joke around as Alex and the rest of the class just laughed along? Someone’s hair would get burned, the water would leak, the hood was not turned on and we’d go dizzy with the fishy pungent smell of ammonia. Ah the exciting world of chemistry. The world would be a much better place if we just all make “lab”

8. My Tambayans…
Writing down just about anything on the blackboard at the 3rd floor of Schmitt (Chem) Bldg – from birthday greetings to our class family tree. It was definitely our turf. Then hanging out at Cov Courts during IAC cheering for my guy friends and playing some basketball for PE. I could never forget when halfway through the game, a guy approached me to take away my “job” as statistician because “I might not know anything about basketball”…Argh! Just because I’m a girl, does not make me an idiot in basketball. I know the fundamentals of basketball (of course I wish I can do a wrap around, behind the back and cross over but oh well), the stats involved, and yes I’m pretty good with numbers so back off buster! Of course, I only said its okay and that I know what I was doing. Otherwise, my guy friends won’t trust me with the task. And my fave place of all, the Rizal Library. I love the musty scent of books, how I know where everything is (even until now), thank you OPAC, and reading mags and newspapers. From researching to personal preference, the library is a significant part of my student life.

7. MACA, Orgs and Activities…
As a freshman, I signed up with more orgs than I can handle and ended up not knowing which GA to attend. As a sophomore, I took a backseat to focus on academics and by the time I was a junior and senior, I knew which orgs to prioritize. Meeting new people and learning from them was exciting and doing volunteer work for NAMFREL, RegCom, and the Placement Office was priceless. As a senior, we zeroed in on laying a platform for MACA which I’m so proud to say, finally got accredited last year. Congrats guys! I hope you sustain it because we gave our blood, sweat and tears just to lay the foundation for it. I remembered cutting all my classes (had unlimited cuts) during SOM Week so that Tania and I can make the sensational “How much do I love my org” board game which was so ground breaking, the SOM Week organizers asked us that they could not include the game in the standings since all the orgs would just focus on playing it. Ahem well only a genius can look for gaps on an otherwise iron curtain..and the corp tours, Fun Run, SOM night, and just hanging out with MAC and Chem students was just fun.

6. Basketball/Blue Eagles…
During our freshmen year, we were asked at the dorm orientation, what our fave color was. I said, Blue because of the Blue Eagles which received a round of applause. I was surprised that no freshman mentioned it at that time. Then my friends and I camped at the Cov Courts for an all nighter just to get tickets for the UAAP. I was not really a die hard Blue Eagle fan at that time, though I loved my school, I had a crush on the guy from the other school hehe…In 2002, we won the UAAP championship and I loved the fireworks and the company of friends. Second sem of 2002, my block mates and I took basketball as our PE (the entire MAC block, boys and girls) because there was a conflict with our schedule. This was not a problem to me since I actually planned to take basketball as a PE subject. We played with different blocks and girls from Mirriam. That was so fun! I remembered laughing when at one time one of my block mates took a shot at their own ring. (Note: The purpose of basketball is to defend your hoop and score as many points on your opponent’s hoop). We also played basketball for SOM Week which was so cool!

5. Cervini Boys…
I stayed in Eliazo during 1st sem of 1st year. I already had a lot of friends from high school who also went to Ateneo and stayed at the dorm and most of them were boys so by law of transitivity, their roommates became my friends as well. I remembered waiting for Chris, Vars, Mark E, Mark A, Karl, Dan, Arn, Sed, and Jobe (hope I did not miss out anyone) to eat at “Kahit saan at kahit ano”. I would get punches and bear hugs as their way of greeting, thanks guys! We would usually end up eating at Jollibee and stay at the 2nd floor for so loooong and throw tissue at each other and just have fun. We would watch movies on weekends and hear Sunday masses. They would tease me mercilessly on my current crush, or just any guy (for no reason at all), my Sunday dress which they would label as my prom dresses and my headband which they would call my snow white look. They would call me yaya since I was their mother hen, and was too small to be mommy. We would joke and laugh and reflect and just hang out. We would discourse about philosophy and the boys would go all competitive about who was smarter, who won this particular contest, blah blah and I was the referee or “uncaptivated” audience. I’m just happy that up to this day we are still able to hang out. Miss you guys!

4. teaMAC…
Our group name because in MAC we’re a team and teaMAC sounds like t-mac so it was catchy. Lin, Eric, Cats, Anna, and Joan. My block mates and dearest friends. We worked on LS papers and presentations. Hung out together, studied, learned, sang videokes and dedicated them to boys who inspired or broke our hearts (whichever was applicable). We grew together and learned from each other, gave each other space so we could grow independently and yet provided the familial support each one needed. The sleepless nights we spent talking about our fave topic – boys. The girls bantering with Eric. Eric giving me the news that Manu was married (ouch!) and discussing NBA with him. The telebabad with Lin and Cats on just about anything, burning the phone lines leading to expensive phone bills. Hanging out, laughing, and pouring our hearts out with Anna and Joan, my former roommates. They would tease me that I came to Manila to be closer to my crush (no really it was for the education) and after 8 years, I finally had the courage to talk to him and said the most magical pick up line ever: “Excuse me”. I know I’m super super torpe and so nothing ever came out of it. Of course, this also includes all my other block mates who I spent a lot of time with. Tania, Cess, Joey and Aleli for Filipino and Law proj were we got lost looking for SEC (not Phil Stock Exchange), SJ, Erika, Beia, and Sheila for our telenovela proj, hanging out with Paula, Jeejay, Vince, Alex, and Ann at the caf, having loads of laughter with Jofel, Brian, Macyl, Yan, Mariel, Will, Ays, and Gameng. I wish we could spend as much time now as we used to. I love you friends

3. Teachers and Life Mentors…
I adored and had the highest respect for my teachers. They were like my second parents who encouraged me to learn, challenged me, and brought out the best in me. I guess I’m sort of the teacher’s pet, not because I suck up to them but because I genuinely liked them. How can I not love Fr. Ferriols who challenged me to recognize meron and heed its call? Or BobbyGuev’s witty yet reflective immersions that widened my perception of the world? Mommy V’s terrorizing tactics at the classroom but uber motherly behind the façade? Doc Guidote, Sir Dy, and Sir Gilbert Yu making me realize the daily applications of chemistry, with notes of firing the coals to become gems? And Mr. Server motivating, teaching and showing me what leadership truly is? Among others, my teachers are my life mentors who continue to play a significant role in my life even after graduation. Mommy V let’s hang out when you come back from the US, maybe for Christmas or Valentine’s again

2. Enjoying Classes…
Mama always told me that as a student, my responsibility was to study and learn (read: get high grades as well, if possible). I took this to heart and did my best as a student. I was never grade conscious I knew that if I gave it my best shot, my teachers would give me the grade that I deserve. I took classes that mentally stimulated me (Chem, Acc, Finance, Math, POM, Stat), classes that challenged the kind of person and Christian that I truly am (Philo, Theo), and classes that were stress free and I just sat back, relaxed, learned, and enjoyed (Com111, Family Class, LS130). I knew that learning is not just limited in the 4 corners of the classroom or in a book so I also immersed myself in teaching kids Science, English, and Math, being a tutor, and being a library assistant. Truly learning is best when you’re enjoying it.

1. Moving from Self Absorption to Self Donation…
…magis…lux in domino…holistic formation…ad majorem dei gloriam…coming down from the hill…what I am most proud of as an Atenean is that we are responding to Jesus’ call for transformation…we are asked to help and take part in nation building because we are blessed with so much that it becomes imperative to share our blessings as well. When your heart overflows with love, you can’t help but find another channel so that it continues to give life. I used to think it was all about me being successful, but my Ateneo education has taught me that there is something greater beyond myself. I am amazed at how some people have causes that they fight for. So I wanted to use my God-given talents to pursue something I’m passionate about that will enable me to give back and now I am very happy that I have found my calling – teaching.

I don’t really love Math, but Math loves me…taken from the shirt I won years back at AMS (Ateneo Mathematical Society) with then president Rica Paras ( my high school and college schoolmate), now PBB housemate, Go Rica!

1 My ONE True Love – the love of my life – God

2 SECOND to God, I love my family the most. My super mama, my sweet papa and my lovable boinkie

3 My THREE passions in life: reading a good book, writing my thoughts, watching/playing basketball. My guilty pleasure before as a student was playing/watching basketball when I know I should be studying..wink**

4 The fabulously fantastic 4Fs in my life…my Faith, Family, Friends, and Finances

5 # of varying species we’ve had as pets: cat, catfish, duck, turkey, and my favorites, the dogs (Bambi, Jordan, Lebron/Bronie). I remembered Kelly (Boinkie/my bro) at age five, almost murdering Bambi’s puppies because he was trying to give them a bath by putting them inside a pail. As a child, taking a bath beside a big pail which contained the catfish as the fishpond was being cleaned. I couldn’t eat ducks and catfish on our fiesta because they were pets. Chasing after the turkeys calling them “Tacol, Tacol” and not caring for the cat at all. I hate cats but it would be exciting to have a lion, tiger, leopard, panther or cheetah for a pet Oh and falling in love with Bronie, our German Shepherd, the first time I saw him. I was uber afraid at first because even as a baby he was already big. But when he made “lambing” and looked at me with puppy dog eyes, I knew it was going to be tough taking care of him, but he was going to be worth it. Now, only Kelly can outmuscle him esp when he wants a walk. I loved Bambi and Jordan and Bronie helped us get over their deaths. Having a pet is wonderful, they’re sweet and faithful and they just love you back. It also develops responsibility because a life depends on you to care for them. It’s scary too, because they are a financial and emotional investment. It’s heart breaking when you lose them (esp my dogs

6 I started working with the company 06/06/06. It has been an exciting, thrilling roller coaster ride since then.

7 # of surviving Barbie Dolls I have from over 20 I had since I was a little girl (I still am a little girl I still play with them and wash their clothes when I’m home and no, I don’t intend to give them away. They’re mine I love my Barbie dolls!

8 A very special number. I was born 8th of April, Kelly was born 8th of July. Kobe and CB used #8 as their jersey numbers.

9 9 Fave Romance Authors who inspire me, make me laugh, cry, fall in love, and believe in love and happily ever after (if you really put in the effort that is). I started reading novels at age 10 and by 14 M’YZ told me “you are so young and already a cynic.” Now, I’m a jaded romantic and we know who to blame it on Susan Elizabeth Philips, Julie Garwood, Judith McNaught, Jude Deveraux, Julia Quinn, Lisa Kleypas, Kathleen Woodiwiss, Kat Martin, and Catherine Coulter.

10 At age 10, I started living away from home because of school and still do. But no one is closer in my heart, who inspire me the most, than my family.

11 # of sports I played, jack er jane of all trades, master/mistress of none basketball, volleyball, badminton, swimming, running, softball, weight lifting, gymnastics, shotput, javeline throw, and long jump. Now, I only play the first 5, that is if I have time

12 At age 12, I accepted Jesus as my Personal Savior and Lord. My soul’s sole satisfaction, He fills the void within me and calms the storm that rages within and outside of me. As a Christian, my road is paved with good intentions, a little rocky, but I strive to be better each time.

13 Number of houses, condos, dorms, apartments I’ve stayed in. 7 in Iloilo, Eliazo, Marikina, Katipunan, Mandaluyong, Pasig, and Makati

14 At age 14, I felt how bad it hurts to lose someone you love so very dearly. Knowing he’ll never come back and all that’s left are memories. It was the first time I broke down. Now I vow to assure the people I love that I truly love them before its too late.

15 The age of discovery. I realized I was a girl after all Before I felt a warm fuzzy feeling when I was mistaken as one of the boys. Now, I have embraced my femininity.

16 I’ve been writing the past 16 years. I discovered my passion when at age 8, a nun at MIA encouraged me to write about my summer experience and I continue to pursue my passion, just for the love of writing.

17 At age 17, I was a freshman in Ateneo. Wide eyed, innocent (still am , my faith was strengthened. I learned a lot about myself, others, my environment, my life’s purpose, and Our Most Amazing God.

18 I spent 18 years of my life in school. From MIA, to Baptist Church, SPED-SEC, Pisay, and Ateneo. To borrow from Rizal, I spent many happy years of my life (in school), says the goofy geek in me

19 # of students in my Sunday School Class in Daan Tubo (along with April). The kids are so full of energy that I need to eat something, even an energy bar before starting the session. Teaching is my passion and what better to teach than the Word of God. Surprisingly, I have learned so much from the kids, about patience, perseverance, the power of dreams, and the sense of wonder. These are priceless things I hope I continue to cultivate in them. Wabbie asked me why I do this even if it drains me? I said I just want to give back, to do something not because I’ll get something in return, to contribute to something that is so much greater than me. I hope that I continue to live the lessons I learned from Ateneo, moving from self-absorption to self-donation.

20 Manu’s jersey #. He has always been my “IT” man. The one, any woman would be so blessed to have. He can just will it upon himself to win it all for his team. He is the daredevil, daring even the devil with his reckless abandon. Craziness, yet effective. Passionate, exciting, steady, a man of integrity…sigh! Does he have a clone somewhere?

21 # of cousins I have from both sides of the family. I remembered being loved and cared for by my older cousins and playing and giving baths to my younger cousins. I rarely have time for you guys, but my love and my prayers are always with you. Mwah!

22 I took 22 subjects of Science from grade school to college. Biology, Physics, General Science, all sorts of Chemistry (Organic, Industrial, Physical, Quantitative, Analytical Chem), etc. All these exclude the number of Math and Computer Science subjects I took. I love the sciences, they bring me closer to Our Great Creator. Unfortunately, I am a non-practicing scientist
23 MJ’s jersey # as well as Kevin Martin I loved MJ as a 6 year old girl and though much has been said about his Hall of Fame speech, to me he is still the greatest basketball player ever

24 COLLEEN APRIL DONASCO CELIS…I have 24 letters in my full name. Although Colleen has 7 letters, only 5 of them are distinct since I have 2 double doubles, double Ls and double Es. It was my Lola Emma who named me. Colleen is a composite name from my parent’s names ArLENE and FrancisCO. In their wedding invitation, the names outside were, COH and LENE. So I became Colleen which means “Irish girl” though most of the time I’m boyish. April is my birth month and means “the sun and the flower.” I can be as fiery as the sun and not quite as delicate as the flower Donasco is my middle name and Celis is my family name (self-explanatory

I’m sure as I grow in age and wisdom, the other numbers will have more meaning to me, but in the meantime, I pause at 24, my current age

by Matthew Powell from poundingtherock.com

While watching the Spurs / Hornets game from the anti-bowels of the Where the Spurs Play Center, Wayne commented how much faster Tony seemed in person.

I think Wayne was right.

There was one particularly telling fast break. Sean Marks, back-pedaling at the elbow, was essentially the only guy back for the Hornets. Tony ran at him full speed, went around him and then laid the ball in on the same side of the basket. All Marks had to do was turn around, take one step and block the shot. He didn’t even get turned around.

Of course Tony does this every game, against all sizes of opponent. But seeing it live and realizing the guy still seems ridiculously fast when he’s 200 feet away from you… it gives you a different appreciation for his insane athletic ability, like watching a cheetah chasing down a gazelle from a helicopter. Except Tony only has two legs.

And he didn’t eat Sean Marks.

But my brains can make sense of Tony’s greatness. The NBA is obviously comprised of world class athletes. Even amongst them, Tony’s one of the fastest end to end, and few can match his quickness. He understands how to attack individual defenders on the fast break and has the ability to finish with either hand on either side of the basket. I understand why Tony is one of the 25 best players in the NBA. It’s not complicated.

But I cannot figure out why Manu Ginobili is even in the top 100, let alone the top 20.

(None of what I am about to say is new to anyone who reads this blog. There’s nothing left to say about Manu that hasn’t been said here before. Well. Manu Ginobili wears 6″ Jimmy Choo heels to bed. That would be new. Back to it: but for the grace of Manu goes PtR.)

He’s not overly quick. He’s not a great leaper. He’s not a great shooter. What most befuddles me is how he continually, repeatedly, over and over again, ad nauseum, get wide open step-back jumpers from 18 feet. He’ll face a guy up, work some hypnotizing voodoo or some ****, and wind up taking an essentially unguarded 18′ jump shot. Most of the time the defender doesn’t even get a hand in his face.

It’s as if Manu has learned how to imbalance his opponent, how to get him shifting the wrong way. More importantly, he seems to anticipate the vulnerability and execute his step-back as the imbalance is occurring.

He ends up with all the time in the world.

(This must drive other NBA players crazy. It’s one thing for a guy like Lebron to get the best of you. That’s explainable. Just look at the guy. He’s a freak. Dwight Howard? Freak (plus he prays and stuff). Tim Duncan? Tall (plus he’s boring so he doesn’t count). Kobe? Quick as hell, amazing athlete, crazier than . Yao Ming? Crazy communist genetic-engineering. Chris Paul? Ridiculously quick hands and first step. Etc.)

I don’t know how Manu got to be this way. Maybe it’s purely instinctual. Maybe he read Book of Five Rings and it all came together in a shroom-induced fury of clearheadedness. Maybe I’ll take the sportswriter’s easy way out and credit his time playing soccer.

I wonder if even he knows the origin, the planting of the seed. I think he does. I think he guessed the ending of the The Usual Suspects and can sense magma shifting miles beneath the surface of his earth. I think he’s trying to unravel the very foundational fibers of the NBA. I think he’s diabolical. I think he’s formed a one-manned cabal.

The evidence is there.

He’ll dribble through a guy’s a leg or go around his back during a layup, but only when necessary. He’ll occasionally try to dunk on somebody, but only when the situation suggests it is the most prudent course of action. He’ll attempt outlandish passes and impossible shot blocks; but allow me to suggest and believe he does it primarily for the same reason Einstein attempted to quantify the universe:

Because there is joy in the attempt. And because he thought he could.

He scrapes, claws, and tosses subtle elbows as he goes to the basket, yet he does it coldly, without aggression. He rarely, if ever, makes eye contact with an opponent, but it never comes off as a lack of respect. You never seeing him talking with opponents during the game. He doesn’t smile on the court, but he plays like there’s no other place he’d rather be. He doesn’t hype his game to the media. He downplays his own abilities and emphasizes his struggles.

This is not by accident. This is part of his game. Part of his plan.

He’s won a gold medal and three NBA championships, but he’s lacking something so fundamental to the NBA, to sports, to competition in general.

Manu Ginobili is entirely without swagger.

He does not strut. He does not preen. He is not there to put on a show. He does not react to hard fouls. He does not react to being booed. Manu Ginobili’s performance may ebb and flow, reacting to his health, or to the situation, or to the quality of defender. But from game to game, the competitiveness never changes. Ginobili doesn’t need to be pushed to achieve the paramount of his abilities, and this is why he has un(?)intentionally become a mirror that reflects the inadequacies of the NBA’s world class basketball players: deep down we all know that swagger comes hand in hand with insecurity. We strut not to convince competitors of our dominance; we strut to convince ourselves.

by Adam Sweeney

Underrated. It might be the most overused word in sports. As hoop-aholics we always beat our chests and stand on the curb shouting about how our favorite player gets no love. Therein lies the roundball rub. Our arguments are often dismissed because of our allegiances. This case for Manu Ginobili’s greatness can’t be. Why? Because as a Houston native, I loathe the San Antonio Spurs. I can assure you that no bias exists here. I went to college twenty-five minutes away from San Antonio and had to listen every day about the San Antonio Spurs dynasty. I made it my mission to debunk the fantasies Spurs had about their team. The thing is that the more you examine Manu’s career, the better he becomes. In fact, Manu may be the most underrated, there’s that word again, player of our generation.

Fact: Kanye West can cry about how a VMA was robbed from Beyonce but one of the truly great steals in history came when the Spurs grabbed Manu Ginobili with the 57th pick in the 1999 NBA Draft. Let me throw out a stat, seeing as we spent the last few weeks drinking the champagne of greatness that was Michael Jordan’s career. Manu is only the second player ever to win a NBA Championship, Euroleague title and Olympic gold medal. But you still don’t get it.

Seeing is believing and anyone who saw the San Antonio Spurs fall apart in the playoffs against the Dallas Mavericks last year got a huge dose of how important Manu is to the team’s success. Say what you want about the addition of Richard Jefferson. Give deserved praise to Tim Duncan as the greatest power forward ever. Gasp at Tony Parker’s speed and emergence as a team leader. A run at an NBA title begins and ends with Manu Ginobili.

And what’s funny is that as NBA fans we only got a partial glimpse of the picture. Before he came to the Association, The Argentine was tearing it up in Argentina and the Italian League. MVPs? He’s got them, winning the 2001 Euroleague Final Four MVP. He was only voted one of the thirty-five greatest players ever but we don’t want to talk about that. The NBA is king, oh wait, except when Manu led Argentina to Gold in the 2004 Olympics. Yeah, he was the MVP of that also. Perhaps it’s Manu’s foreign origins that make us shy away from him. You make the call.

If that wasn’t enough, the most exciting player in S.A. is the first sixth man to win All-NBA honors. If Ben Gordon is worth over $50 million, what is Manu’s value? You can’t put a price on it. Unlike Gordon, who is at his best when he is coming off the bench, Manu has proven he could dominate as a starter. The stats don’t lie. In a five-game stretch as a starter last season, he averaged 34.4 points per game and 6.6 assists per game in 37.4 minutes per game. Efficiency, Manu is thy name.

How well-rounded is Ginobili’s offensive game? A New York Times article regarding Shane Battier, the defensive student of the game that he is, studied the very subject. Battier is given data to study every opponent. The results speak for themselves. “Manu Ginobili is a statistical freak: he has no imbalance whatsoever in his game,” the article offers. “There is no one way to play him that is better than another. He is equally efficient off the dribble as he is off the pass, going left and right and any spot from on the floor.” It’s true. You’re just as likely to get beaten by a quick slash to the lane as you are a bucket from behind the line when it comes to Ginobili. He can score from anywhere. On any other team he would be a perennial All-Star.

But it’s not about that. See, unlike other players who are too caught up in the “importance” of getting starter’s minutes (see Allen Iverson), Manu Ginobili kills ‘em softly any way the team needs him. He doesn’t mind letting Timmy and Tony have their names on the marquee, even though he could lead the team in points and assists. He just keeps on keeping on and counts the championship rings at the end of the day.

The word clutch has become synonymous with Kobe Bryant but it’s an undeserved association. Yeah, you guessed it, Manu’s the real heir to the last minute throne. Forbes did a study chronicling the top players in the last five minutes of a game including overtime. It wasn’t even close. Manu topped the list and shoots lights out at a 57.4% clip. Your boy Kobe? 44.8%. Do I have your attention yet?

The only thing that can stop Manu Ginobili is his health and he has suffered a few setbacks in the past few years. The 2008-2009 season ended unceremoniously for him as he had to shut it down with a stress fracture in his right distal fibula. That only means you’ll be sleeping on him this upcoming season, just like the majority of us have slept on the Spurs all these years. So when you are watching the Spurs in the Western Conference Finals next season, perhaps against the defending champion Lakers, don’t be shocked if Manu slaps the taste out of your mouth with a game-winning three. The quiet ones always sneak up on you. The funny thing is you’ll be the one left speechless. Manu Ginobili has been doing it his entire career and yet we still can’t find words to describe him. For now, underrated will have to do.

From: http://www.slamonline.com/online/nba/slamonline-top-50/2009/09/top-50-manu-ginobili-no-29/

(of the sea of life that flows…Phil Science Theme)

APRILICOUS…

April 5-9: My birthday week!!! One day was not enough, it took us an entire week of all out celebration with my friends and loved ones…I so miss my family. The first time in my 24 years that I wasn’t able to spend this special day with my family (tears)…

April 5: April and I pigged out on pizza before hearing mass to celebrate our birthdays, yup we have the same birthday J

April 7: I received my gifts from my family via LBC…make up, books, clothes…they never fail to let me know that I am lived despite the distance…of course their gift of love is the greatest J

April 8: April and I went to La Mesa Ecopark to celebrate our big day. It’s kinda cool to have a close friends who happens to have the same birthday as yours, much like a younger, well taller sister (we also happen to live in the same province and took up the same course J We trekked under the scorching heat of the sun, climbed 100+ stair steps up and down and I almost rolled down laughing over our silly imaginations. I always prided myself as physically strong (hey, you can ask Mr. Torres my PE professor on how tough I actually am, should I challenge Manny Pacquiao’s pound per pound? Nah never mind haha) Imagine you know who carrying me up and me carrying him down – wow 6’2” and 160 lbs of pure bones and some muscles too haha J We also rowed which was a total upper body strength and abs work out activity, though surprisingly relaxing. We also rode a kalesa as I was too coward to do horseback riding and then the most exciting part, the swimming pool! It was disastrously funny as April’s shorts had buttons and so were not allowed in the pool. I had to lend her mine and wear my swimsuit without the shorts, so uncomfortable, but whatever I don’t know these other people, but then I forgot to bring slippers so booboo…Afterwards, we rested and ate at Pizza Hut for dinner, a total birthday bash!

April 9: My birthday week was not yet over. Vars, Jobe, Lors, and I bonded over pizza at Shakey’s and remarked at the many changes and constants in our lives since high school (8 years ago!) Jobe and I toured Lors around Ateneo and we stopped over at Cervini and met up with Sir Tim (the dorm director) who happens to guess what? Have the same birthday as mine and also Ilonggo! We greeted each other and discussed the fate of the Blue Eagles on the next UAAP season. Afterwards, Jobe, Lors, and I had a blast playing my board game “The Game of Life”. We learned a lot such as investing in stocks early on in life, insuring all your assets, as well as not spinning too fast lest you miss out on life and even family values, you can’t be a grandparent unless your child is married so once you become a grandparent, you have to add two additional people in the car, one for the in law and the grandchild J All these from a little board game, which is quite expensive but it’s worth is more than it’s cost

April 25-26 Weekend

April 25: Rally at work…a positive and encouraging one, not in the negative sense. I learned so much about leadership, tips on becoming a better leader and person…I can’t wait to apply and share them…priceless xoxo

April 26: Lunch Date with MAC blockmates at Flying Pig in Eastwood. Welcome back Tania! I missed you sobra! Loved the company, the food, esp the boy-girl banter. So love bantering, so much fun J To cap off a wonderful weekend, is an amazing night, ahem donned the country’s colors and he’s just razzle dazzle all over. He must be a magician coz every little thing he does is magic. Cheesy pick up line, but need I say more? Hehe

April 28: Super Fun Day with Lors at St. Agatha Resort in Bulacan. We swam at the wave pool, enjoyed the lap pool, and lounged at the Jacuzzi. Then I uh belted (?) “Sometimes” by Britney Spears and “You Got It All”. We talked and laughed about love and life. Total BFF bonding, truly irreplaceable and memorable J

a-MAY-zing!

May 9: Lors and I went to Ateneo for our badminton match (emphasis on bad haha) We played near Belarmine building but Manong Guard told us to transfer and so we moved to the parking lot in Cervini since I can always ask Sir Tim for permission J We didn’t want to go to Moro since “sayang” if we spent money considering we’re only beginners “baka pulot lang kami ng pulot”. Playing near Cervini proved to be a blessing! Guess who are audience was? Eeeeehhhh my crush haha I’m kilig! It’s been a while since my heart did somersaults and cartwheels over a guy. He’s such a cutie, hottie, a total sweetheart. You could join us if you want J Nothing is sexier than a man who loves God above all else xoxo…Lors said he’s cute, I say he’s hot, super! Lors then treated me at Kenny Roger’s. Advance Happy Birthday! I love you mwah!

May 22: I’m uber drained, stressed in all aspects – personal, familial, professional, but a silver lining appeared in what may otherwise be a dreary week. Pink was revitalized and revived. She has 2 very beautiful rosebuds. I’m not such a bad mom after all J I treat my flowers like I would if I had children. You see, I’ve lost 6 “kids” already. Three triplet mums: pink, purple, white, two twin roses - orange and yellow – pink’s sisters and dendy a denderium orchid. Guess where they got their names? I know, so original and creative…Don’t worry, I won’t be naming my future children “Black, Brown, or White” hehe Anyway, the triplet mums “died” when transferred back to Katipunan. I guess they were not able to adjust or “nagtampo”. What can I say, once a Katipunera, always a Katipunera. Then the twin roses & Dendy went to “Garden Heaven” because I was uber busy. I know petty excuse but I am. I usually have 12-16 hour work days. In my defense, I did try to be a good mom the best way I can. I talked to them, sang songs (which probably caused their untimely demise haha), watered them, pruned, and gave them fertilizer. I guess it’s tough being a single mom haha And finally, from what I thought were ashes, pink “rose” literally and gave me two beautiful blossoms, so does that make me a grandma? Uhoh

On another note, I was disappointed. He said he’d do it for me. I wasn’t really expecting he’d go out on a limb for me just hoping he’d do it as promised. Oh well men. I have to get it done myself, if I want it. Just so when I thought he was sweet, apparently, he’s also forgetful L

Up for about 25 hours out of 27.5 hours already…I can still see stars at 6:30AM and I’ll see the most important one J

May 23: Bittersweet…Got to watch the Powerade Team Pilipinas live! I never thought that my heart can grow so big, filled with so much love, then in a matter of minutes, it is broken and shattered into a million pieces…I knew at that moment that all my plans won’t materialize, no matter how well meaning and great it looked at least on paper. So April, Wabbie, andI talked just about anything and we had a good laugh about calling up Bruno – the supposedly serial killer – er dog wearing his black gloves in his four legs hehe So I had our posters signed and I took pictures with Cy and Gabe. Cy showed quiet confidence and yes he’s hottt! I saw that Gabe was pleasantly surprised when I asked to have a picture taken with him. He then gave me one of his million dollar smiles that solidified his place in my heart awww…April was saying that he looks young and “mayabang.” I said that it’s his swagger but when he smiled, she said he was cute haha I even had a little chitchat with Ryan and wished him good luck and God bless. It was just super kilig!

Still reality bites, really. Truth hurts, truly. But it doesn’t kill the dream and just as long as it doesn’t become a nightmare…I’ll keep on dreaming…Now, I know I’m not heartless after all. After getting hurt, having my heart broken, I resolve to continue to love and to care for others just as God has shown us.

Justified June

June 6: Wabbie, April, and I had lunch at Shakey’s and their interior design and concept was great. I sent Joseph a text message to check it out J We then played at Fun Zone which was a total abs work out. We had a relaxing spa at Dermaline. I enjoyed the blistering and detoxifying sauna though I wish the massage was a little harder and focused more on my pressure points. We went window shopping at Eastwood and sampled make ups. We capped off the night with a fabulous dinner at Crisostomo. Great food and ambience J It was truly a girlie girl indulgence day.

June 13: I had a terrible case of muscular strain and I can hardly crawl (not even walk)…So after my check up, I was a couch potato in front of the TV, since I’m bed-ridden, I’m a bed potato J I learned from Paolo Bediones in Spoon that you never have enough money. Good point.

Then Starbury, one of my least liked NBA players, rose a couple of notches in my esteem, as he sold quality shoes for only $15 when Nike and Adidas sells them at $200, thanks to MJ and Kobe. You can’t compromise quality but you can balance it with affordability. Value for money can be offered while companies earn healthy profits when they push for operational efficiency. And of course, social justice calls for making resources available to the least of us. Who would have thought that I would learn so much from Marbury? J

June 27-29: Days at the Police Station

I discovered something terribly bad. Then it was my first time in a police station to make a report, quite ironic for someone who went to Bilibid already. Of course, the latter was for an immersion so it was so much different. It was scary. Three years ago, I had my immersion in the Maximum Security of Bilibid, I was scared then but I was terribly afraid this time. I actually felt like throwing up but I decided to let my other managers go. No need for them to suffer as I do. The difference between Bilibid and the precinct? The prisoners from Bilibid are already trying to make a new life and correct themselves whereas those newly captured offenders are still in denial of their offense. I told my family and friends and I promised myself that I will never do a crime in my life because I love God and will do His Will. Also, it helps that I would never want to get anywhere near a precinct or an investigation room. It was traumatic.

Needless to say, I’ve not been getting enough sleep and I can’t eat properly, yehey! I’m losing weight without exercise. Uber stressed. I have disappointed a lot of people, I am battered and broken and no one is more disappointed than me. I am so thankful that my relationship with God is very intimate that I can just pour it out to Him. I am also blessed to have friends who went out on a limb for me because they know I’d do it for them in a heart beat.

The hardest part? Going home to no one. No one to embrance you when you’re cold at night and feel like having warring elephants in your stomach. I just miss my mom and my family’s affirmation of unconditional love. They’re still the ones I consult in these times of crisis. And being so far from them is such a burden.

June 30: My BFF knew I was on the brink so we went back to Dermaline to have a facial to take off all the stress. Then we had dinner at Fazoli’s in Eastwood. Despite everything, I’m still blessed and I have peace J

I was hanging out with friends when we talked about guys and what truly makes a man. However, in my 24 years of existence with loving male family members and uber kulit yet reliable guy friends, for the life of me, I still I can’t figure out boys and men. Yes, they’re so much more complex than analytical chemistry, mathematical induction, or how to minimize the effect of recession on your sales and profitability. Don’t you just wish they come with a manual, with instructions listed and how to’s to adjust, calibrate, or troubleshoot

But then again, what truly makes a man? Based on my picky guest panelistas, here goes the criteria:

1. A man who loves God (my guy friends & I have an inside joke about this). But yes, he should love God above all else and it should reflect in the life he lives…
2. A man with a passion for life (whether it be basketball or money making hehe) – it’s important that he enjoys life and lives his life responsibly and with a sense of purpose
3. A responsible man who knows his priorities…As Tyra Banks puts it, he should have short and long term goals and where you are in the scheme of things
4. A guy who can make you laugh and who can laugh at himself – his sense of wonder and humor is intact and he can take life’s little mishaps
5. A man with a generous heart – be it building homes for the homeless, taking care of orphans and the elderly – it’s nice to see a guy who can selflessly care for others and not just full of himself…please…
6. There was much deliberation about this one, but since we opted to be true even if it means appearing shallow J A man with an athletic body, well toned arms, legs, and tight firm abs – it takes discipline, patience and clean living – which are in fact, important values in life
7. This one seems surprisingly unanimous (thank you Demi Moore). Nothing makes an “older” woman sexier (though we wince at the adjective, we’re not old, the guys just happens to be a couple of years our junior) than a hot, younger man haha (aside from surgery as Kelvin smartly adds)

Don’t you think that birthdays have a way of making you all of a sudden reflective of life? I don’t know how melancholy and nostalgia just slowly creeps on me during days before, during, and after my birthday. Probably, God reminds us of the beautiful gift of life He gave us and if we have utilized these gifts to bless others. So, on my 24th birthday, I pay tribute to the special people who have made my life amazing…so far…

The Firsts…
First Teachers: My Parents
First Person to Teach me the Value of Money: My Mama, Arlene Celis
First Person to Introduce me to Sports: My Papa, Francisco Celis, Jr.
First Person to Teach me how to forgive (but never forget) and love again: My Bro, Kelly Francis Celis
First People who Hit Home to me the Meaning of Christianity: My SPED Teachers
First Person who Jump Started my Love Affair with Science: Ma’am Evelyn Payofelin and Ma’am Lilia Ramos of SPED

First Person to Realize that I can Really Write: A Sister from MIA when I was in Grade 2
My First Girl Group: Spice Girls and Backstreet Boys Combined—Nicole Guevara, Joanne P. Luna, Joanne Escultura, Tin Galvez & Chati Sorongon

My First Big Break: Transferring to SPED in Grade 4

Becoming The Next Marie Curie…
The Person who Made me Appreciate the Science of Life: Ma’am Virna Navarro of Pisay WV
The People who Made me Realize the Application of Science in Daily Life: Ma’am Resa Yandog from Pisay, Doc Armand Guidote and Sir Gerry Dy of Ateneo

The People Who Made me Realize that “I don’t really love Math, but Math loves Me”: All My Math Teachers from SPED, Pisay and Ateneo

Going Pulitzer…
The Person who Encouraged me to keep on Writing (and go for a book!): Ma’am Anabelle Cuenca of Pisay

The Person who Saw that I can be a Journalist: Ma’am Nena Silario of Pisay
My “Book” Club at different points in my life: Kathleen Torre, Sweet Aguila, Lors Natonton, Cess Raynera, Lin Chuacokiong, Ays Sytengco — the people who shared my passion for reading…

My Sports Hall of Fame…they have inspired me through their actions inside and outside the court
1. Manu Ginobili
2. Michael Jordan
3. Cyrus Baguio
4. Kelly Celis
5. Teddy Tan

My Empowered Women Inspirations…My Mom, Lea Salonga

The Five People Who Gave Me Great Financial Advice
1. Bo Sanchez
2. Donald Trump
3. Robert Kiyosaki
4. My Finance and Accounting Teachers in Ateneo (Doc Ibarra/Mommy V, Sir Maurice Lim)
5. The Go Negosyo Team

My HARANA Gang: Lurylee Olarte, Karen Baraquia, Lynn Rose Jabagat, Shem Pama, Maybelle Alemani, and Lorelyn Natonton

“Let’s Agree to Disagree” Club: Gelvin Velasco, Gideon Butalid

Basketball Buddies: My Bro, Tito Rey, Teddy Tan, Chris Nabiong, Ezra Diaz, Clive Lebin, Erdnyl Bito-onon, MAC Blockmates Batch 2006, Renn Cezar, my forum at Manuginobili.com and a whole lot more

The Fun Gang…people I enjoy spending time with— My Bro, Lors, Jost Madrinan, TeaMAC (Lin, Cats Penaranda, Eric Abenojar, Anna Arancon, Joan T. Uy), Tania, April Aguilar, Wabbie Quimlat, My Cervini Guy Friends (Mark Ayaay, Mark Edano, Karl Balingit, Jobe dela Torre, Dan Gamboa, Chris)

My Cheerleaders…the special breed of people who never fail to make me feel appreciated and lift me up during my low points— My Father in Heaven, My Mama and Papa, My Bro, Lors, Lin, Cats, Tania Baluyot, April, Wabbie, Fan Guira, Maya Catacutan, Max Espinosa, My Lolo Jesus and Lola Emma

My Housemates: All My Roomies from Pisay, Anna, Joan, Vars Sunio, Nikki Fernandez, Gideon, Max, Anne

And the Noble goes to…
The Nobles…amazing people who taught me to becoming a better me…
Values and Faith: Ma’am Eilleen Ocampo from Pisay, Bobby Guev, Fr. Ferriols, and Fr. Seenivasan from Ateneo, Vars, Fan, Maya, Lynn, April

Management: My Mentors and Coaches from Jollibee…M’Bambi, M’Elma, M’Jay, S’Val, M’Joan D., M’Joan A., S’Ferns

Leadership: Cheche Lazaro, Hilario Davide, Sandy Prieto, Mr. Joseph Server…the man who motivated me and taught me how to become a motivator (hopefully its effective), and the people I’ve worked with from school projects, orgs, and at work who made me a “work in progress” leader

The Five People Who Make Me Believe that Life Truly is Beautiful…

The Woman who has an irresponsible man whom she continues to love and forgive while being an encouraging mother to her children…

The young man who suffers from all the bitterness and poverty around him yet goes through life with love, strength & faith in others…

The man who thinks his loved ones don’t respect him but chooses to stay with them and find ways to support them…

The young man who is adored by many but has yet to find his one true love though he unknowingly inspires others by being a man with integrity…

The young woman who postpones her dreams so that others may live theirs…

…these people taught me that life is not a fairytale but you can live a life filled with love, happiness, blessings, and yes, challenges…

My Saving Grace and The One True Love of My Life: God, My Father, My Savior, My Friend, My Everything

People say that when you are in your mid-twenties, one undergoes a quarter life crisis. I’m usually one who doesn’t join the band wagon immediately unless I find the logic in it, so I disagree with the term “quarter life crisis”. Unless you expect to live up to a hundred years old, which I don’t, then that term is definitely politically incorrect. And no I don’t mean that I want to die young but realistically speaking what percentage of the population lives up to a hundred in this day and age? As my coach M’Joan puts it, to get to 70 is great, living beyond that, is a bonus. Hear! Hear! And as Bo Sanchez puts it, “never outlive your investments.” I must invest a lot if I expect to live up to a hundred, what with inflation/devaluation and all. Uhoh…

So I’ve probably lived a third of my life. And I thank all the people, all of you guys and girls, since I could not mention everyone, who made life so beautiful and crazy for me…I can’t name all of you but you know who you are. This will definitely be the first installment so hopefully in ten or so years I can write more…

As Wabs and I were having dinner last Feb (one of the many we usually share), she told me that she was keeping track of the highlights of her day. I told her that it was an awesome idea and maybe I should try something like that. However, the life of a student vis a vis the life of a manager with a 60+ hour work week would make it seem a herculean task for me.

So, I opted to take note of the top 3 moments per month. I realized that this will be my first entry for the year. Usually, I am a regular blogger but with life being so hectic I wasn’t able to type down my thoughts. Most of which however, are recorded in my planner Without further ado, here are my top 3 moments per month (Jan-March 2009)

January 2009

Jan 1: After 2 years of spending new year alone, I finally get to spend it with my family. Yipee!!! I started 2009 right, I put my plans on paper, discussed them with my family, and reaffirmed my goals. There’s just so much hope and a lot of new stuff…old flame remains unchanged
Jan 5: I have a new store. Welcome to Jollibee Asian Plaza. My 6th store in my 3 years with the company. New set of challenges and new opportunities to test my mettle. I’m excited to be working with these new set of people and bring out the best in each one of us. So bring ‘em on!

Jan 20: I went to visit my cousin, Justine, a manager at a certain chicken resto. She treated me to a yummy dinner but as we were going home, I was turning red-necked, literally! As it turns out, I had an adverse reaction to the food and my skin asthma went out. I was all red, including my face, hands, front, back, feet…okay all my body parts…I had to call in sick and when I went out for my medical, the doctor asked me if I had a birthmark on my face. I said no, as it turns out my allergies are making me look like an alien from Ben10. I realized though that when we’re sick it’s our body’s way of asking us to relax and allow it to heal. I miss my mom with no one to pamper me
February 2009

Feb 4: We had our annual convention at work. Its so amazing and exciting to be learning from people so different from me, but they have wonderful things to share that brought tears to my eyes. Its so inspiring to listen to people who never gave up on their dreams, it just reaffirms me to actualize mine.

Feb 14: Valentine’s was sweet with chocolates and roses Its great to spend this one special day with people you love and who love you back (read: platonic, christian love). And of course, its the all star weekend, the guys I admire and the game I love. RUDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDYYYYYYYYYYYY you’re such a hottie and  no more serenades please, lest I fall haha NBA All Star Weekend was amazing
Feb 17: I went to my first Bible Study of the year with one of Ateneo’s finest mentors, Bobby Guev giving a talk on the Prodigal Son. Mark A, Jobe, and I thoroughly enjoyed it. It was the same lesson we took 3 years ago in Theo141, but new insights were obtained. Luma na pero may bago uli. After the talk, we were able to catch up with BobbyGuev and his wife my SA teacher M’Marichi. He said seeing familiar faces gave him renewed courage aaaawwww…I teased him that this was so much fun and learning was maximized since we didn’t have to worry about grades, pop quizzes, recitations, and stuff
March 2009

My March had 5 important memories I’d like to share (so this time its top 5 instead of 3)

March 3: I saw you know who after 2 months. I miss him so much and he stole my heart anew. He’s such a team player…Sigh***

Mar 16: I got featured in the Youth Section of Panay News, a local paper in Iloilo. Thanks Prince for making it possible I got tickle pink coz I’m usually the one who does the features and interviews (I was school paper editor for 6 years, 2 in grade school, 4 in high school…national award winning papers to boot during my term ahem…) I’m kilig in a different sort of way, ie non-romantic So Mark E and Jobe were teasing me about it. No, its not about eligible bachelorette Ugh! And yes, Time is my next target and no not FHM (not unless it stands for Family and Home Magazine haha) Just too wholesome for that
Mar 18: I hosted our RBU thanksgiving. It was fun and its great to learn new things, meet new people, and give honor to the unsung heroes (our families and regulars) who helped us through 2008. Okay, I rediscovered my passion for speaking (I had a couple of speaking engagements last year)…Hmmm pwede kaya JFC ako sa umaga, Klownz sa gabi haha New career path/raket, interesting…

Mar 19: The day after my hosting, I went back to work and life was normal again. Or so I thought. I was planning on taking the cab since I was exhausted but as it was 6pm and no cab wanted to brave through the traffic from Makati to QC, I opted to ride the MRT Buendia. I remembered getting my MRT card inside my wallet and returning it inside my back pack. When I went inside LRT Cubao, my zipper was open and I could not find my wallet. So there I was at the middle of Gateway, with zero money. I was calling my friends to fetch me, when I realized that I had my coin purse. Luckily, there was enough money to bring me home. Then I called up banks to block my ATM. Sadly, I lost 1000 in cash, all my IDs, gift certificates, pics, and other documents. Its a good thing none of my money inside the ATM were stolen but it also meant that I could not withdraw and I had no dough at all. I was even thinking to “prenda” my jewelries. Its a good thing I had amazing friends who helped me out, bringing me financial comfort and emotional joy Thanks guys! Love yah! So I had to reprocess everything lest something happens to me and since I dont have any identification, I’d be Jane Doe uhoh…

March 21: Wabs and I watched Ballet Filipinas and Lisa Macuja in all her graceful glory interpreting Ang Mga Kwento ni Lola Basyang. It was definitely a cultural treat and a touch of art. Thanks Wabs for inviting me But before we got to our destination, we walked from UN Ave to Roxas Boulevard because of the rally at DFA. I was wearing my 3 inch boots, to boot! No pun intended. It was a really long and tiring walk but the fireworks at MOA kept as interested and of course, the person I’m with. It was fun and an alay-lakad of sorts
Other Notables:

Mar 22: God knows I’m really sad. Nothing depresses an investor like me than to be financially dependent to other people. And after everything that has happened, I realized how much God loves me. He gives me trials to make me stronger and more careful and He brings me angels to give me hope Cafe Astoria treated us to a lovely eat all you can, buffet lunch. Yum yum to the tum tum. It was a good investment opportunity, my second of the year (Cocoplans as the first), but I needed a business opportunity, a cash cow that will generate me more cash, I have enough investments in the mean time.

Mar 23: My parents’ 25th (silver) wedding anniv, they had a family get together and I was finally able to send my gift, after the theft. Now, I only love one thief, the one who stole my carefully guarded heart almost ten years ago…cheesy…

So these are my highlights of the 1st quarter. Stay tuned for the upcoming months

The Traditional Boss barks off orders. The Great Leader collaborates with his team, respecting the dignity of each person.

The Traditional Boss makes excuses and blames others when expected results are not met. The Great Leader takes accountability for his team’s performance, provides needed coaching and support, regroups his team to make corrective actions, learn from past mistakes, and ensure delivery of desired results.

The Traditional Boss perceives his word as law. The Great Leader is open-minded, yet firm when needed. He listens to his people and seeks ways to improve the company, society, others, and himself.

The Traditional Boss feels threatened by his best subordinate. The Great Leader takes one step backward to bring out the best in his people.

The Traditional Boss believes his job is to make more money. The Great Leader believes his job is an opportunity to develop more leaders.

The week that was…

Nov 9: Sunday failed to live up to its name as the flood was knee-deep (almost waist level for me since I’m petite To make matters worse, my 6-year old, fully depreciated electric fan decided it had to rest permanently and went out with a bang. Thankfully, the flood subsided in the afternoon and Ate France lent me her fan in the meantime. Thank you po!
Nov 10: Monday. I was finishing up a report and had a 1pm meeting in Makati. At 12nn, I was at Guadalupe Tulay in EDSA when the cab I was riding bumped into a Vios. The Vios stopped all of a sudden, without any warning (shheeessshh!) so the momentum of the taxi cab caused the front of it to bump into the back of the Vios. The driver thankfully did not smash into the windshield (he was wearing his seat belt) but I suffered from the impact of bumping into the front chair. Ironically, the front chair prevented me from kissing the front of the car. Thank God! Unfortunately, the cab driver decided to chase after the vios and I decided to put my foot forward when we were already in Magallanes (sheeesssh!) when my scheduled meeting was in Buendia. I took the MRT and walked like a zombie. Having an insurance secures your loved ones you’ve left behind and all, but nothing, and I mean nothing can ever prepare you for death. I was in a traumatic trance and the pro that I am, I had to shake up from the trauma and put on my game face for the meeting.

Nov 12, Wednesday. I was checking my store when I slid and my nose bumped into stainless steel. Then my nose began to redden. I was a girl scout and I always come prepared but one of the things I need to really work on is doing first aid esp for physical injuries. However, I do know that a cold compress is a reliable ally and would definitely feel good so I took some ice cubes wrapped them in a tissue and applied it on my nose. My nose remained red for the most part and my customers were teasing me that I had a running nose or that my nose looked like tomato. I opted not to bother explaining that I bumped into stainless steel and that my nose hurts too much. I sent a text message to my mom who called me up and nagged me to have it checked by a doctor. She was telling (or scaring) me that I might have a broken nose or an internal hemorrhage that’s why i was not bleeding. Being the obedient daughter that I am, I decided to listen to my mom and have my nose checked by the doctor. However, just when I was about to leave, a lot of bulk orders came in and the pro in me couldn’t leave my team behind. Red nose, hurting and all, I managed the preparation for 40 amazing aloha burgers and 40 Jolly hot dogs. After the bulk orders, I was so tired and dizzy that I decided to go home without dropping by the clinic…uhoh..

Nov 13: Thursday. With my heart thumping in my ears, I wen to Intellicare clinic in Makati to have my nose checked. It was still aching but more tolerable than yesterday. The doctor checked it and recommended and xray just to check for any fractures…oh no!..I had to do some fast and serious pep talk to myself. “keep it cool, cols. If he really loves you, he’d love you broken nose and all” haha that was funny. Whoever he is to begin with.

Nov 21: Friday. Finally after a week loaded with meetings which made me push my nose concern at the deepest recesses of my mind, I got my x-ray results. Tantarantan…drum roll please…with shaky fingers and an upset stomach which caused me to almost vomit inside the taxi cab, I opened the x-ray results and I saw my skull. And all the other bones in my face. Okayyyy…And the very first thing that came to mind is: “so this is how I’d look when I’m dead…when all else falls away (L’Oreal, Maybelline, Revlon, St. Ives and all)…um just bones?” haha…I sometimes amaze myself, I find humor, positivity even in the most dire situations. Well back to my skull, I mean my xray. I read the results and it said in layman’s terms: no fracture detected, with swollen sinus muscles from trauma. Thank God. God is so amazing, loving , forgiving. I mean He made muscles to protect our bones and bones to protect our internal organs. As a scientist, I have always known this. I took up 8 years of chemistry and 4 years of biology, but to actually realize how amazing God’s design for His masterpiece is (not just me of course, all humans Every part of our body, every cell, nucleus, mitochondria, has a purpose and God designed the human body in a way that its beautiful, functional, and practical. Why functional and practical? So that we can serve our purpose, do our calling, and participate in God’s will…And to have this realization after a helluvah of a week…It seems as if all the excitement I had to go through (understatement of the century), reached its denouement, its peak when I chanced upon that realization: that God has created me beautifully and functionally to serve Him and His people. And when all else falls away, my physical body will be all bones, but my spirit will seek Our Creator, our Father.

It was definitely action packed and I initially thought, thank God, its over…but after this realization, is it really over?

To be continued…