Just when I had a good weekend with colleagues and two clients from the US in Villa Escudero, I received one sad news. I am to upload the trip’s pictures in my Friendster account when I opened my messages and read the reply note of my friend who’s now Dubai-based in my previous e-mail. And through that, the bad news was brought to me… IJ, the boyfriend of my friend Jackie Ciceron died.
I immediately checked on Jackie by sending her a text message through a number which I am not really sure if her’s. You see, we were not able to keep in touch with each other that often because of our busy schedules and ironically, I only knew of her changing digits when I saw her business card in a fast-food chain’s drop bowl for one of its promos. Back then, I was quite mad that she didn’t advise me of her changing numbers. And so upon confirming that it was her number when she replied, I immediately dialed-in… and heard the details of the news.
IJ, driving a motorcycle met a tragic accident in Sto. Tomas, Batangas junction when he’s off to go home after a drinking session with his buddies last Tuesday, February 19 between 1:00 AM to 2:00 AM. The investigation said he was dead on the spot and his family was informed a little after 2:00 AM. His elder sister then called-up Jackie informing her of her boyfriend’s sudden demise.
I can’t claim I am super close to IJ but since he’s my college buddy’s boyfriend, we have been together in all the gigs that our group had. I will always remember him when we had our thesis defense; even if Jackie and I were not team mates, he was there to support all of us ~ Jackie’s friends. I also would remember our Lobo, Batangas trip after our graduation, where all of us became more bonded as friends… and of course, I would always remember when we went to his place in Batangas where we cooked “kinulob na manok” in a coconut plantation near their house. IJ is also the group’s joker; he compliments Jackie’s funny side. To top it all, IJ is very sweet not just to Jackie but to all of us…
Those were the days, IJ is now gone…
I can’t help but recall the last time I saw IJ. It was one Sunday last year when I am waiting for a friend in Waltermart Calamba; he was there with his colleagues just killing time since she’s to pick Jackie up from work. As usual, he joked I will just be on a date with someone of which I did not deny. We shared some five minutes of joking each other, until we had to say our goodbyes… sadly, that was the last meeting.
As I checked with Jackie over the phone, she sounded so strong despite the unbearable pain she might have been feeling right now. She said she doesn’t want to cry anymore; she’s drain already. I, on the other can’t contain my emotions… I cried without letting Jackie know. I learned they have plans of getting married already by the end of this year. I know this wedding has long been overdue; they’ve been together for quite some time now and I know how much they love each other.
To IJ, I wish you peace… now that you’re in God’s safe hands, please look after Jackie my friend…help her go on and continue living…
To Jackie, just continue mourning, you need it… always remember I am just a phone around. We, your friends are just here to support you. We love you…
Sunday, February 24, 2008
Thursday, February 21, 2008
And now...it's happening...
It’s been a while since my last entry you’d probably wonder why. This time I wouldn’t blame that thing called writer’s block… I missed a few days doing entries because I am always tired and been so busy juggling work and personal plans. Good side – I had been pre-occupied in realizing a childhood fantasy… to see an establishment carrying my name.
Yes dear ones, I am venturing into something that can make or break me and my money; hehehe and huhuhu... I am to open an internet shop in a rented place near our house, weird for not-a-technical-buff me.
It was December last year during our Christmas reunion when my cousins and I thought of putting up something where we will invest our hard-earned moneys, but it seems like they aren’t in the same boat like me. Initially, I thought of putting up a canteen since my Dad and Aunt are good cooks and Ave, my sister is supervising a hospital concessionaire.
Half-heartedness is indeed a tested good feeling for me as when I am still undecided in starting the canteen because the landlord of the first place I intended to rent was quite lousy in our negotiation, I saw this vacant office space which is exactly in my target market – the PUVs’ loading and unloading zone. I checked this new place and realized it isn’t feasible to put up a canteen there as there’s no space for dining and no kitchen to cook the would-be menus. So, had to change the plan; I felt that the best business to put there is an internet café, even if it's quite far from schools. Never mind, there's a village behind the business space and I see a lot of young people possessing the "dota-fanatic looks". And good thing the new landlady was really nice… I knew I made the better deal ~ money-wise, market-wise, profit-wise, landlord-tenant relationship-wise.
And so today while waiting for my DTI papers to be released, the Dad of my bestfriend Yeth is starting to put up the workstations. It was a “pakyaw” deal (materials and labor) as I can’t get anyone from my family to personally attend to it. For obvious reasons, I can’t have my Aunt (my would-be Operations Manager) supervise the “pagkakarpintero”. The original lay-out of the shop was designed by another good friend, Engr. Lois but when we measured the whole place we realized her lay-out wouldn’t fit in (Don’t worry Lois, I won’t get back your PF – the 2008 Starbucks planner). Yeth, her Dad and I immediately did a new layout and after knowing the exact measurements of the computer gadgets, prepared a quotation for the deal. My budget for the labor and materials doubled but no worries, I know Yeth’s dad is a good carpenter and my shop would really look yuppie and classy.
And so, I can’t wait for the DTI papers to be released next week. After that, I will have to double-time in processing the business permit, the internet connection via PLDT DSL and the networking of the PCs. Dear God, help me make it to the March 08 deadline. I really want to open my shop on that date, as it is my birthday and to feng shui, 8 is a good number (it is also my favorite).
This early, I can’t wait to see how people would come in and out of the shop, which will have black, white and red as its motif. Workstations will also be named after my dear friends (the seven Ts, Jean, Ryan and Grace) instead of numbering them. Dra. Joy will cut the ribbon in the opening/blessing ceremonies. Grace thought of my business name, ady’s e-link (Ryan thought of a better name, ady dot com but too late I already processed the DTI papers when this was given). Arvien to design the logo; Ate Anna to do the networking. It really pays to have good friends and having them around sharing the excitement that I feel, I know this new venture is a risk worth taking… and sweetly, I can smell the aroma of success.
Again, good luck to me.
Yes dear ones, I am venturing into something that can make or break me and my money; hehehe and huhuhu... I am to open an internet shop in a rented place near our house, weird for not-a-technical-buff me.
It was December last year during our Christmas reunion when my cousins and I thought of putting up something where we will invest our hard-earned moneys, but it seems like they aren’t in the same boat like me. Initially, I thought of putting up a canteen since my Dad and Aunt are good cooks and Ave, my sister is supervising a hospital concessionaire.
Half-heartedness is indeed a tested good feeling for me as when I am still undecided in starting the canteen because the landlord of the first place I intended to rent was quite lousy in our negotiation, I saw this vacant office space which is exactly in my target market – the PUVs’ loading and unloading zone. I checked this new place and realized it isn’t feasible to put up a canteen there as there’s no space for dining and no kitchen to cook the would-be menus. So, had to change the plan; I felt that the best business to put there is an internet café, even if it's quite far from schools. Never mind, there's a village behind the business space and I see a lot of young people possessing the "dota-fanatic looks". And good thing the new landlady was really nice… I knew I made the better deal ~ money-wise, market-wise, profit-wise, landlord-tenant relationship-wise.
And so today while waiting for my DTI papers to be released, the Dad of my bestfriend Yeth is starting to put up the workstations. It was a “pakyaw” deal (materials and labor) as I can’t get anyone from my family to personally attend to it. For obvious reasons, I can’t have my Aunt (my would-be Operations Manager) supervise the “pagkakarpintero”. The original lay-out of the shop was designed by another good friend, Engr. Lois but when we measured the whole place we realized her lay-out wouldn’t fit in (Don’t worry Lois, I won’t get back your PF – the 2008 Starbucks planner). Yeth, her Dad and I immediately did a new layout and after knowing the exact measurements of the computer gadgets, prepared a quotation for the deal. My budget for the labor and materials doubled but no worries, I know Yeth’s dad is a good carpenter and my shop would really look yuppie and classy.
And so, I can’t wait for the DTI papers to be released next week. After that, I will have to double-time in processing the business permit, the internet connection via PLDT DSL and the networking of the PCs. Dear God, help me make it to the March 08 deadline. I really want to open my shop on that date, as it is my birthday and to feng shui, 8 is a good number (it is also my favorite).
This early, I can’t wait to see how people would come in and out of the shop, which will have black, white and red as its motif. Workstations will also be named after my dear friends (the seven Ts, Jean, Ryan and Grace) instead of numbering them. Dra. Joy will cut the ribbon in the opening/blessing ceremonies. Grace thought of my business name, ady’s e-link (Ryan thought of a better name, ady dot com but too late I already processed the DTI papers when this was given). Arvien to design the logo; Ate Anna to do the networking. It really pays to have good friends and having them around sharing the excitement that I feel, I know this new venture is a risk worth taking… and sweetly, I can smell the aroma of success.
Again, good luck to me.
Monday, February 11, 2008
Moving forward
At last, I had the courage to start everything. After a lot of deliberation and twisting of the mind add the seemingly ceaseless frustrations, I am now focused and driven to start my next journey… Ready to embark in the voyage!
Yes, still taking it easy but at least has direction now. I think the bumpy ride has passed and I am now in a smoother state. I want this to be a long-term reaping of my hard work and commitment to be a good human being (echos!). A tall order, yes! But with perseverance and willingness, I am inching towards the goal.
Yes again, this isn’t stable yet for I know that there are still smacks along the road. That’s understandable for a beginner like me. It's somewhat surprising that it took me a long time to have this vision. I should have done this three or five years ago. But it’s never too late. I know I can still do well. Now that I have all the means, I am ready to embrace the challenge!
Never mind the aching heart; it’s just a part of my being. Never mind the emptiness within, it can be filled-in easily by dear friends. Never mind the person that I was before, I will soon be healed.
Dear Lord, in Your Loving Hands I entrust everything!
Yes, still taking it easy but at least has direction now. I think the bumpy ride has passed and I am now in a smoother state. I want this to be a long-term reaping of my hard work and commitment to be a good human being (echos!). A tall order, yes! But with perseverance and willingness, I am inching towards the goal.
Yes again, this isn’t stable yet for I know that there are still smacks along the road. That’s understandable for a beginner like me. It's somewhat surprising that it took me a long time to have this vision. I should have done this three or five years ago. But it’s never too late. I know I can still do well. Now that I have all the means, I am ready to embrace the challenge!
Never mind the aching heart; it’s just a part of my being. Never mind the emptiness within, it can be filled-in easily by dear friends. Never mind the person that I was before, I will soon be healed.
Dear Lord, in Your Loving Hands I entrust everything!
Sunday, February 3, 2008
Queries
I attempted to write again after going through some complicated days. My tact has recently put me again into a compromising situation but no big deal, I am now okay. It seems like I am now used to being blue at one point and be merry on another. If it’s just mood swings I simply do not know and I care not to think about it. What matters now is I am still moving on…
I am not here to write these recent events… my avoidance to talk about it is my way of getting over it. And I thank those who respect my choice of being alone and those who gave me the isolation. It isn’t easy and it’s really mind-blowing, but that’s okay; I still have some sanity left with me. With all the things I’ve been through, the phase I am right now is just a piece of cake.
Since I can’t think of any topic to write I decided to look around my room to find anything which can trigger my thoughts and then I found this small box on top of my TV set. It was Papermelroti’s Query 2 Box which was given to me by my colleague Gerry Cuntapay as a Christmas Gift. I randomly picked five cards and decided to answer them all in this entry.
And the first question is: What TV character can you easily portray? My answer: I can’t portray anyone in particular. But certainly, I am good in changing voices I am sure I would pass as a dubber. In the office, I use this dwarf voice from time to time to lighten up the toxic mood ~ be it of my own team members or the people from the Operations group. It isn’t easy at all as it can be achy to the throat. But for the spirit of enjoyment, I am more than willing to do it hehehe!
Second question: If you were invisible, what would you like to hear people say about you? Hmmm, I would want to hear them say that they are missing me. In all honesty, I am the type of person who always wants to be connected so if people wouldn’t see me then I would want them to miss my presence. I may be hard to deal with at times but I can be the clown. I may have my mood swings but I certainly can listen. I may have my own struggles but I can offer a shoulder. Hmpf! Getting emotional again! But there, if I am invisible I just want the people to miss me and long for my presence.
Third question: Best advice you ever got? With all things I am going through recently (here I go again) then it would have to be the advice that came from Grace and Ryan – be indifferent. Ignore the people who will just make you feel bad. Care not for the people who will just hurt you in the end. And look forward to a brighter life and a better you. I know this advice makes sense but is sometimes too difficult to abide with. I am getting there though, inch by inch, step by step.
Fourth question: If you could write about the rest of your life (and it would come true), what would happen this year? Hmm, I would be able to put up my business and be pre-occupied with it. Get a pet dog or build my dream aquarium. Attend my former boss’ wedding after my birthday celebration. Go out-of-town and relax. Be a godfather to one of Club T’s first born (Attention: She and Jojo!). If possible, teach or be back to school. And lastly, love again… I am still optimistic of course!
Last question: One day, you suddenly woke up and found that you were a Hollywood celebrity, what is the first thing you will do? Aha, I don’t want to be a Hollywood Celebrity to begin with. But if I would be then I would probably throw a party to be attended by of course, the Hollywood stars and I will invite my friends along. Imagine how grateful they would be to me chancing upon the likes of Tom Cruise, Brad Pitt, Julia Roberts, etc. etc. I am sure Ryan will volunteer to be my party organizer!
There it goes… Good night!
I am not here to write these recent events… my avoidance to talk about it is my way of getting over it. And I thank those who respect my choice of being alone and those who gave me the isolation. It isn’t easy and it’s really mind-blowing, but that’s okay; I still have some sanity left with me. With all the things I’ve been through, the phase I am right now is just a piece of cake.
Since I can’t think of any topic to write I decided to look around my room to find anything which can trigger my thoughts and then I found this small box on top of my TV set. It was Papermelroti’s Query 2 Box which was given to me by my colleague Gerry Cuntapay as a Christmas Gift. I randomly picked five cards and decided to answer them all in this entry.
And the first question is: What TV character can you easily portray? My answer: I can’t portray anyone in particular. But certainly, I am good in changing voices I am sure I would pass as a dubber. In the office, I use this dwarf voice from time to time to lighten up the toxic mood ~ be it of my own team members or the people from the Operations group. It isn’t easy at all as it can be achy to the throat. But for the spirit of enjoyment, I am more than willing to do it hehehe!
Second question: If you were invisible, what would you like to hear people say about you? Hmmm, I would want to hear them say that they are missing me. In all honesty, I am the type of person who always wants to be connected so if people wouldn’t see me then I would want them to miss my presence. I may be hard to deal with at times but I can be the clown. I may have my mood swings but I certainly can listen. I may have my own struggles but I can offer a shoulder. Hmpf! Getting emotional again! But there, if I am invisible I just want the people to miss me and long for my presence.
Third question: Best advice you ever got? With all things I am going through recently (here I go again) then it would have to be the advice that came from Grace and Ryan – be indifferent. Ignore the people who will just make you feel bad. Care not for the people who will just hurt you in the end. And look forward to a brighter life and a better you. I know this advice makes sense but is sometimes too difficult to abide with. I am getting there though, inch by inch, step by step.
Fourth question: If you could write about the rest of your life (and it would come true), what would happen this year? Hmm, I would be able to put up my business and be pre-occupied with it. Get a pet dog or build my dream aquarium. Attend my former boss’ wedding after my birthday celebration. Go out-of-town and relax. Be a godfather to one of Club T’s first born (Attention: She and Jojo!). If possible, teach or be back to school. And lastly, love again… I am still optimistic of course!
Last question: One day, you suddenly woke up and found that you were a Hollywood celebrity, what is the first thing you will do? Aha, I don’t want to be a Hollywood Celebrity to begin with. But if I would be then I would probably throw a party to be attended by of course, the Hollywood stars and I will invite my friends along. Imagine how grateful they would be to me chancing upon the likes of Tom Cruise, Brad Pitt, Julia Roberts, etc. etc. I am sure Ryan will volunteer to be my party organizer!
There it goes… Good night!
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