The Heart Bleeds Maroon (For a Day)

I’ve wanted to do something different for quite some time now, just to break the monotony of my post-graduate life, and I did just that…by going back to school.

My good friend Jan invited me to attend his morning class so I can have a little taste of the life of a UPLB student. Little did I know that it would turn out to be a complete three course meal, because I wound up staying in Elbi for a solid twelve hours, my longest stay there in nearly five years.

The day started out with a fun drive from Calamba to Los Banos with Jan (he happily welcomed the change from his typical jeepney commute). We managed to get to the classroom with ten minutes to spare. The subject was Entrepreneurship 1, and it was in the CEM Function Hall. It’s basically a function hall that was converted into a classroom. The first time I attended a large class in UPLB was in high school during our Statistics days…but this is the first time I attended a REALLY LARGE class. There might have easily been over 120 students there, and there were still quite a number of empty seats. The class began at 9 and ended at 9:50.

Thoughts and Observations:

• There were a lot of students, both men and women, who wore pambahay outfits to the class (t-shirts, playing shorts, slippers). Although this wasn’t much of a surprise, I was definitely amused (and slightly jealous that I don’t have the guts to wear something as comfortable as those to school).
• There were quite a few people who did wear fashionable clothes, and I applaud them.
• There were so many people in that class. I felt the need to emphasize that again. The amount of people there could easily be from four different sections in the Ateneo, but this is only one section.
• The class is so huge that anyone can sleep or play games in their phone and the professor wouldn’t even notice. A few people did exactly those.
• Air conditioned classrooms are the best.
•  Entre 1 is actually a very interesting class! It’s like an hour long seminar that you can attend for extra points. It didn’t feel like a regular class.

I also got to experience an integral part in the life of a UPLB student: walking kilometers in the sweltering heat. It wasn’t fun at all.

Thoughts and Observations:

• Rain or shine, UPLB students use their umbrellas. I can’t blame them. It’s practically a necessity there.

I got to hangout with Jan’s girlfriend (and also a good friend of mine), Mely. We visited her in her apartment before going to Cocina for some coffee. Immediately after, we went to Chubby Habbi’s for lunch.

Thoughts and Observations:

• Hangout at someone’s apartment – a big check on my UPLB student checklist.
• I’m a big fan of Cocina. I love the ambience and the food is always good. It wasn’t my first time, but it’s always great to chill there.
• CHUBBY HABBI’S WAS AMAZING. The food is pretty cheap and they taste authentically Mediterranean. It surprised me that UPLB has greater food finds than Katipunan.

I was supposed to only attend one class, but I thought it will be fun to attend the 1pm Economics 11 class in CEMFH, especially since I hold a degree in Economics. I couldn’t have been more wrong.

Thoughts and Observations:

•  No matter what university you’re in, Economics will never be a fun subject to learn.
• I found myself thinking “how the hell am I a legitimate holder of an Economics degree?” many times throughout the class.
•  I loved the look on everyone’s faces when the professor began to explain the economic models.
• I GOT TO TAKE A REAL UPLB SURPRISE QUIZ. I was also pleasantly surprised to know that I got a four out of five. I guess I did learn something from my four years of studying economics!
• ¼ Yellow Pad for a quiz? That’s a thing?

The rain fell after class, and it fell hard. My shoes were soaked and with the strong winds, my umbrella hardly kept me dry. The students who wore slippers to school definitely had the advantage over the others. Jan and I met up with RJ in Nicdao. We were there at around 2:30…and stayed there until 7:30. Those five hours went by FAST.

Thoughts and Observations:

• Chilling in a bahay kubo during heavy rain and strong winds is actually quite fun (if you’re willing to get a little bit wet).
•  Drink a bottle of beer in the afternoon – another big check in my UPLB student checklist.

Mely, Jan, and I then had dinner at a sisig place near Ellen’s Fried Chicken. I forgot the name, but damn was their sisig good! It was a great way to cap off my day as a UPLB student. I got to know UPLB more, and yet, it still feels like as it did before…

Home.

My Favorite Pictures From High School

I spent the best four years of my life in UPRHS. Here are some of the pictures that bring back so many memories.

My only "close-up" picture from Freshman year. Thank God there isn't more. (2007)

Ipil 2007-2008. I'm the blurred bald guy in the back. (2007)

The meanest (and funniest) picture from Sophomore year. (2008)

My Ely Buendia Picture from the Subic Field Trip. (2008)

Reigh and his random carton of milk. (2008)

My roommates during the Subic Field Trip (and also the first time to really bond with Jan and Papi). (2008)

The men of Katmon 2008-2009. (2008)

Reigh's "Voyeur" Picture. (2008)

Katmon 2008-2009 Christmas Party. (2008)

Ascend. (2009)

We were inseparable during Junior year. (2009)

This was what I had to deal with every day. (2009)

Mahogany's Best Group Ever. (2009)

After this test shot, he posed like Justin Bieber and requested to be photographed. (2009)

In our second favorite tambayan during Junior year. (2009)

The Super Robot Monkey Team Hyperforce Go! (2009)

The "Mayor and His Two Guards" photo. (2009)

Team huddle before the game. (2009)

Intrams Men's Softball. (2009)

After I gave him the "best shirt ever". (2009)

The time I spent 3k on food for my 15th birthday. (2010)

The only photo that I have of the Prom King and Queen Dance. (2010)

Post-JS Prom with Bryan's random extension cord. (2010)

I promise, it's not what you think. (2010)

Mahogany 2009-2010 get together at Jan's resort. (2010)

This group picture. (2010)

The class picture that can seriously offend a lot of people (but we love it anyway). (2010)

The best batch board ever. (2010)

The jamming session at Yakal when Gio had an idea to form a band, which eventually became "Rock, Paper, Scissors". (2010)

Intrams Softball. (2010)

Men's Softball Champions. (2010)

My favorite shot from the Seniors' Ilocos Field Trip. (2010)

This barkada photo. (2010)

That time Jan stole a shot that I thought of...and nailed it. (2010)

The Blue Blanket shot for our musical teaser. (2010)

The Blue Blanket shot for our musical teaser #2. (2010)

"The Producers" Teaser. (2010)

During practice for "The Producers". (2010)

This light moment. (2010)

The Christmas Party where Mei-ann and I matched tops. (2010)

The best shot from our musical. (2011)

The most gorgeous photobomber ever. (2011)

This candid photo from our last JS Prom. (2011)

At our last He-Aggie Fair. (2011)

The unbelievable photo that captured one of Shobe and I's favorite memories (Hint: look at the background). (2011)

I promise, it's not what you think #2. (2011)

One of our last days in UPRHS. This photo hasn't seen the light of day until now. (2011)

The very last time I wore a UPRHS uniform. (2011)

Here's What I Know About...Being In A Relationship

First, a confession.

I'm not really a master of love and relationships. I've only been in one serious relationship my whole life, I've been busted a few times, I've never done something that's over-the-top-sweet to win a lady's heart, and I suck at making the first move.

Whatever blessings I have today, I received mostly through sheer luck (and a hell of a lot of effort). I have a lot to thank the universe for, basically.

I've been in a relationship for nearly three years now, and every single day has been a learning experience. Here are some of the things I know about being in a relationship.

1. Overthinking is useless.

I'd like to think that overthinking is a side effect of caring too much. However noble that may sound, overthinking has never brought anything positive to a relationship. It's also a sure-fire way to wreck one's mood and ruin his day. Relationships are never perfect, so it's important to do yourself a favor from time to time and stop overthinking. 

Love more, doubt less.

2. Never stop adapting to changes.

"Sa una lang daw masarap ang pag-ibig..."

- Bamboo

The beginning of a relationship will always be the standard of perfection. It's the period of getting to know each other in a deeper level and experiencing a lot of things together for the first time. The little things that make the relationship special are also established at this point, and the memories are some to cherish forever. However, change will always happen. The small, but special things will disappear and the established habits will change...

and it's normal.

Change is a sign of growth. Failure to adapt to these changes can result in missing out on something wonderful, something that's possibly better than before.

3. It helps to lessen your expectations.

Expecting too much will always lead to disappointment. Always choose to be happy. Lower your expectations, and everything else will follow.

4. Always treat your partner with respect.

There's never a good reason to be rude to anyone, even more to your partner. One wrong judgment can deal a serious blow to the relationship, so be cool. Strive to be a perfect gentleman or lady at all times. It's easy if you try.

5. Selfishness has no place in a relationship.

Although it's tempting to demand for something from time to time, it's important to know whether a demand is crossing the line from considerable to nearly impossible. If you fail to understand that, then you're being selfish. Being in a relationship means being part of a team, and your partner's happiness is just as important as yours. Learning to be sensitive and considerate will go a long way.

6. Swallow your pride from time to time.

Just do it. It won't make you less of a man or woman. It shows that you truly care for your partner and the relationship more than yourself, and that's admirable. 

7. Past is past.

Whatever happened in the past is better to be left in the past. Don't carry the pain or disappointment of before into the present or future. It won't only affect you mentally, but it will also put a strain on your relationship.

Learn to forgive. Learn to forget. Learn to move on.

8. Don't quit.

Contrary to the ideologies of every romantic-comedy film, relationships are never a walk in the park. One has to make a lot of sacrifices in order for it to work...

but it's so damn worth it.

"Walang forever" is for quitters. Don't ever quit on the person you love. 

The Five Best Songs of Sugarfree

I love music and "Top __" lists, so here's another one of their love children.

I was a solid fan of OPM years ago, but since 2007/2008, the quality of local music has been on a steep decline (at least in my opinion). Aside from a handful of songs, including Sponge Cola's "Kay Tagal Kitang Hinintay", any song by Ourselves the Elves, and in my opinion the best OPM song in recent memory, Gloc 9's "Sirena", there aren't many songs to remember. Nowadays, when I watch Myx, a favorite channel of mine back then, all I see are pop songs from the US and Korea. Whenever there are OPM-specific shows, most of the music are downright terrible (Special mention: Julian Trono's Wiki Me) while the rest are relatively average. Kim Chiu, Enchong Dee, and Daniel Padilla? No thank you.

That's why when I listen to music, I always find myself listening to songs from the 90's to the early 2000's. If anyone asked me what's my favorite local band, the answer is a no brainer for me: Sugarfree.

Ebe Dancel's songwriting is legendary, and the lyrics to his songs are as honest and straightforward as it could get. As my love for OPM grew when I was a kid, Sugarfree was one of the first bands I listened to. I guess you can say they were instant favorites of mine. Of course, it helps that Ebe Dancel graduated from my high school, UPRHS (I just had to point that out). 

So, enough with the introduction. Here are my top five favorite songs by Sugarfree:

5. Burnout - Sa Wakas

"Kung iisipin mo, di naman dati ganito. Kay bilis kasi ng buhay, pati tayo natangay."

This one just barely beat another favorite of mine, "Kwarto", and it did because of one simple reason: the melody.

4. Kandila - Dramachine

"Sorry di kita hinabol. Sorry kung tayo'y malabo. Maya maya lang ay may ilaw na, pero sana malaman mo. Magkailaw man, madilim pa rin...kung wala na...kung wala ka."

One word to describe this song: heartbreaking. This one always gets me.

3. Tulog Na - Dramachine

"Tulog na. Hayaan na muna natin sila. Mamaya, hindi ka na nila kaya pang saktan."

Who doesn't love this song, really? It's a classic example of the time when OPM was so good.

2. Kung Ayaw Mo Na Sa Akin - Tala-Arawan

"Kung hindi ka na babalik, araw araw na akong gigimik. Kung malayo ka na ay malaya na ako."

I remember when I watched the Myx Daily Top Ten everyday just so I can watch the music video of this song. It's a fantastic hymn for the heartbroken Filipino who's too cool to shed tears.

1. Cuida - Dramachine (Repackaged)

"Kung hawak ko lang ang panahon, wala nang kahapon at bukas, meron lang ngayon. Nais kong maging saysay ng aking buhay ay bigyan ang iyo ng kulay."

Sugarfree didn't release this as a single, and it's a shame 'cause it's truly their best song. It's also one of the sweetest and most honest OPM love songs ever. Don't believe me? Give it a try.