A HS Girl They Keep Asking Me About

I shouldn’t be complaining about this. Actually, I ain't. I just found the juice to write about it so what the heck? I might as well write it anyway so that if anybody would ask me again about it, I could point them to here.

So here it goes.

A few weeks back, I went to my HS Reunion. After 25 years, I got to see some old friends. Long chat, tons of drinks and food. There are lots of questions asked about me, being MIA for quite a long time. But there’s one thing constant about their questions—it is about a girl I got involved with in high school, from 2^nd year onwards. Almost everybody I bumped into is asking about her. Even people I know that shouldn’t know anything about it, knows! They kept asking me where is she, how many kids we have, why is she not around, as if I should know every detail of her.

Last Monday, my 3^rd year classmates had a small gathering at Flor Principio’s house. Among the topics of conversations are the GF’s, the BF’s, etc. After each and everyone have run out of questions, they turned to me. They said I am the most secretive among classmates but still they found out my relationship with this girl. As expected, they bombarded me with questions. Leo said: “Wala kang mapipiga dyan. Kung noon masikreto, lalo na ngayon.” Flor said “Alam ko kayo ni **** dati. Kumusta na sya?”

To cut a long story short, I told them she’s in NY. Been there since 2005, from a short stay here back in 2002. Was there first for about 11 years prior, came home but got itchy feet so she went back.

It’s funny, amazing, nearing incredible why I am still in her shadows, 27 years after the fact. Not that I hate it, I just find it very uncanny that people think we would end up together, be happy ever after. Are we that good a couple back then?

Sometime in 2002, when she got back from the States, she bumped into her good friend Carol at Greenbelt. First thing she asked her is: “O kumusta mister mong si Glenn?” She jokingly said nasa bahay at nagluluto, only to tell her later I am not her hubby.

Sometime in 2007, while crossing Electra Road at Abu Dhabi, I saw a lady in a denim jacket crossing the same street. She looks terribly familiar. At the center island, I asked her if she’s Torresian. She right away said, “Hoy Glenn!” It’s Luzviminda Belmonte, another former classmate. 

First question was “Kumusta ka na?” 

Second was “Si ****, sya ba nakatuluyan mo?” 

I broke into a laughter. I told her she’s not my wife. She’s in NY now. She replied “Ganun ba?” sensing a tinge of disappointment in her reply. Pati pala dito sa Middle East, patok pa rin love team namin.

Hard to believe how high school memories are so lasting, they surpassed the test of time, at least for twenty seven years of time. They still think I am the guy they can go to whenever there is trouble and that I can resolve their spats with other groups. I vividly remember bringing home a classmate, a 6’3” tall guy at that, in trouble with a group because of a girl he’s courting. 5 of them in the corner and they can’t touch him because he’s with me. I just waived to them and they let him pass, for now. Tomorrow’s another day for him to reckon with. He lived, though. He’s working now in a hotel.

Going back, I am still perplexed with their idea I ended up with her. Could we have been a good pair, husband and wife? No one knows. It didn’t happen so I can’t say for sure. One thing for sure, I am ok, she’s ok, I am good and she’s doing well just the same. I’ll leave it at that.

1982-1985 is a long time ago. I had good memories about that era I can tell my kid and grandkids, soon, about it. For now, I have to tackle 2011. Hope it brings better luck than the previous years have thrown at me.

So if anybody would care to ask again about her, feel free to go at the top of this page. Explanations are aplenty above. Happy reading!

The State Of Affairs In Our Country (And How Other Countries Could Be Laughing At Us Right Now

From hereon in, all Filipinos, if ever they have the chance, should steal millions in government funds and seize power in any unconstitutional way.

  

Why?

If you get caught stealing, go to jail for a few years, make sure you stole a lot, like hundreds of millions and then enter a plea bargain, thereby you can keep the half by returning to the government only the other half.

Make sure you get the best lawyers money can buy and make sure too, they have contacts with the judiciary so that they know how to cook beyond your usual menudo or mechado.

Why?

If you staged a failed putsch, go to jail, spend a few years there, wait and pray that the next administration is hostile to the previous one so that they will afford you a presidential pardon or amnesty.

For good measure, run for an elective position while incarcerated. Be the underdog. Pinoys love the kawawa. Millions flocked to the movies of FPJ wherein he was always beaten to a pulp and then will miraculously gain strength and then flushed all enemies.

Trashed a 5-Star hotel, if you have the chance, for added media mileage. The kind of news greenhorns and seasoned reporters love to cover.  Be the underdog again. Let the police and the military drag you to the ground while the cameras are clicking and the videocams running.

My goodness, where will this country still go far low when we are sinking a mile by the minute, as we speak!

To add more insult to injury, the government is questioning the plea bargain of a general, when all the while, they wouldn’t question the integrity of a soldier-turned adventurist-turned politician. So much for a Daang Matuwid. 

I am taking the crooked one now. At least it has no pretensions of being good and straight. Whereas the straight one is just for show but twisted as much as the crooked road.

Can’t we be honest, as a race, for once?

THS 85 Reunion

So I did go to my HS reunion. I am happy I did. There was more to it than meeting again old classmates and friends. I have been attending nearly all meetings on the last quarter of the year, onward to the reunion. I thought I’ve seen almost everybody I should see, until I saw two former schoolmates.

Committee officers were anxious I ain’t still in the venue. I made a bit of a promise to be there early morning and leave at lunch time and be back at reunion proper. With two errands to go (pick up folks at the airport, bring my family to Pampanga), I’d be lucky to be there in the last few minutes of the event.

Also, I have been assigned as one of the peace officers, along with Ojay Gatpandan (Mr. Kagawad) and Manny Galendez (Mr. US Navy-Semper Fi!), just in case somebody gets rowdy. Why I was assigned as such, mostly based on my reputation that I’ll explain later.

I arrived at 7.30pm, nearly halfway through of what is supposedly a 3-hour event (we all left at around 10.30pm with the rest of the officers remaining for more than an hour still).  The usual sneaker, nobody noticed me slipping in and watching the festivities happening while I sat in one of the table (I think it was Sec 3’s).Finally, when my classmates are agitated already (specifically Henry Samson, who came from Saitama, Japan), I showed up, telling them that I have been there all along and watching them.

The usual catching up was had. Good thing nobody asked me what am I doing. I have ready-made replies to that. Didn’t got to use it.

But there’s one person, a hulking one, that keeps smiling at me. I really didn’t have any idea who he was. A third year classmate, Ronald Rodriguez introduced me to him. He told me he is Mario. I nodded in acknowledgment but truth be told, I really have no idea. At the onset, I thought Mario Evaristo, a gentle giant of a classmate back in first year who I haven’t seen since graduation. He’s so big in height and width but so baby-like in movement. I used to call him Bondying. If I am right, then all I can say is, “Man, you didn’t changed!”. Then Mario told me about something, about a girl classmate (not gonna say who-it’s a giveaway) which not too many people knows about. Then it sunk to me---it’s Mario Pineda! My goodness, you grew a bulk pal! He was bit healthy even back then but he was quadruple of that size now.  

We had a long chat. I told him I remember him best always sitting at the concrete bench reserved for Mythology Class and that he always solve puzzles. He’d probably die if he couldn’t solve one in a day. Found out he‘s now based in Dubai, been there for 10 years now. I told him I had the privilege of working there too, DXB and ADH in 2007. I’ll probably never forget what he said to me, “Si Glenn, alala ko to, bad boy pero bright!”. Hahaha, I guess old trademarks do last!

As I mentioned early on, I was seated silently at the Sec 3 table. And there is this lanky guy, probably 5’10” tall silently seated too. Know him very well and I bet my ass he knows me all too well just the same. It’s Eugene, he was a friend back then. It was quite unfortunate that one drizzly day, a few weeks short of graduation day; he was having a bad day. I asked him what’s bothering him, in a friendly way, of course. But what I got was growl and a challenge for punch match. Ever the obliger, I gave him the go-ahead. We boxed at the side of the school and unfortunately for him, he was down on my first punch and kick (my shoe sole firmly imprinted on his chest). As I was pinning him down, the conscience in me stop the bout and picked him up. I told him we’re not enemies so we shouldn't be fighting. He got the message and he apologized. I should be the one apologizing as I inflicted unnecessary pain to him. I never saw him again---until reunion day.

We would encounter each other during the reunion but never got to talk until Mario or I think Noel Arbis called him up and say “Eugene, kilala mo pa ba to?” pointing at me. He replied “Oo naman, si Glenn yan!” , and then the handshake. It was 25 years in the making. I am glad it happened. Got a closure on that, finally.

The next person who got my attention, probably the most that did, was Charlie Serrano. Back in 3^rd year, he had a spat with one of my friend, Benjun’s brother (forgot his name already) and told me about it. I went looking for him to talk about it but instead, word got out that I will confront him. So he was battle-ready when we met up at 3^rd floor chemistry area. Armed with a walis tambo, I called him out. But he came charging in and hit me with the walis tambo handle. I fended it off with my left arm and amazingly, the handle broke into two upon hitting my left forearm. With so much rage, next thing I know, my fist in his forehead and he was sliding on his butt on the shiny floor.

That afternoon, he went to my classroom, with a band of classmates and friends, fearing he’d want revenge, i made myself ready for any eventuality. Turns out he wants to make peace, the other boys are there to make sure he’d straighten out. Never saw him again after graduation. Though we shook hands, I know deep in his mind, he’d like to crack me up one day.

Then came the Charlie Serrano of today. Reed thin, frail looking, walking like a broken stick, head held up high like with a stiffed neck. He’s a shadow of the Charlie we all know before---the CO of the ROTC. He was built like a rock back then. That’s why it is a wonder how on earth I have beaten him on a fist fight. It was an anomaly. I was barely 85 lbs then. Nobody should beat him, hand to hand or otherwise.

It is so sad to see people, friends or foes, in such state like Charlie. I asked him what happened to him. He said he has problems with his kidneys, probably of neglect or abuse. Depleted financially, he can’t afford any medication. I fear he might be at his last thread, I hope I am very wrong. I asked him if he still remember me. He said he’ll never forget. Whether he meant that positively or not, I let it pass. I told him to let bygones be bygones. I hold no grudge and I hope neither does he. He said it was a long time ago. I am glad he sees it that way too. I was thinking of hugging the guy but at his frail state and my bulk now, I might accidentally crush him. I settled for a well-meaning handshake.

Those are probably the reasons why I am assigned as Peace Officer. I guess they think I still have the punch (hahaha!). It’s hard shedding that image but it has some benefits just the same so I am keeping the tag.

If anybody would care to know and wouldn’t have nightmares remembering, these are the people that probably gave Batch 85 a bit of infamy:

Carlos De Guzman - at the top of the heap, probably uncontested there 

Arnold Motos - close second, at any bad day for Caloy, he’d definitely be at the top 

Ramil Olayres - distant third and I’d probably tied with him, both silent but w/temper

Arambulo & Jing Ngo - the rest of the group, not necessarily low in the scale but notorious as well 

I really never thought I would be remembered as such. I was hoping I’d be known otherwise. I have no qualms about it. I know myself. I can’t change the way people think about me. But just a reminder, just as body mass changes, so is the character. Happy to see you all again!

Back Off My Lotto Jackpot!

A congressman is tinkering with the lotto prizes and wants to peg the jackpot at P500M max. His take: kasi daw lahat tayo doon na naka-focus, mapamayaman, mahirap, makati executives, local politicians, senators and even congressmen. 

So what? Is that a crime? Pati ba naman mumunting pangarap at libangan ng mga mahihirap, although now it is a rich man’s hobby as well, eh ile-legislate pa nila?

Lotto, for most part, is an escape, a hallucinating drug, a looming opportunity, an extra-strength paracetamol for everyday pain of life all rolled into one on a P20 or P10 bet. And now a congressman is trying to be a killjoy. Come on! Don’t you ever have a better thing to do than this?

He said his purpose will benefit charity. Yun naman pala eh! Why not donate your vast land holdings and wealth to charity? Everybody happy pa! Dapat sinabihan na rin nya si Pacquiao na i-donate na lang prize money nya, anyway for a greater cause naman. So why didn’t he?

If you really are into a noble cause Mr. Congressman, why not start donating your salary, office budget and pork barrel to charity, your honor? If you can do that, I’ll be right behind, with my Grand Lotto P20 bet and my P10 bet for Lotto 6/42 & 6/45. I am sure others won’t be too far behind. For a noble cause naman eh!

http://www.abs-cbnnews.com/nation/11/24/10/lawmaker-wants-limit-lotto-jackpot 

Andres Bonifacio Day

Tomorrow, Nov 30 is Andres Bonifacio Day. Take time out to relive the words he said:

Aling pag-ibig pa ang hihigit kaya

Sa pagkadalisay at pagkadakila?

Gaya ng pag-ibig sa tinubuang lupa.

Aling pag-ibig pa?

Wala na nga, wala.

To those who enjoy the freedom they have today, you’ve got this guy to thank to. He’s so good with what he does and says, they have to kill him, by his own countrymen. 

Magdalo, we haven't forgotten. Blood on your hands!

High School Reunion for THS 1985

This coming December 18, at about 6pm, trivial pursuit will start unabashedly for THS Batch 1985. It may not stop well after dawn. It will be catching up time for those who missed old classmates, GF's, BF's, and lost opportunities, hoping they'll still be available (damn, they'd be a bit old to be GF or a BF, won't they?) or at best, they're "it's complicated". 

Preparations have been started for over a year so there's no stopping it now. I am quite sure it's gonna be a blast. 80's music, both pop and new wave never fails to ignite the passion or the dancing skills of a kid growing in that era. I am sure booze and music would be flowing like river.

Then the question: should I attend or not? 

Back in  the days, I wasn't really gaga over HS. For me it was a phase I needed to hurdle. Most people enjoy or consider high school as the best time in their life, probably 90% of the population. I guess I belong to the other 10% who didn't went ecstatic while I was there. I prefer college anytime of the day. It was more liberating for me, no more uniforms to wear, no more haircuts to have, no more adviser to haunt me like a nagging mother.

College gave me a breathing space I never knew I could have, never knew I could keep for as long I desired. All of a sudden, life was less structured, less disciplined but not necessary unruly. I still have to study well to get a degree, otherwise I'll be an overstaying bum wasting money at the onset of every semester.

It took me  21 years (sometime in 2006, on a Batch 66 GR) to go back to my high school. Not that I hate my school or my stay there, I had a nice time full of laughter and some high wire situations while I was there. I guess there wasn't really a great urge to drop by. The visit was ok, I met a number of old classmate and had some pizza, and booze after that. We had a nice time reminiscing.

Unlike with my college, it took me 11 years to go back (sometime in 2001, during a foundation day), after a somewhat eerie dream. Back then, we, as an organization, have a "Tambayan" and so are the other orgs and frats. Ours was quite unique as we have a concrete pond with a fountain where we can have fishes or other aquatic animals which in my case, one of my turtles. In my dream, I saw that the Tambayans, both ours (Horti-Soc and Agro) were demolished to give way for a construction of a new stage. A few days later, I decided to drop by at my college. Much to my surprise and chagrin, the pond was gone and so are the Tambayans.

Crap! Didn't I saw this happened in my dreams? Eerie? Maybe. Deja Vu? Perhaps. Sad? Hmmnn, not anymore. We all have to give way for modernity or improvement. They must have a good reason to do that so they have to. Besides, I don't own the place so how can I possibly object to it?

Fast forward to 2010. Another friend took over the helm of the Batch 85 Committee President. I was asked to help representing my section. Never really the leader but wouldn't be a follower, I took the responsibility. I pleaded, at times coerced, my classmates to donate to fund the numerous projects the committee undertook, the shining and gleaming stainless steel gate as the culmination. And now, the grand reunion.

Some attendees are from abroad, some residents/citizens of other countries, the others, OFW's. The rest opted to stay put and look for luck here. Some made good, some did OK, some not so. I probably belong in between the "did OK" and the "not so", tethering on both edges from time to time. Anyway, I live a very modest life and quite happy with it so no qualms. I have been around anyway so not really wanting so much. If opportunity knocks around, I'll take it but I won't chase it.

I don't mind people doing good in life. I am very happy with what they accomplished as I did some accomplishing too, myself. It's bragging it around that irks me the most. I am this, I am that. I did this, I did that. I've been there and there and the braggadocio can be endless. It would be a drag if the reunion is reduced to a report card announcement. If a classmate/batchmate ask me how I am doing or what I am doing, I intend to answer with the following lines:

    I am a pet psychiatrist! or
    I sell couch insurance. or
    I test-market positive thinking. or
    I lead a weekend men's group specializing in ritual fantasies. or
    I am the Head Janitor of Union Bank Plaza 

 

And that's what I am afraid of. The mood of joy and happiness might be dampened if not outright destroyed by those who wanna show off. Knowing me, as well the whole batch know me pretty well, I got a short fuse. Any moment of impropriety can light me up. I wish not to be a killjoy so I am reduced to avoiding the event or avoiding anything that can irritate me, provided I did attend.

So the question remains the same: should I attend or not? I'll take a rain check. It is still 4 weeks away. I'll soon see.