Virtually Unfolded

Having an online work would also mean running in circle of virtual friends, and that’s what I have since the past year that I have gone full blast in this so-called the web life. Having considered with you the question of what kind of personas dominate the zone, they are varied in sizes, smiles, words and all but I would say it matters not and to some degree it does. The only thing that matters the most is how fast and accurate you could type to make the conversation flowing and interesting. You see, the backbone of a person’s character cannot be well defined in the virtual community, because handshakes can be just graphically done through the emoticons and laughing out loud can be just a simple LOL. Sometimes, the web jargon can easily be interpreted as all hype, no emotions, no bonds, no real friendships. The language spoken has its own interpretation and meaning, just like the twittering or warbling of a bird, very distinct and very different. Some say that virtual is well just virtual….it is just surreal! But in my case, that’s far from the truth. I did form friendships…and a close one at that. And if you ask me if it is worth the faded keyboard and the calloused palm base, I would answer YES outright without a doubt! To this day, I am still a firm believer of the word “fate”. That fate comes in different packages, may it be small or gigantic, the experiences that you will encounter in life is your destiny and that you don’t only follow it but you also own it. You life is already packaged exactly the way you steer it and it is up to you to upgrade it or to leave it the way it is. And for some reason, I am one who pursues hard to see what’s behind the gesture of a small talk or kindness. I see people as unique creation other than my own and I treat friendships as wonderful treasures, including the ones I just formed. That is why I don’t let an opportunity pass by to get to meet in person the very people that keep me sane and insane at the same time amidst the call of la la la land when I am burning hours to finish work online. These are the very people that run in my virtual world and later dwell permanently in my real world. I have met and fathomed many personalities all throughout my existence, most of them stayed beyond years unthinkable, and some of them chose the life without me…but for those who stayed and have put up with me, I thank them beyond the word of gratuity. I am proud to have them…and in this very rare case of having a virtual world, I have extra special words for them. Unfolded before my very eyes is the subtle yet felt way of caring of Isabelle or Diwa as we fondly call her. She may filter much of her personal information but readily opens up when given the opportunity. We act as shock absorbers to each other, I could rant my heart out to her and vice versa. But in between those pouring out moments we know our relationship is not only confined to the face of the screen in front of us. I treat her as my younger sister though most of the time I act the other way around as she could just give me those timely advises I desperately need. That’s Diwa for me, the pretty little girl who drive s a pretty little car. 

Next closest to my heart is Glen, my virtual “lolo”, the solo backpacker from Davao cum Afghan war remnant cum HR specialist. I just started having conversation with him about work and ended having a lot of LOL moments. I like chatting with him as we can express ourselves in our native dialect, it makes the scandal more scandalous and gossips much magnified.  There was never a day that we didn’t get to talk about the candidates, the funny messages or irritating messages we get from them and what not? Then when we are both satisfied with our work output, we celebrate it with NAICHA! That’s Glenn for me, the only person who took my tantrums as just a girl thingy!

The first person I met first among my virtual family is Claire, the small, poetic girl from Davao who takes HR job so seriously that when her candidates fall short of the score threshold, she would die a little bit inside. She gave me another perspective when it comes to writing, she writes more sense than me, but I interject another facet of reality to her protected life that made us good friends even if she already left the recruitment team. That’s Claire for me, the girl who still believes in the sincerity of sending Christmas cards through snail mail.

Next person I had a chance to know more is Jo, my inviter buddy. She believes in toeing the line all the time. She never strayed from what is the norm and though we do see things differently, we always agree to give the best output as a team and that made things easy for us. After 3 small cups of Starbucks refillable water and a tall glass of iced tea, I got to learn the other side of Jo, and that is our similarities in our single blessedness. That is Jo for me, the woman who prefers fresh air from the farm rather than the excruciating heat in the city. The one guy who I don’t talk much on chat but got to know in person is Kyle. He looked more mature in his picture than in person, and I am glad I saw that in him as I would forever wonder if we are of the same age just basing my opinion on the virtual things I see.  I admire him for helping himself take out the bad habit of smoking from his system. I hope I can use him as my model to do the same. Funny thing is when he was smoking his e-cig inside the coffee shop, my foot was raring to kick his ass off because of envy, good thing they agreed to go out to give me the chance to smoke real filtered cigarettes. Oh for now, I prefer the odd taste of my Marlboro reds.  That’s Kyle for me, the baby in the family but has the same habits as his older virtual sibs. 

Next guy I took the chance to meet in person is Bingo, but I prefer calling him by his real name: Modesto. Given the fact that he is half Korean and half Filipino, I would like to see him more Filipino in his ways and calling him Modesto would sound more nationalistic, right? Bingo is one recruitment team member who gives sunshiny thoughts to your gloomy morning when he would paste senseless but thoughtful messages in the chatroom. Whatever you tell him to do, he would readily say yes although it doesn’t mean he would do it right away.  I had the privilege to stamp a milestone achievement to my life when he introduced me to Korean drink SOJU. It tested my alcohol intake capacity and when I was already seeing doubles, he was gracious enough to take me to the nearest Starbucks. Thanks to him for bringing me to that Korean bar which name he cant remember even if he always frequented the place.  That’s Bingo for me, unpredictable and loud yet funny and sensible inside. The last person I am going to talk about is our Recruitment Team Manager Angel who acts as a glue that holds us strong as a sourcing department. She speaks impeccable English, very polished and very fluent. I admire her for handling us all with grace though sometimes we don’t know if we should befriend her or just plainly fear her.  When I met her in person, I realized that I could just be myself with her, and that I could talk about things the way HUMAN BEINGS do. Not only that she gave us the chance to have a time to bond with each other, she also shared part of her with us openly and that is one precious memory I would always cherish about her. That’s Angel for me, fierce yet friendly. 

In this life, the opportunities you have to be a friend to someone else will always be there. It could happen while in line in a grocery store or while having your hair done in a parlor. Take those chances, because the life you share with other people is the testimony of the life you have lived. In every person that you touch base with, you will always have something you can teach or learn. Friendship is just like any other relationship, you need to keep it constantly nurtured so it would grow healthy and sound along with your character and outlook in life. I am thankful that even if my life revolves around the virtual world, I do still have opened doors to make friends, and the people I mention above are just few of them. One friend of mine commented that since I became full time with my online job I became anti-social, he just doesn’t know that the party never ends in the virtual world.  Pizza and beer can be ordered in just few clicks and laughs can be rolling over the floor or just simply laughing out loud.

That’s my virtual family for me, seems like just an imagination but so REAL to me!

Captured joy

Memories of this photo go beyond the minute of the shot. It is worth the countless times I spent daydreaming, the sacred time I spent praying for you and the time reliving it all.

I owe it to you for making me smile beyond no reason at all! Thank you Nick for the sweet memories!

Is it wrong for me to love you or is it the other way around?

I met you when there was so much going in my life. I didnt even care how your hair would glisten in the sun, nor notice the quaint flick in your eyes. There was nothing I'd miss about you not until I spent those nights with you. Then I was blown away.

You had this sad look in your eyes, a timid smile wanting to smile more, a humor with pain and shyness with embarassment. How could I not be drawn to you when you always wanted to hold my hand? How could I not care when I already begun?

You told me that you do not like the work that you do, I told you that I don't question it. You told me that its been a while since you have been home, I told you you are far because of home. You told me that you cant afford to waste time, I told you to not worry because your efforts will be rewarded. You told me that you don't want to be a burden to me, I told you to lay it down on me so I can unburden you. After all things have been said and done, I thought I have succeeded in putting back that elusive smile on your face....was I so wrong?

You told me youd stay, but after you held my hand, you slipped away. You are gone....I have to accept that. But why? I have learned that you stopped reporting to work and later resigned. Why? You just quit communicating,why? These are all questions that remain so until now...why?

Then I remember what you told me the night we were at the beach...you told me that you don't want to fall in love because along with it comes pain. Did I ever cause you pain or were you meaning to warn me?

Is there someone else that I'm not supposed to love you or is it because you refused to admit the way you feel towards me? Is it wrong for me to love you or is it the other way around?

From the song that we both like, please say something for me to believe in...

Touching Base with O'Sheila Panal Boag

When you have friends whom you havent seen for a long time, there's a sort of dead air once you get to see each other again...but that's not the case with friends with whom you share so much sweet memories with, thats not the case between Sheila and me... She is my friend way back in college ( we went to different universities) who I lost contact with for almost 20 years...(hmmm, dont ask my age now...:-))I was the Godmother of her son...I knew that she had a hard life back then, studying, raising a child and trying to make a living at the same time. Life for me then was a breeze, I had a good life...my Dad provided well and I didnt have to go through what my friend went though. As fate would dictate, we saw each other again on a social networking site, a frendship was rekindled and is still lighting up...nothing has changed except that she is a very successful businesswoman now, married to a foreigner and enjoying life immensely. Im truly happy for my friend, as she has not lost her enthusiasm for loving life the way we did when we were still teenagers...and thats what reconnected us.

Twice she visited me here and vice versa...all those meet ups, we would be laughing so hard, paint the town red and ends the trip with a smile in our hearts. Having those special times with Sheila always lifts my spirits up....and always, I go back the memory lane and savor those times that indeed we are really friends...come high come low!



Im quite sentimental when it comes to my friends, they are my strength and inspiration. I hold them dear to my heart and it goes without saying that I love them. It feels good to know that along the different journeys each one treads, you meet someone on crossroads with familiar experiences and you just dont let go...thats why touching base with her is a blessing to me...not only for the good times that we share but for special treatment that she gives me whenever im with her...with gratefulness in my heart, Sheila is a lifetime's worth of a blessing to me...Here's to our friendship TIYA!!! Love you!!!

Correspondence: Email letters

I am sharing my email to a friend who just came by to visit me last weekend..and her reply to that email, I am so blessed to have good friends!!!

-----Original Message-----
From: Juvy Manalastas [mailto:juvym@asianlife.com.ph]
Sent: Wednesday, April 13, 2011 4:24 PM
To: eunicel@asianlife.com.ph
Subject: Goodbye and see you soon
Hello girl, sorry wasn’t able to reply to your messages anymore…I ran out of load… 

Anyway, I want to thank you for making time for me and my friends…or shall I say your CUZNS!!! I had a good talk-time with you and though we don’t hang out much when Im there I know that I got a special place in your heart. So please know that you have a friend in me too!!

I suck at goodbyes too, that’s why I don’t really kiss or hug when going separate ways…it makes me equally sad…  But that’s life, let’s just take each day apart as another day nearer to when we see each other again…

I hope you had a grand time here girl. I hope it gave you another perspective on how family is…its structure, composure and importance. Im happy that you are bridging the gap between you and your siblings….thats a lot of effort to do and I salute you for that… hoping you could visit more…maybe bring along our friends…..that would be so much more exciting… 

Take care always and again, thanks so much…mwah!!!

JUVY N. MANALASTAS
BSA - Dumaguete Branch
139 Real St., Dumaguete City
(035) 2261998/4220786
VOIP: 723
________________



Her reply:

RE: Goodbye and see you soon
Eunice Llaguno [eunicel@asianlife.com.ph]
Sent: Thu 4/14/2011 9:33 AM
To : juvym@asianlife.com.ph


Girl okay lang kahit this morning ko na to nabasa... at least makakapag-emote and medyo mahaba ang reply :)

Thank you Bang for spending your time with me. Oist...BONGACIOUS ang stay ko dyan. As in!!!! Ina-nnounce ko na sya dito. Though di ko muna sinabi na ikaw ang sponsor sa hotel unless okay lang sa yo na sabihin ko yun.

I enjoyed being with my CUZIN(S). Kung hindi lang parang drained ang powers ko nung last night ko, kahit 'til dawn sana. Kasi enjoy pa... Siguro dahil sa "activity" namin nung afternoon kaya walang natirang energy nung sa Hayahay... Hehehe...

Sayang din yung meeting namin ni Andy... may sanib na ko. Bad Trip!!! kaya madami pa ko na babalikan diyan....

Kaya for now, "let’s just take each day apart as another day nearer to when we see each other again…" Na-sad ako when I went out of the office yesterday. Kaya nga buti na lang madalian yung alis para hindi ramdam. Pero nung nasa airport na, ang bigat na naman sa loob. Told you, napag-usapan ka namin ni Daddy Jords... Nalulungkot siya na you are alone and you are not eating the right food.... Oy this is not to discourage you ha? Kasi madaming single na masaya and positive sa buhay and you are one of those. Nasasabi nya yun kasi kay Daddy Jords family ang nakakapagpasaya. Nasabi pa niya na buti na lang daw supported si Zak nila Philip pare hindi ka na masyado stressed sa bagay na yan. Baka pwede pa naman daw kayo ni Philip. Sabi ko, mukhang di uubra yun. Alam mo ba na sabi ba naman hanapan kita? E wala nung qualifications na gusto mo yung di nag-iiwan ng shorts kung saan saan... walang topak... hihihi!!! Pero kelangan mo daw talaga ng someone to take care of you... Yung complement mo... hehe... hopeless romantic talaga asawa ko. Hahaha!!!

Ay naku Bang! talagang we will have more good times pa... diyan sa Dumaguete and kahit dito sa Manila. And "though we don’t hang out much when Im there" basta may chance and magmeet ang schedule, AT INIWAN ka ng lahat, tayo ang gigimik! I like good "talks".... Kahit anu-ano lang... di kelangan mag-isip ng sasabihin yung comfortable ka magkwento na hindi ka huhusgahan.... At yun yung isa sa na-eenjoy ko sa yo....

You are one of those few na may ganiyang level sa buhay ko. Kaya ngayon, na alam mo na, na you've "got a special place in (my)your heart.", I am letting you "know that you have a friend in me too!!" At di na kelangan i-memorize pa... Ibang level naman kasi ang friendship natin e. Hindi kelangan lagi ang usap para i-validate ba na "o kaibigan pa rin ba tayo? o may nagbago ba sa atin? o baka may iba ka ng friend kaya echa pwera na ko...". Ang view ko sa friendship natin is the type that you keep. And that special place that our friendship has in our lives, will always be reserved for that friendship alone na walang pwedeng makapalit.

Enjoy the rest of the day... Matagal ako mag-compose madami palapit lapit... May nagkukwentuhan... Etc... Finally, I've come to my "dead-end"... Take care din Girl and Thank you ulit...

Love you po...

NICE

The Other Side of Negros

I have been to Bacolod City few times already, but the last trip I had was special because I went there for a good cause. My friends and I joined the Masskara Fun Run for the benefit of the Negros Forest, and as part of Mountaineering Club, I am in such a way honored to be part of this event.

I headed off to Bacolod on October 8th along with my 7 friends. Bacolod City by the way is west side of Negros, known as "The City of Smiles" and "Football Capital of the Philippines" which is a highly urbanized midsize city and the capital of Negros Occidental. It's a 6 hour drive from "The City of Gentle People". (Dumaguete City)

The run was a success, I finished a decent time of 43mins for the 5k run and my other friends did well too in their 10K run. I was amazed at the oldest runner who did a great run for his 10k and to think that he is already 72 years old. (That was such a slap on my butt :-} )....

We have maximized our time there by visiting the most awesome places there is. We did malling, visited the downtown church, tasted and savored their food specialty which is the manok inasal, raved at the nice masks being displayed in almost all establishments, snapped pictures at the RUINS then ended our trip with a spa dip at Mambukal Mountain Resort.

I did not only help the organizers of the run funds for the Negros Forest but I also had so much fun while in that city. I could go there anytime again soon and still would visit the same places I went to last weekend and maybe travel farther to places I havent been to yet 'coz I know would it give me the same sweet experiences...

I will leave you with these pictures and I'm sure you will agree with me....

Dining OUT!

They have these decorations that are quite artsy....local materials are used, formed into something that is pleasing to the eyes...this one is hanging by the window, with some lights on it, it would sure highlight some areas of that small nook outside the resto...


this post has bricks nicely piled around the base....it gives a little something to talk about...


Garden salad: the usual lettuce, tomatoes, cucumber and some dressing....healthy and crunchy!



Kubyertos


Chicken Milanese: deep fried battered chicken breast with gravy sauce


This menu holder is made of popsicle sticks, a child can very well do this, but as a project...its quite unique huh?


One hint of being local: pots with water cascading from one to another...an ambience of serenity..


Dining here in Boston Cafe will give you a feel of mixed cultures...the art gallery is surefire hit to the scrutinizing eyes of the creative ones, the food, mostly pizza and pasta can draw all-age crowd, while the ambience outside can make you feel a little relaxed and comfy...


Resto hunting and food tasting has been always a pleasure for me...


and how can you complain when you are in the company of people who makes it more memorable??

Addicted to Friends...

These pictures were taken during my recent visit to Cebu. These are friends that I dont see much but I miss much. One picture was with Roxanne Mendoza Alano. She is based in the US now and havent seen here in a while. Although our meeting was due to the passing of her dad, still it was one opportunity I didnt want to miss. This lady was my strength during those times I was trying to find my place in the sun. Shes funny, witty and very lovable. I stayed with her in UP Diliman while she took some crash course in photography, and boy we had a blast! It was one of my memories with her that I smile everytime I reminisce it.

The other picture is with my friends Johannes and Jovicar, in the middle is my son Zach. This was taken in the place of Johannes when we eagerly watched the Pacquiao - Hatton fight. It took us hours to plan this event with all the works, but we were dismayed on how soon Hatton was knocked down...good thing we didnt pay the usual per view fees...

As what I said in my status message, the sun shone on a beautiful flower and indeed its a beautiful day to honor friends and remember them...

This crazy thing called.....................SHIT!

My out-of-town vacations are always well planned. Prior to my booking, I have already confirmed schedules of the people I plan to meet, set them up to fit my itinerary. For my latest Manila trip, it was already planned months before, and I have been calling each one of my friends to set up "appointments" with them. I had to make sure that I had ample time allotted for each group so that my trip would be full - (read: no dull moment)..that's why, I had a longer break this time, I booked for 5 days in my favorite hotel. Made sure I got the first flight in, and the last flight out to maximize my time.

My first day was a surprise, Yman - my best-friend for 5 years met me up earlier than scheduled. He went to my hotel at 3pm when we were supposed to meet after dinner. So we went to the nearest mall and bought us some booze...Tequila Cuervo Gold...We drank it while we waited for others...Came Justin around dinner time, followed by Ping...

After the bottle of tequila, we bought Red Horse for "washing"...I didnt drink much of the beer though since I promised myself to slow down on it this 2009...( belly problems...u know) We then went to a bar called Socialites down Remedios st...we just had few bottles there and coffee ( Yman was wasted at this time)...then we went to Chowking for some hot noodles...that was it for my first night..great company and great time...

My second day was mixed up...Maya who was supposed to stay with me for the night ( and which was supposed to be just a night of catching up with her) cancelled and told me she'd come the next day, so since I had no other plans for the day, I decided to see people at my head office...there we planned to go out and of course had to ask the very person I was so excited to see and hang out with. He said yes to my invitation, in fact, he even told me that he didnt file for an overtime which was like saying " see, Im doing this for you.."...the plan was set, we were to meet at TopGrill just located at the back of the building where our head office was....I was with Keren for dinner then we just waited for others to follow. Viel was the first one to arrive, then followed by Karl and Majid...This Majid guy is a lifesaver for me, he was funny...and just the right person to be with when tension rises up. The night passed by without me noticing "his" absence when he texted and confirmed that he cant really come for shit reasons...Of course, I got hurt deep inside, but I didnt show it since the people I was with that time are new acquaintances....In fact, I was convincing myself that it wasnt planned at all and I shouldnt be expecting anything coz my schedule with him was really Friday...I had great company that night, signing in to my hotel at 330am...

Then third day came, the biggest day for me...I waited for Maya who took forever to arrive. I didnt confirm anymore who was coming or not coz I really expected that this was already set even before I came to Manila. Maya arrived at 4pm, then we hurriedly went to the Head Office...the same people I was with last night confirmed attendance, then while waiting for others to wrap up their respective errands at the office, I learned that "he" had other plans....This really got me...He knew that I was there to see him and I made it known to him. In fact, in one of our talks prior to my trip, he also told me that he was excited to see me...I didnt have the guts to ask him again, so I gave him the cold shoulder..( I guess, thats just how women reacts when disappointed)This was another equally great night for me, we had tequila, lambanog ( local booze) and beer...We just hung out in my hotel room...The last person to follow was Sir Chris, "his" supervisor....that was when I thought maybe, Sir Chris could convince him to come over....but he wasnt answering the calls. I then thought, what the heck, I should pester him now while I am still under the influence of the booze ( excuses! excuses! excuses!)...To my dismay, he was rejecting all my calls....and then he texted me hurtful words..telling me that I dont have the right to get angry at him sicne he already gave his explanation on the first night he didnt show up....and it puzzled me...Why did he react that way? Why was he so angry at me? And what did I say to make him say that?

With the disappointment and hurt all combined, I broke down....really broke down. I had to cry in the restroom since my bed was crowded with people...and most of them were already sleeping...I had the chance to talk to Majid and Maya one after the other, but still it didnt answer the nagging questions in my mind. Who did he talk to while I was there and told him that I said so many bad things about him? And why didnt he confront me earlier? Why took the risk of losing everything and timed it when I was there to visit him? God, I was ont he verge of going wherever he was at that moment....just to slap him hard...but hey, I got me thinking, who does he think he is anyway?

I never slept at all...morning came and I woke everybody up, asking them if they have talked to "him" by chance and told him anything that could make him react that way...everybody denied everything..and I believed them...there's only one person in my mind who I know she is capable of doing it to me...and while talking to Karl about it, the picture was getting clearer. I couldnt understand why people go such lengths of putting down others just not to be outshone...I know they are close, and I know the girl always get jealous when Im getting close to "her" friends...in fact, she wants everything that I have, she wants everything that I give to other people. Thats how envious she is...I got close to her friends than she ever was and that she couldnt take, so what she does and create conflicts between people. And this was a classic example of how mean she could be...Of course, Im still hurt, not by him but by her also...They have topped with sadness the great vacation that I had...and all i could do is charge it to experience.

One thing I learned though is that the world is still so big for me, there are far greater people than the people I admire...they are just waiting for me to say "hi" to them..and Im so blessed to having met these new friends in my life...They make me laugh, they make life so beautiful....Im sure we will have more fun in the coming days...and I hope it will be here where I live...God Bless Karl, Maya, Keren, Viel, Chris, Glady, Sherwin, Yman, Ping, Justin, Aleli and Majid...I love you guys!

Tribute To Friends

True friendship is about putting your feet up and knowing that someone is there to bail you out when the world might walk out on you. Besides, as a support system in today's hectic world, friends are the most reliable sources for social, intellectual and creative stimulations.

In the present fast pace age of nuclear families where people have little time to spend with each other, friends have become indispensable. Then there are times when we find it tough to discuss matters with our family members or even with our spouses ( for Kristine's case) it is on occasions such as these that friends come to our support. They guide us and become our pillar of strength when we need them most. And the best part is we don't really need to put things in words when communicating issues to our best friends. Most often friends understand us, just by looking at us or hearing our voice. This heart-to-heart bonding is what makes friendship so exclusive, setting it apart from all other relationships.

I always miss these girls....

Treasured MOMENTS: CAPTURED

Those were the good old days....

"One loyal friend is worth ten thousand relatives." --~ Euripides



"Friends show their love in times of trouble..." --~ Euripides



"An inexhaustible good nature is one of the most precious gifts of heven, spreading itself like oil over the troubled sea of thought, and keeping the mind smooth and equable in the roughest weather."--Washington Irving




"Humor is laughing at what you haven't got when you ought to have it."--Langston Hughes




"I am a great friend to public amusements, for they keep the people from vice." --Samuel Johnson



"There is always some frivolity in excellent minds, they have wings to rise, but also stray." ---Joseph Joubert

memories of summer

Friends for LIFE!

Good Friends, Great Company!