Graduation Day

April 7, 2001 – High School graduation. Graduated with honors, 3^rd in academic rankings for the special science curriculum of a private Catholic all-boys school in Baguio (famous alumni: Rustom Padilla; famous kickout: his brother, Robin). It was a great day as I stood proud and confident, and so were my parents who were seated on the row with other honor students’ parents.

Aside from being an honor student, I was awarded the Gerry Roxas Leadership. This was a surprise award since it was only given and announced on the graduation day itself. This award had been special to me since I had not expected it to come. It was the only leadership award given at my school (we have no PGMA leadership award), for years it had been always ‘issued’ to the graduating CAT corps commander. This time, it was given to an Eagle scout.

My father even became prouder since he too was a GRLA awardee. I remember when I was little, my father showed me his GRLA Award which was framed along with his high school photo. He got it for being a CAT officer, athlete and a scholar. I did not dream of following his footsteps. I wanted to create my own. Thus, the GRLA was never included in my high school goals. Heck, during first year I was even afraid of being booted out of the science curriculum (I think drafting scared me back then; but now, ES 1 is a piece of cake).

End of high school. Start of ‘new life’. Graduated top of the science class; 99^th percentile in NSAT; eligible for DOST scholarship (but did not accept). I seemed to be a very promising student indeed. At the end of the school year, people had already been calling me “UP Boy”. So far, I was one of two accepted at Diliman, coming along with the prestige of making it into a quota course which is Computer Engineering. The others got accepted at UP Baguio, while most of my schoolmates had not even tried taking the UPCAT. St. Louis University had been the top ‘default’ university to go into especially if your high school carries its same name and tradition.

April 21, 2007 – College graduation. Graduated (PERIOD). It was a great day as I stood proud and confident, and so were my uncle and mother who were seated in the back row of the theater, just like most of the UP graduates’ parents.

Being accepted at UP is one thing, graduating is another. I’ve met lots of new people – fellow students in UP. All had entered the university having the same buoyancy as I had. Everyone was good. Graduating from a special science curriculum (or its equivalent) seemed to be a minimum requirement. Valedictorians, honor students, GRLA awardees, math Olympiad quizzers/winners; you name it, they’re everywhere in UP.

6 years in college? Who cares. Besides, my year of delay was only eaten up by just 8 units. I had the time of my life. I am very much convinced myself that I did great, even without achieving the typical academic awards. Talking about resume, I may not have that line stating ‘cum laude’, but at least I’ve got lines referring to my organizations, experiences and other achievements.

I never had any regret in studying at UP. I made my stand before when my parents almost did not allow me to study in UP due to locality. Now, I proved them right. I think it was my very first major decision in life. And ever since I entered UP, I was already on my own; it’s my life anyway. My independence was just.

End of college. Start of ‘new life’ (again?). UP Engineering graduate. Maintaining to be the person I aim to be. Looking forward to the future.

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My ‘Mom’ (grandmother M-side) was very eager to see me (and UP) at my graduation however she just had her biopsy and was advised by her doctor not to travel. Original plan was for her to hire a private van then tag along anyone in our family who would want to come for a round trip ride. Since my family is based in Benguet, only my mother came to attend my college graduation (along with my QC-based uncle).

We came to the UP theater at around exactly 730am. Just quite in the nick of call time. I guess I had missed a lot of EEE picture takings with my 2007 batch mates at the front lobby who may have been there as early as 630am. Inside the theater, I was at the aisle seat with unfamiliar people at my front and back. I had Josiah and Rose at my right to talk to though.

Right after the recognition rites, I was rushing outside to avail of my EXPO photo shots. Me and my mother had some pictures taken at some spots in UP (Bahay ng Alumni, Oblation etc.). I just feel bad, I think I only have a few pics all in all with other people (batchmates, bloc mates, teachers et al) at the college rites.

For lunch, my uncle brought us to ChinaTown restaurant located somewhere at Banaue, QC for an Eat-All-You-Can Buffet. The amazing thing was that you get over 70 items to choose from. I just don’t know if I was able to eat at least Php430 worth. Not to mention I had been warned about my blood pressure. Since I kind of missed vegetables, my favorite was the Taiwan Pechay. Ice cream and black gulaman came in last.

We don’t know where to go afterwards. Since it’s hot, we decided to cool off at the mall. Went to Mall of Asia and was finally able to try the IMAX theatres. Too bad, spiderman 3 was yet to be screened on May and there were just two choices left. T-Rex andSpace Station 3D. We watched the latter since it has the earliest start time. I’d say IMAX really redefines movie experiences. I love my mother’s reactions on some scenes inside the movie house. And those were just trailers. Space Station 3D was actually a space documentary narrated by Tom Cruise. As I had been watching the film, I remembered my childhood dream of being an astronaut. It came out like a Discovery channel feature, and soon I noticed that my mother and uncle dozed off a bit. The documentary ended in about 1 hour. There went our Php200. I’d say IMAX is great! But it requires cash. You have to watch action-packed films in order to enjoy those 3D views at its fullest.

Sukeban Boy

I was able to attend Weng-sensei's Jap10-11 final class session for this semester. I actually arrived a little late that the people are already videoke-ing. I was able to eat pancit and also had a slice of cake as well. The Jap class was supposed to present their final film project this day, however they lacked time for editing. Instead, they showed some raw and unedited clips which served as trailers for their film.

After the 'party', we proceeded to Det's home which is just a walk away from AS (and is actually near EEE). We ate Earl-san's (aka 'Claire-chan') homemade mango float (crema de fruta?), in his absence. For some weird reason, Det-san made us watch Sukeban Boy. At first we thought it was a Battle Royale type of film, but the heck, it turned out to be ecchi. I could not help but laugh about how stupid the movie is. It just shows how perverted Japanese people can be, and how low they treat women. The plot is so weak; the camera is repeatedly focused on female topless nudity. This is not actually anything like hardcore porn, but rather more of adult slapstick comedy film. Det-san, what were you thinking? Weng-sensei watched it with us! hahahaha! Was it a feel good movie? My answer: "nakakatawang nakakainis!" hahahahaha!

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I promised BiT Micro and SMART that I shall give out my decision by the end of the month. It's the end of the month already! Help! hahahaha! I'm still undecided, actually. And there are several opportunities surfacing up along the way. I'm still waiting for the offer that I can't refuse. ;)

The Waiting

Just recently watched the Frank Miller film, 300, with Det-san and Tsen*-san. Actually, there were 2 Tsen*-sans because Fem* brought along her sister. This movie outing had been planned as a Jap12-13 class get-together wherein we also invited Weng-sensei. This is in celebration of our passing the JLPT Level 4 exam. The results of the exams were delivered to us individually, and as far as we know, everyone in our class passed. Save for Divina-san, she took the JLPT Level 3, and yes she passed. :D すごい　ね.

Unfortunately, it was only the 4 of us who showed up at SM North. Weng-sensei texted us that she'll be coming from Ortigas, and would definitely catch up. Jerick-sempai, Det & Fem's * Jap10-11 classmate who just came from a 1-year scholarship in Japan, had not shown up or rather couldn't be located because he doesn't have a cellphone.

While waiting for the others, we decided to eat our dinner at Mcdonald's. Feamor's sister was a bubbly type of person, and she had been revealing too much information about her sister already. They were like twins who are eternal companions from sleep to work (Both work at Net25). At one point, she asked to look at my palm, and she just gave an approving nod. I thought she was getting superstitous or something, until Feamor told me that she can 'see people'.

Apparently, Fem's* sister had a reading, and that she revealed it to me later. She told me that 'I am currently 'considering' someone right now though I really don't plan making any move. I should not worry, since someday I would meet/be with this SOMEONE (probably the person I am considering right now, or somebody else).

I was caught off-guard regarding her statements. I did not expect her to 'read' me, especially when the topic became something related with my nonexistent love life. What she said struck me since there is some truth in it. I've heard Feamor's testimonials about her sister's ability, and some of it were freaky. Her gift is not mainly involved in love matters. Some are serious ones. Most 'seers' would say vague things that apply to the general public, however in this case she got it right and is quite specific. At least she was right when she assumed that I am not seeing anyone right now or that I don't have any girlfriend. Most strangers would be surprised when they would learn that I don't have a gf and I actually never had one. Jeff even thinks I'm a chickboy/playboy.

I am in a waiting status. There is no need to rush. The woman whom I consider to court would be the woman I consider to marry some day. I don't need a gf just for the sake of companionship. I always observe people and their behaviour. I had seen many couples who had fun with each other in the beginning, but eventually split up in a couple of years; usually because they got bored or one of them found a bigger fish. I don't want to be one of those hypocrites pretending to be falling in love today, then wanting to fall out in due time.

I always think long term. Right now, I would like to focus on my career paths, to prepare for the future. Right now, I strive hard in improving myself. At this point in time, I wouldn't make any move on any woman I like. Not because I like her means that I need her (thus, must have her). I still have to establish myself. I may be able to offer her fun and laughter today, but someday it's just not enough. Reality will eventually sink in.

If ever I'm going to court a woman, most probably we already know each other. My idea of courtship starts when the intent had been made known. There should be no more major convincing on my part; by then, she should have known me enough and would be able to gauge how worthy I am for her. There should be no need for me to put my best foot forward since I want her to evaluate me based on who I am and not on what I can be (since it can only be temporary). I could never see myself courting a woman I have barely known. I am no Johnny Bravo.

This post could also be the ultimate answer to the questions people usually ask to me on why I don't have/ never had a gf. Perhaps I just believe in soul mates. If people are meant to be, then they are meant to be. Tsen*-san's (sister) gift did not really show me specifically that something will happen, but it did help me realize what kind of person I am and my way of thinking.

On who could be this someone I am waiting for, I really don't know. I am just hoping for the best.