The ABC's of My Life

This was done one Thursday morning in Batangas. I had to keep myself awake that's why I did this.

A
ABS-CBN - I've been watching this station ever since I can remember. Forgive me but I really love almost every show and the artists that are in its stable. Loyal Kapamilya akesh.

Amusement Parks - This brings the child in everyone. I have been in only one amusement park, Enchanted Kingdom. But I do hope to travel the world and be in every Disneyland and also spend a day at the Lotte World in South Korea.

Aga Muhlach - This man never looks his age. I've seen every Aga Muhlach movie and I watch "Ok Fine" when I'm still awake. He's not that great of an actor but man, it's his face that would make you want to take home to mom. I've seen him a number of times in Gary V concerts but I never took the guts of coming close. Hiya ako e! I got into an argument before with my X because there was a time that I only talked about Aga Muhlach. Napikon, nagwalkout!

Amazing Race - Whatever season! It's something I would want to join in the future. It's like pushing yourself to the limit and at the same time you get to travel and what's more you could win a million dollars!

Andy Garcia - I fell in love with him In "When a Man Loves a Woman". How I wish I could have a husband like that! Who'll love me no matter what.

B
Blue - Isn't obvious?! I so love BLUE. Almost all my stuff are in this hue. Ganda eh! It's the first color that I look for in a stack of clothes. And in case I need to really wear something of another color, I make sure that some part of what I am wearing for the day has a touch of blue. (even if it would have to be my underwear, hehehe!)

Bayo - One of my favorite Filipino clothing brands. It fits me perfectly and I like the fabric that they use. But I try so much not to buy their clothes unless it's on sale. (refer to letter S)

Badminton - One of the few sports that I can really play. Badminton marathon anyone?! =)

Basketball - Growing up with two other boys made me love this sport. I used to know all the names of the players and the teams whether it would be from the PBA or NBA. By merely observing and watching, I learned the game. Though I don't play it as often, I can identify whether it's an offensive or defensive play, whether it's charging or foul. Back in college, nakikipagpustahan pa ko kung sino mananalo sa NBA finals. And sad to say kung sinong team kinakampihan ko, yun natatalo. Malas! Nowadays, I watch UAAP or PBL if I have the time. The players are younger than me. Nakakahiya for my age to cheer for someone who's way younger. But........

Bagets - Raymond Lauchengco, JC Bonnin, Herbert Bautista, William Martinez and of course, Aga Muhlach. The 80's idols. My brothers made them their icons. It may seem baduy for us but hey, the issues and problems that they had before were and still the same problems that we face growing up. And I consider Bagets as one of my favorite Filipino movies. Its funky, colorful and it definitely talked about the importance of friendship and family.

Batch '98 - This is my PMS batch. I love them. I think I will remember them for the rest of my life. We toiled and struggled with every task. We struggled and survived everytime we stayed at the tambayan. We cried and rejoiced at the end of the application. It is true that even if the PMS application is SUPER OVER MEGA EXTREMELY HARD, it would be the best times of all. I met the best people and I think we suit each other. Though we were dubbed as the "Cheating Batch", we did it for our love for each other. (Hmmmm, papalusot pa!). We are Jenny, Blythe, Dada, Ellen, Portia, Tanya, Mira, Mitch, Rhaych, Gladys, Jethro, Richard, Gretchen, Gary and Karen! We love PMS and we definitely love '98! Miss you guys!

Bayani Agbayani - Promise I want to meet this guy. I salute this guy's humble beginnings. Despite having difficulties growing up and trying to make ends meet, he was able to finish school. He started small in showbiz and hanged on. He was able to make friends with the big names in the biz. Galing nyang um-adlib! Sobra! Though sometimes corny, he is able to get through the scene and I end up laughing. I don't mind throwing jokes with this person the whole day. Huy Bayani, tawa tayo!

C

Cholo - or Carlitos Rafael Apo Mortel. My nephew. My little kuya. I love him so much. Though he's getting more makulit every single day, he always manages to put a smile on my face. Every hug and kiss I get from him takes away the troubles and worries that I have. He's also very smart. He gets good grades in Ateneo and I'm so damn proud of him. Makulit, matalino, yan si Cholo!

Computer - I consider my PC to be one of my important possessions. This was the first thing that I bought when I started working. I can't imagine what could have happened to me these years without it. Lately I've been experimenting with a few things on the net. Programs, photos, etc. Browsing the net is my way of relaxation. I was also able to connect with friends who are away. I don't mind getting a laptop for Christmas though. Hehehe!

Cheesecake - The cheese that melts in my mouth. Ahhhhh! If I weren't so conscious about my weight lately, I would be eating one slice of this cake everyday. New York cheesecake would be my top pick but the others are okay too. I miss it so much! I would probably treat myself for a slice one of these days.

D

Dominic Ochoa - I really, really, really want to meet him again. The first meeting wasn't so good. I got tongue-tied. I wasn't able to say a word. I froze to death. Starstruck?! Nope, it's like seeing your crush up close. One time I was able to talk to him on the phone (c/o of Jennifer Castro. I love you girl!) but I wasn't able to say much. Nahdah! Sayang! What do I really want to tell him? I don't know. I just want a good conversation with him. About what? I don't know. Rico probably? Cars? I don't know. Feeling ko, I'd enjoy his company coz he's also funny. Matandang funny. Joke! He doesn't look his age noh! So even if people call him gurang at sinabi ni Piolo sa Bora na hindi bagay sa kanya na magsalita ng "chill man!" for his age, love ko pa rin si Papa Doms.

Dancing - I think this is one talent that I can be proud of. I forget everything when I'm dancing. I've been dancing ever since I was in my mom's womb (exagge naman!). I don't dance like professional dancers, but I think I got the groove. In short malikot, parang kiti-kiti. Hihihi! I hope before I die, I get the chance to dance with GV on stage. Mwahaha taas ng dream!

Doctor - Growing up, people used to ask me what I want to become. I always say I want to be a doctor. Not because of the money but I really want to serve other people. That's why I took a pre-med course. But I guess, God has other plans for me. I am still serving other people through my students. I am also able to touch and heal the lives of some people. How? I don't know! I just feel overwhelmed when I get a "thank you" from my students.

Dawson's Creek - Didn't you love the roller coaster of emotions of Dawson and Joey? Didn't you wish you had a friendship and relationship like Dawson and Joey's? For a time I was identifying with what they were going through - friendship, falling in love with your best friend (worse he lives next door!), hurting, letting go and eventually moving on. Grabe the lines were so tagos, damdamin! I was hoping in the end it would still be Joey and Dawson. But it wasn't. Probably they're really not meant for each other and it would be best for them to be just friends. That's better and that's forever!

E

Ellen Gernomino - She's the MULAN in my contact list. I consider her as one of my treasured friends. As in grabe! Saludo ako! She's the kindest girl I met in college. She's everybody's friend. She's my PMS batchmate but I consider her more as a sister. She's a blessing to me. She's my sale buddy, fellow Side A fanatic, and my sensible conscience. I'm her adopted batchmate after every gimmick. Grabe mag-isip tong babaeng 'to! One thing that I also admire about her is her passion in everything that she does. She always gives her best and manages to be at the top. I don't know where this small girl is getting all her energy. Multiple Intelligence ba ito? She's the future of Marikina. Why do I say so? Nagtrapik lang naman yan ng mga taong nagsisiksikan nung Edsa Dos. I miss her these days. I've been missing a lot of our gimmicks but I hope to make it up soon. Love you Ellen!

F

F4 - Ken, Vic, Jerry and Vanness. I went gaga over them. The very first time I saw the Meteor Garden ad, I said "yuck ano na naman tong palabas na 'to? Mga Intsik pa bida!". It started with curiosity. The next thing I knew I was starting a collection of F4 stuff (cds, magazines, mugs, stickers, etc.). I was even willing to buy a 10k ticket just to see a glimpse of them. Gaga talaga! But if not for F4, I wouldn't be having great friends at work. Wala lang. Kababawan lang. But our friendship grew more than the F4 craze to the point that some people .... Let bygones be bygones.

Friends - Rachel, Phoebe, Monica, Chandler, Joey and Ross. These guys never failed to make me laugh each time I watched an episode. I wished I was one of them. Never a dull moment. It's just so sad that the show has ended but they have made history. I'm still 6 seasons behind with my VCD collection. I hope to complete the whole 10 seasons and watch it over and over and over again.
My friends..... I once told my friend that as I get older I tend to have lesser friends and I don't make an effort to gain one unlike in high school. I believe that I have met the best people whom I could really trust and count on. Why look for more when they're already there?! I'm not burning any bridges with those that I haven't spoken with in years. I'm still their friend and I hope they feel the same way. All I'm saying is that I am hanging on and hanging out with almost the same people because we've been together for years. Basta I love my friends. And no joke, if it would even cause my life, I'd be more than willing. Love you guys!

French Fries - Preferably McDonald French fries. Like I can eat a lot of that in a day. Yeah I know it's carbo-loading pro ang sarap talaga eh. There was a time in college that I was eating french fries everyday. An old friend even joked na sasagutin ko daw yung manliligaw ko kung parate kong bibigyan ng Mcdo fries. Grabe naman yun! Sana samahan na din ng chocnut. Hehehe!

Friend of Mine - It's the only song that I can sing without going out of tune. I've memorized and sang it with all my heart. Career!

Full House - The Koreanovela. Cute! Kilig! Sobrang kulit! Imagine playing wife to a superstar?! Pwede kaya yun?! But the show had tried to do that and later on they fall in love. Typical! But really, it's cute and funny though the lead actor is not good-looking. It's the story that I really enjoyed. I finished the 21 cds in two straight nights. I couldn't really stop. Again, I got hooked.

G

God - My best friend. The One I'm with when I'm alone. I talk to Him and He's just there to listen. He has given me a lot of blessings and trials. I am overwhelmed with His power and might and I know only He can save me. I believe that I have a very personal relationship with Him and He will never ever forsake me. Praise God always!

Gary V. - I strongly believe that Gary V is one of God's living testimonies. Despite having a complicated illness, GV never fails to bring back all the glory to our God. I am deeply touched with his words and his songs. His energy level is so high. I really hope to meet him and tell him how much he has been an inspiration to me and to a lot of people (as if he doesn't know that!). But this guy's so humble. The fame never got into his head. I admire him so much for being a good person, husband, father and servant of God. Hope to meet you soon Mr. GV! Photo op ha?!

Got 2 Believe - I really think that this is my all-time favorite Filipino movie. Hahaha babaw! Pro I really, really, really like it. I've seen it more than 20 times at kaya ko nang sabayan each line of each character. Ganung level! Besides it's Rico's last movie. I like the movie because it's light and funny. Tagos! Damdamin! (again!)

H

Hamburger - I'm a hamburger freak. I got this huge mouth that can stuff a whole burger. Exagge! Try me! Kidding aside, what would life be without hamburgers? (Wait lang, it seems the ABCs of my life are mostly food).

I

Iced Tea - na walang ice. That's how I order. Iced tea without ice. Weird! But my friend taught me how you can get more of your beverage without feeling na luge ka because of too much ice. You order an iced tea without ice and later on ask for a glass of ice. Oha?! San ka pa?!

Italianni's - Love the food. Yummy! Delectable! All the best words that would describe how delicious the menu is in this place. Though quite expensive, you'll get your money's worth. Di ba Kath?

J

Janice - dear Janice Ruth de Belen, not the actress. Jan was a childhood nemesis. I knew she hated me when we were in grade 4. But that's all behind us now. She has been a very dear friend throughout the years. I can count on her whenever and wherever. I'm glad that she's back in San Mateo. She's been my travel-buddy and she's so thoughtful. I have never met anyone with this happy disposition. I talk to her when I am uncertain of my decisions. She's also very supportive. What's so cool about this girl is that she's always game. Looking forward to more adventures with you girl!

Julia Roberts - I just found myself collecting her movies. I don't consider her as the greatest Hollywood actress but I find her movies as "feel good" flicks. Don't you just love her in America's Sweethearts? Runaway Bride? and of course My Best Friend's Wedding?

Johnny English - I'm not a huge Mr. Bean fan. But I once went out to watch Johnny English the day after my birthday, I suddenly forgot why I was crying the night before. Hehehe! Iiyak pa ba ko e natawa na ko kay Johnny English? Thanks Johnny for making me laugh so hard i could fart.

Julia Stiles - I love her. She is so cool and astig at the same time.

K

Kamiseta - Just like Bayo, I'm a patron of this shop during sale days. But some times I do buy the regular-priced items when an event calls for it. Pormang kamiseta they say. I like the style and the colors and I can say I carry the clothes well. Kanya-kanyan nang buhat ng silya 'to! Kamiseta people are you in need of a model? Just kidding! I like their pastel blue and white clothes.

Kobe Bryant - Laker's Number 8. I think he's younger than I am and there was a time I wanted to trade places with his wife. Though he got caught in some trouble, I still think he's next to Michael Jordan.

Kwon Sang Woo - Another Asian actor in my heart. I could talk about him endlessly. I like him more when he's serious. He's a complete package mind you. You have to see his abs. Drop dead gorgeous! He has this boyish charm that makes my heart beat a little faster when I see him. I started watching korean dramas and films because of him. I've seen his movies and my gosh, mahal ko na ito! I just regret the fact that he came by to visit and had a shoot in Boracay while I didn't know and I was busy with work. (as if I would fly to Boracay just to see him?!). I want to see him as in pa-hug naman. My Korean students tell me that the actors in their country can be spotted just anywhere. Pag naglakad kaya ako sa Korea, makita ko 'to? A huge SANA!

Kathoy - aka Kathleen B. Paz. I miss this girl as in sobra! She's the reason why I grew this big. I think we explored every diner, resto and fastfood on our way home to San Mateo everyday. And our bodies could speak how many McDo burgers and fries we have eaten. We even joked that if we could have kept our receipts from Mcdo the four years that we were together, we're pretty sure we could have our own McDo. Sya lagi kasama ko sa misadventures ko. Kidding aside, I always tell her that I consider her as my younger sister. Todo suporta sa ken tong babs este babaeng 'to. She was my booster and my shrink. We could laugh and cry at the same things. We're both super Gary V fans. I believe that she's also one of my blessings. Being new back then in St. Paul, a fat girl who's also a San Mateo resident became my student and my very dear friend. Huy Kath uwi ka na, isaw tayo!

L

Lui - Anna Luisa Apo Mortel. I consider her "my mini-me". I went through my baby pics and there were some resemblance. In short maganda ang batang ito. But no, she's growing up to be prettier and smarter than her Tita RC. I love getting hugs and kisses from her. I enjoy her stories and singing. I can even depend on her to clean my car. She loves to do that. In her words. "wa ca wax". Huh? Car wash daw. Love you, love you luisa!

Lei - My dear best friend. It's been years and I am truly blessed by her presence in my life. Kase naman most of my jokes benta sa kanya. I can even get opinions from her and damn she could really be so frank. We have had our clashes but that makes the friendship so much stronger and I believe we'd grow old but still be the best of friends. I hope to travel with her soon and share more moments with her.

M

Michael Jordan - The best NBA player for me. Nakipagpustahan pa ko para sa taong ito ha, 23 Chicago Bulls. I enjoy basketball because of him. Cute ng Space Jam di ba?

Magic 89.9 - DWTM. This is the station I've been tuning in to ever since I could remember. Today's best music. Hindi jologs. Walang "kailangan bang i-memorize yan?". I just love the music of the 80s on Friday Magic Madness and 90s music on Saturday Slam. The DJs have come and gone but I'm still a listener.

My Sassy Girl - My favorite Korean movie. The movie is soooooooooooooo cute! Tough Girl meets not-so Smart Boy. It's about letting go first before loving again. I just found myself shedding buckets of tears at the end of the movie. As in I asked myself, "Pwede ba yun?". But in the movie it did happen because "Fate is like a bridge of chance for someone you love".

My Best Friends Wedding - I LOVE THIS MOVIE! All time favorite movie. Just like Got 2 Believe, nasasabayan ko na yung lines ng actors because I've seen it for more than 100x pag wala kong ginagawa. It amazes me how a girl would really ruin her best friend's wedding coz she's in love with him. Parang tanga! Hayaan mo na yun noh!

McDonalds - When asked where I want to eat, I always say "sa Mcdo". As I've said, the past years I've been eating at McDo regularly. There was even a time that I have memorized the prices of the meals and the other food. People have been warning me about it and they said it's the one that will kill me. Let it be. At least I died because of super sarap na food. Damn the movie Super Size Me! They just can't accept that people enjoy the food at McDo. I just hope one day I get to have my own McDonalds and I could have everything for free.

Matrix - Dodge this! It's a movie that I watched with friends back in college. It was so astig. We were seated in front of the theater as in harapan like pwede na kameng pulutin ng mga characters. That close! But we really didn't mind coz the movie was so great. I just can't answer the question "What is the matrix?". I had to watch the sequels. Di ko pa rin alam.

Meteor friends - This is what I call my friends at work. But as I've said, our friendship went beyond the Meteor Garden series. Watching the series brought us together and the habit went as far as overnights, eating out together and being there for each other no matter what. We may not be together as we used to be but when we are, it's like we just pick up from where we have left off. Thanks for the memories guys! I will really treasure the friendship. I am going to miss you guys. 'Til the next gimmick!

N

Nanay - The greatest person in my life. Also my best blessing. She's my best friend and my worst enemy. She hears my every complaint, angst and jokes. She's my shopping buddy these days. I can't imagine my life without her. I love her so much.

O

Oprah - I love Oprah coz Oprah loves teachers. I hope she also gives me the gifts she gave away to the teachers in the US. Hehehe!

P

Pizza - Another favorite food of mine. Parang paborito ko lahat ng food! I love pizzas that are complete with the nutrients: carbo, proteins and fats. With one slice busog ka na!

Pictures and photographs - These will be life-long memories. I love taking pictures of my nephews and nieces and beautiful places. The beautiful faces of people remind me of God's presence and the beautiful places remind me of God's gift to us.

PMS/UP Pre-Medical Society - The org that took all my strength for a year of application. But I am proud to be a member of the org. That's where I met the people that I could rely and count on during my college days. That was also my place to sleep and chat and eat and study. I had fun. Long live PMS!

Piano - Not many people know that I had piano lessons. But I just had the basics. I get to practice once in a while but I do hope to learn again and learn more when I get the chance.

Q

Quesadillas - My favorite food at CaSaa in college. Sarap-sarap! Everytime I go to UP, it's one of the treats I look forward to eat aside from isaw.

R

Rico Yan - If Dominic is my ultimate crush, Rico Yan is my ultimate love. Hay sayang talaga! There was so much ahead of him but God really has plans. Rico will always be a role model for me. I hope to end up with someone who has qualities that he had. Teka patay na ba si Rico? I'm still in denial. I just think that he retired from showbiz and he's just vacationing somewhere. See you soon!

S

Students - For almost 5 years, I have given most of my time to my students. They were not just faces. Most of them became my really good friends and little sisters. I thank them for the memories, the good and the bad times, the endless questions about anything under the sun, the undying support and the selfless love. You are all great blessings to me. I wish you well in your chosen endeavors.

Shoes - I have this fetish for shoes. I just love them. Will I be the next Imelda? No naman! I just love comfy shoes. I don't really want statement shoes. I just love those that can go with any of the clothes that I have.

Sale - Don't you just love a mallwide sale? Isn't it great to have great finds at affordable prices? I just love going to SALEs. That's the only time that I could really spend. I think most of the pieces that I have were brought during sale periods. I am always alert during sale season. I always update myself when and where the next sale will be. That's how kuripot I am.

Side A - Who said Side A is for the old ones? Excuse me! I have always been a fan. I love Side A. I had been to every major concert. Sobrang galing nila. It's the only band na never pa ko nakatulog during a concert. Ganung level! You won't believe how ecstatic I was knowing that one of our students is the daughter of Side A's drummer. Because of that I get to have my Side A cds signed. Thanks sev! Til the next concert!

Stairway to Heaven - I spent two-week nights finishing this Koreanovela. I watched it because of Kwon Sang Woo. It's a story about childhood love but the other one dies. Sana ako na lang si Jodi pra ako na lang kinukulit, sinusuyo, hinahabol, iniiyakan at minamahal ni Cholo.

T

Teepee - My beloved car. Teepee coz tiniTEEPEEd. I had sleepless nights thinking over if I will buy her. But I did. Though sometimes you give me trouble, I am still thankful that you've been with me the past year. I've been out and I've been to places because of you. Be good na ha.

Travelling - Since I am so adventurous, I enjoy going to different places. The latest one was Palawan and I so love it. I am in awe with the marvelous creation of God. It's true that you have to explore the Philippines first before going to places abroad. You'll love this country when you see our sites.

10 Things I hate about you - I love this movie. I know it's a teen flick but it's so cute plus it has Julia Stiles. Astig nya kase sa movie.

Taekwondo - It was my dream to actually have formal lessons in Taekwondo back in high school. I was inspired by my brother. But I never got the chance. So in college I took it for one sem for my PE class. My teacher told me that I have a good form (back then ito ha!) and that I can actually kick. As he said may pinanggagalingan daw na galit ang sipa ko. Loko talaga yun! But I failed to attend my promo. Sayang!

U

UP - University of the Philippines. The university that I thought would kill me. Being in UP was no joke! If you really can't handle pressure, go study somewhere else. But you know what, UP had thought me to be responsible and independent. I am like this because of what UP gave me. I am glad that I studied there because it really gave me the chance to know myself more. UP fight!

V

Vanness Wu - I didn't really like singkits before. But the moment I saw him perform last September 13, 2003, I fell in love with him even if he was just 4 inches high from our seats. Mind you ha, with matching tears ito ha. Goosebumps and everything. Pano ba naman ang puti, ang kinis, ang macho, ang ganda ng nose, ang cute ng mata and he can dance. It doesn't matter to me if he's Chinese. What's important is that we can understand each other when we talk (as if makakapag-usap kame!). Grabe Vanness marry me!

VCDs - I have a collection of movies that I love in VCD format (kase it's cheaper). And they're all original. I have more than 100 titles. I used to lend it to others but realizing that they crush the case (intentional or unintentional) or scratch the disc itself, I promised to lend it only to people I could trust.

Volleyball - It's the other game that I can play but I can get confused with my position during rotation. Hehehe sorry na tao lang!

W

Will Smith - I know he doesn't have the perfect face but he's definitely oozing with sex appeal. I find him very funny as well. He could bring Oprah to tears with his humorous ways and remarks. He's got a great sense of humor, a great body and great talent - he's an actor, dancer and rapper.

Wall Climbing - I once wondered if I could be like Spiderman. I could but with the help of my belayer and my harness. Wall climbing gives me an adrenaline rush. Every time I conquer a wall at Power Up, it gives me a natural high when I'm up there. It's a challenging sport and I hope I could continue and be good at it as well.

X

X-men - I became a fan after watching the movie. Super bilib ako sa special effects. And the movie has a message; that is you have to respect every one's uniqueness.

Y

Yoshinoya - Very affordable Japanese food. The first Yoshinoya that I visited was in Galleria some years back. I'm glad they opened one in Mega. Sarap!

Z

Zagu - My all-time favorite pearl cooler. It was a craze back in college. I remember lining up at Katipunan, Visayas Ave and White Plains during our break and praying hard to get to class on time just to get my grande of Zagu.