Jong’s Call

Texting has given me different roles to my friends and batchmates: to one I have become a complimentary subscriber to his forwarded messages and jokes, to some am the batchmate directory and event post master…. But to Millie, the wife of Jong (Jesus Ong), I am her prayer warrior. In fact, my friendship with Millie jelled on the fibers of piety. So, frequently I would receive texts messages asking for prayer for her lectures, presentations, her sons and personal concerns. Then once in a while, to celebrate the bonds of friendship, she would send a text invite over dinner either with her alone or with some other friends of hers and of Jong. Last September 8 however, along side with her usual petition for prayer is a question that had stirred my query minds to gyrate like a ping pong ball hit by a paddle in a swift slicing stroke. Although the question is not a matter of life and death rather it is something that insinuates an opportunity of a moment that close friends look forward to. In my animated SGH-E590 the letters came out flashing one by one “I texted you yesterday regarding dinner on Saturday 7PM. Do you have any suggestion?” To this I answered “Sorry I did not receive any message… A___ is a good fine dining restaurant.” Then she replied “Thanks.” Such a very brief exchange of text message left my CPU (Cognitive Processing Unit) to hang and thereby triggering my LED (Life’s Ethic Device) to blink… should I assume that am invited over dinner or am I simply asked for a restaurant venue? So I turned my  eyes to my FAQ (Frequently Asked Quezonbased-batchmate) Nixon Cabochanpongco for his opinion. Him being skeptical on the fact that such a short notice invitation would somewhat impels me to travel for 3 to five hours along 96 km highway, negate my incredulous assumption. His uncluttered mind that appreciates minimalist Japanese art succeeded to pacify the pendulum motion of the volitive fibers of my cerebrum to finally tie itself to the conclusion that I was simply asked for a restaurant venue thereby pacifying my LED. Yet the following day, the fickleness that goes along with the nature of my gender, charged up my LED and loosen the knots to free off a swing that went knocking down the lettered buttons of my cellphones. Nevertheless, LED lead me send an inquiry of concern regarding the asked prayer but enclosed within is the invisible inked text message (“am I invited to the dinner on Saturday?”) seen only by eyes of intuition. Soon enough vivid letters signifying gratitude over my queries of concern came flashing out followed by an outburst of combined letters showing “Cya on Saturday Dinner!” Immediately afterwards my LED logged off.

Letting Go

In an advance level of the college of virtues, a student will eventually find himself immersed in an environment of bountiful good. Yet amidst the world surrounded with goodness there still comes a time where one gets confronted with indecision. Such did not arise from a sneaking evil that penetrated through the thick fortress of faith, for evil in such university is never an item of choice but an obvious object of rejection. Rather it is the kind of irresolution brought by a choice between two seemingly equal good. One may think that since both ends of the scale are good, a preference to one would do no harm.  But the result of which has proven well that it normally ends up in suffering the pain of losing the other. The lesson of life is then learned that we indeed cannot have all the good things in life. But the virtue of wisdom does not settle for a simplistic favoring of one good from the other, and suffer the pain of loss; it further demands that the choice to be made must pick out the right good. In this stage, the second remedy is to be applied… ”Between two seemingly equal good where one cannot be with the other, the wise lets go of the good that will allow a greater good to happen.” This golden rule enables the eye to set its gaze on a greater good and consequently free the mind from such a crisis of indecision. Applying this principle, letting go of my appointment to a Satuday Open House Event in a beautiful rising elite city in Laguna, became such a painless and easy task. For even if it would be wonderful to have a brief taste of the life of the rich, but there is a long lasting wealth of joy that seeks to dwell in the hearts of those friends who will come to meet each other over dinner on Saturday.

The Dawning of a Get-together

In recording the Saturday dinner event in the calendar of my mobile phone have left the venue slot  unfilled for the SMS conversation with Millie failed to provide me with that information. Once again I pulled out from my resourcefulness to find words to ask the name of the place where the event is to take place. Millie answered that she will text me as soon as she figured it out together with Jong. That was the only time I realized it is a dinner date with a couple. Saturday afternoon came; I pulled my backpack’s wheel to roll along the cemented road of city proper of Tiaong, until I reached the waiting shed where buses stop. Ten minutes passed, the bus bounded to LRT Taft finally came in sight. I raised my arms to wave the bus to stop and it did.  So, I darted my way up and had myself seated comfortably. In no time did I start texting Millie to inquire once more for the name of the restaurant but my message tone remained silent. Nonetheless, I love surprises so I had my hand detached from the phone and pull out the bracelet from my wrist. I then filled the entire length of my travel tracing the beads with Ave Maria taking advantage of the whole stretch of the trip to pray for the concerns of Millie that has been spoiling her day. Hours later the bus parked itself to LRT.   From there, I took the jeep to get to my brother’s house for a stop over. I checked out my phone but still found nothing. So I texted Jong instead and in a short while he replied “Café bistro tomas morato 7pm CU. D ko pa na invite sina Karl.”  only then did it became clear that it is going to be section A-MT90 get-together.  S oon enough I received an announcement from Karl “ Hi Campañero, getogether tayo s café bistro 2nyt 7pm if u r free…Thanks = from doc hesus jong ong” Such made me to laugh a little because of a memory of a getogether organized by Jong last year.

Falling Forward

 “Failure is only the opportunity to begin again more intelligently.”

-Henry Ford

Although sections are no longer a ranking during our college days, Jong lived up to the image stereotyped to an “A” section. For a span of four years and beyond, Jong has consistently soared the height of flying colors. Hence despite the consideration that Jong is only human; his blunders generates a slight shock wave echoing back with as a tease among classmates that may build up into something quite annoying. Indeed, last year of the same month, the getogether which Jong had been brewing for several months ended up served by her wife in his absence for reasons incongruous to his IQ (for a recap of this event please read the write up in this link http://spiralcurls.blog.friendster.com/2008/05/korean-restaurant-amt90-get-together-enjoyable-as-halo-halo/). This eventually gave rise to a lot of taunting but only for a couple of days, coz Jong who was already tormented for such a preposterous occurrence begged to be relieved of further injury. With fraternal compassion did 4amt90 yahoo shift its attention to Christmas ’08 get together. One year after, Jong who is much of a sport and a man with a successful mind, would have definately  learned from his mistake … hence I laughingly concluded…“perhaps Jong wants to make sure that he has set his foot in Manila before calling out the get together in order to ascertain his presence in his organized dinner party.”   Lucky for me however that am a friend of his wife Millie who in the face of keeping the hidden agenda had booked me for a dinner that Saturday so the announcement came not much as a surprise but like a garnish to a dish…something that enhance the date  I put down the phone thinking Jong has a funny way of showing how to fall forward.

Travel Considerations of Migratory Birds

When my cellphone flashed the single analog clock display at 6:17PM, another text message came from Jong giving the exact information as regards the venue of the organized get together. The message read “Chef bistro tomas morato cor sct gandia. C u.” The correct announcement of the name of the restaurant has finally deleted the slight confusion that rubbed in my culinary s quotient. Café is a concept incorporated in a bistro, hence the name “café bistro” is redundant in nature. Nevertheless, it is an issue that I did not give much of a fuss except that, had it not been corrected prior to the dinner time I will end up looking for a non existing restaurant. So I set out to the street opted for a two ride route: an FX and a taxi instead of taking the LRT , MRT and a taxi. Without getting lost, I arrived just in time that Millie and Jong alight their car. Under a drizzle, we exchanged “hellos” and “how are you.” Shortly afterwards, the waiters had us seated in bright mezzanine that is good for a guests of twenty. In no time did I started with my queries regarding their son and the business that Jong’s father is venturing into. I then felt so much of an advantage for being an early bird because I was able to take picture of the couple and I can converse freely with them in all confidence which would otherwise be deterred by presence of other guests. Taking note of this, we (Jong who came all the way from Palawan and me from Tiaong) ended up concluding that migratory birds usually comes early because they always give allowances for the unexpected and if there is no place for allowances, do it the other way around, like Jong did — announce a gathering at an unexpected time where you are sure you won’t fail your guests expectation. :p

 

 

 

Meeting the coouple prior to the get-together

 

 

Birds Begin to Flock

As time progresses, friends of Jong and Millie started to arrive one at a time (only MT90 batchmates will be mentioned here even if the get-together is not exclusive to the batch). I am extremely happy to see that Michael Lui finaly bring along his wife. It is my first time to see her. Her neon green blouse, exuded out a her refreshing beauty and yet spiced up her otherwise very serene presence.

wife of Michael Lui

Then came Willy Alba by himself who later explained that he cannot bring along her family because together with his kids, the playful child Willy would resurface and dominate the now adult Willy and would require a prodding to wake up the adult Willy.

Jong and Willy Alba... the glass wall reflected on the side of Jong

Then the full of life Edwin Rodriguez of MT90 section E came in. Although I have not coincided with him in any Medtech activity nor internship back in college, he greeted me as if I am more than an acquaintance and engaged me in a conversation that would tire up my zygomatic muscles from smiling and laughing.

Edwin and Millie... notice Millie is somewhat controlling her laughter here... kasi naman nakakangalay na tumawa

 Then Karl arrived joining the Chinese brothers who had flocked together… he blended well with them with his chinky eyes. Eves dropping, I heard him enumerate the trivial tips he has learned from them…from the cheap lunch deal at Lopez Canteen whose mountainous serving of rice has lethargic effect to the not advisable installation of aquarium in a room of study or else you will fall into a trance and will never get to study at all.

Karl Zafra and Willy Alba in Black Or White

 Finally of the last MT90 batchmates who came is Florante Manahan who always bring along his wife or his son or his daughter. His presence always exudes an atmosphere of serenity unperturbed by the rests whose noise sounded like chirping birds.

sorry for the blurred picture... it takes to know the camera well to get a good picture...

 

Boys Talk... di ko na alam ang pinag-uusapan nila dito

Thomasian

As we grow in number, guests subdivided into two: to my left is the group of Jong composed section A MT90 and to my right is Millie’s friends composed of non-MT90 except for Edwin Rodriguez.   At first I belong to Jong’s group which is somewhat a boys talk, the few topics I caught consists of BIR, technology, one event of a naughty adventure during college days. Yet one topic that I find quite impressive is when Michael Lui relayed how his Thomasian trained conscience objected in embarking into contraceptive device business even though it is a guaranteed way of feathering his nest. He said it is indeed a lucrative product but somehow his conscience finds it repulsive due to what he had learned in ethics subject while in UST medicine.

Jong's group

Soon, another ethic topic caught my attention, but this time the story is coming from the group of Millie. Since am seated beside Edwin, his animated narration of ethics in Medicine had my ears shifted towards his direction and nailed there. There he express his belief on the moral stand of UST against artificial method of conception. In those two topics, I begin to see the mark of Thomasian encrypted in our hearts.

Tickled by a Feather

When the night has gone deeper, the conversation grew lighter. Too light it seems that like a nitrogen gas we burst into long laughter.   By that time, Edwin has successfully engaged even Jong’s group into listening to him. Edwin it seems, is very good in class management for he successfully maintain our attention to him for more than an hour. Who will not be glued to a very entertaining and funny adventure of catching medical student cheating during exams. Nope, Edwin is no terror as a professor but as a proctor in Pharmacology exam he is a relentless as a paparrazi. But outside the exam, Edwin goes back to his being lively, accommodating, enjoyable and special preference to handsome students. Well, that did not come from me, he claimed it himself. He in fact confessed that back in his time as medical students that they would push the good looking men right in front of a gay professor to influence a favorable mood, now he feels standing on the shoes of that professor. Then he started speaking about the dilemma of perhaps almost all of professors/teachers to which I and Karl can relate. Whenever he goes out malling, he has to deal with a lot of guessing game…guessing who is this person who greeting me. Apparently in the mall, there is greater chances of  crossing paths with students especially of a big university to which he is teaching for several years now. But it is less likely that a professor will remember all of them, more so when they are not in their uniforms. Hence, most of the time,  he feels embarrassed within when his memory search engine says “no match found.” Yet despite his embarrassment to himself  his wit can turn a case into one enjoyable encounter. Edwin can make you laugh as if tickled by a feather.

Edwin of Section E making us laugh

Everybody’s Birthday

Just in time when I started massaging my zygomatic muscle that started to hurt from a lengthy laughter, the cake brought by a friend were put out of the box. The white snowy frosting looked so enticing that the conversation died down in an instant. Yet, serving the cake was put on a hold because Jong was requested to blow a candle. Although the dinner was organized not for the purpose of celebrating his birthday but rather to sincerely have fun with  friends, Jong acceded to the request. The blowing of candle however was so fast that no photo was taken, so I requested for a repeat performance.  Jong complied kindly. To the re-enactment we sang the Happy Birthday and captured the moment beautifully.

jong blowing his birthday candle... yes isa lang....lol

jong slicing the cake

In no time, the cake was sliced and it  revealed  what lies underneath.  Beneath is a layer of dark chocolate moist cake inter-layered with crunchy sugar caramel. Biting a spoonful is a taste experience of a creamy sweet frosting moistening a bitter sweet chocolate cake with a teasing tacky feeling of sugar caramel crumble. Such a variety of taste and texture compliments very well with the mixture of different personalities brought together by a couple that eventually led to an enjoyable bonding moments . It was like everybody’s birthday.

When we finally call it a night, Jong and Millie gracefully gave me a lift to the gate of my brother’s house.

I Slept Smiling

Despite the frequent get-togethers that section A had, every gathering continues to shed a light into the personality of each one (although this latter affair was not created exclusively for A, and in the presence of one from section E it such a bonus ) It is inspiring to hear that Mike Lui and Edwin Rodriguez despite the passing of years continues to uphold to the ethical foundations established by our alma mater. It is amusing to hear Willy Alba’s playful dealing with his kids and from time to time crack a joke composed of silly logics. It is heartwarming to see a seemingly cold Florante always prefer to enjoy the company of his batchmate together with his wife or kids. I am awed to hear Karl remembers the tips taught to him by fellow classmates even on some trivial matters. Mot specially am deeply moved when Millie and Jong’s gave me a lift from Quezon City to Malate to make sure that I reached home safely, a gesture of their special regard to this friendship. That night I slept smiling.

sayang that the glass reflected the flash... but this is the best group picture we had using my cp camera... nangangamo talaga ang camera... here we asked the waiter to take the photo

 

before Willy left

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Daughter’s Piety

The latter half of my March seemed to be loaded with events of A-MT90 get-togethers. I was already booked for March 18, 2009 with Alvin Matulach together with Judith Mendoza for a product knowledge class with A.R.M products and March 26, 2009 for Rock for Reason concert— a fundraising gig for Franz Pantaleon, son of Rachel and FF, when Joy Fernandez Ramirez posted this message last March 17, 2009:

We have a family get together on my sister’s birthday on March 29 at 11:00 AM luncheon in Max’s Scout Tuazon. You are invited. Hope you can make it. E-mail me before March 26 if you’re coming. Or, Karl or Nova can text the no of classmates coming after the March 26. My cell no in the Phil is 0919*******.
Hope to see you. Come early so that we can chat a little bit. We are going to the province that evening.

This news of her coming back to Philippines brought in great excitement for me for among all get-togethers we had, this is the first time with someone coming from abroad.

Part 1: Joy F’s Breaking News

Three days had passed and I found myself in a bus again going to and from Manila. Tiring as it may seems with the age that we are now getting, yet meeting Joy F. is something I refuse to miss. This is because among all overseas 4amtust90 members, she is the most active member. From the moment she joined last January 8, 2008 she never failed to make her presence felt. Her comments in fact would be an occasion of taunting and teasing, contributing to the life of the e-group. Among the taunting and teasing is her none vegetarian advocacy eighteen years ago. Yes guys! It is not a typographical error… when some women sought slimming salvation in strict vegetarian diet; she was a NONE vegetarian bona fide. So fanatic was she to the point of provoking rebellions from her enemies, making such a nightmare a news item written in the year book Inter Nos.

The next news breaking record made by Joy F. is the performance that rocked MT90 males. During the practices for the Drama Fest, Joy F’s acting lacks an impact that will definitely put her viewers to sleep. But when finally the spot light stared widely at her, she showed off her shoulders eliciting whistles and woos from MT90 male audiences. Such elicited reaction is a success enough to convince us that her role as a whore in a very Catholic theater is well performed. Although not awarded as Best Actress, hers is the Best Acting that A-MT90 will never forget.

Part 2: Enjoying Our Differences

Chime of bells interrupted my recollection of Joy. My text reflexes then made me scoop deep into my bag to fish out the device that kept me connected. Joy F who is not used to Philippine text lifestyle had her sister text me the function room where I am to meet her. I looked out of the bus and saw that it had reached Makati, so I replied with the information of my location. Thirty minutes later, when I have just gotten out of the bus, another message set the chimes to a play again. This time however, coming from Judith:

“Hey nand2 n me ksma ko n sister ko. Me p lng and2. San n u?

So I texted back that am on my way and to proceed to Mercedes Function Room. She the replied that they are already in the site of the event. In a few minutes my taxi, without getting lost finally made it to the site. I was immediately welcomed by Joy F, with a big hug and a wide smile. Her sister likewise greeted me with a great smile and making reference to my unforgettable curly hair. Then I was lead to the table where I saw Judith and her sister seated. Judith immediately revealed that Alvin is sure to come because from there they will be riding with Alvin for another seminar. This started a conversation as regards the write up of our previous get-together with Alvin. Joy F. however was still busy welcoming her guests, so I kept Judith and her sister busy by showing her through the cell phone the website where I posted the write up. This was however interrupted with by an incoming call, yet when I pressed to answer I heard Alvin’s voice from the other end but was immediately cut. Then came in another ring but only once as if the call was canceled, so I thought Alvin might be outside already. When I went in search for Alvin, I saw Karl Zafra in the main dining room of the restaurant, standing behind a glass window, with all smiles stacking money into the wallet while looking onto the function room. I then motioned for him to get in and he simply nodded. I then proceeded to look for Alvin but he was no where in sight. So I went back to Judith and she told me that Alvin called again to say that he is on his way. I then responded that Karl has arrived but have no idea why he is not yet joining us and is taking time in the main dining room. While waiting for the rest, I resume my conversation with Judith and her sister as regards Glinda Masajo, who was a classmate in first year but shifted to dentistry. It was confirmed that the number I have is the correct number of the lady dentist now. Shortly after wards, Karl finally entered the room. He was lead to our place and Joy F. introduced her husband. When Joy F. had left, Karl asked us for the name of the husband to which we could not answer. Later, Karl managed to converse with him despite not knowing his name. When Joy F. and her husband once again got engaged in welcoming the relatives, Karl kidding, commented that he will have Alvin sit between him and Joy F’s husband to be at the forefront of English Communication challenge. Soon enough when Alvin arrived, Karl indeed made him sit beside Joy F’s husband. A little later, lunch is already served and as soon as Joy F. joined us, she was immediately teased about her none vegetable diet. To which she replied that she now eat vegetables. Then another message brings the chimes to life. It was Rowena Lim-Sylato, asking if we are still in Max. I then replied yes and she responded that she will be coming to see us as soon as she finds the place. The soon she arrived and joined us, we had our group picture taken.

At Max Timog, with Joy Fernandez-Ramirez

It was kind of tricky then, because Joy F. has to juggle between attending to her relatives and to us. Nevertheless we managed to mingle a little yet too bad for me since am seated at the farthest end of the table I hardly catch up with what Joy F. and her husband is saying. All I managed to hear is the teasing she gets from her husband as regards chat that “You are not a teen ager anymore…” To this we chuckled. Then I asked Karl why he took much time in the main dining room of Max before he comes over to join us. He then told us that his car broke, but since he has appointment in Bulacan that he cannot cancel, he decided to hail a taxi and hire the driver for the whole day. The man complied willingly and he was surprised at how trustworthy he (Karl) must have looked for the driver let him get down in Max without asking for a down payment. For Karl, it was such a very easy way to escape paying the taxi if he happened to be a bad man. Nevertheless, in consideration of the man he bought lunch for him and that explains his lengthy stay in the main dining room. With such a story I cannot help but be awed with such kind of heroism. Judith and my approximately 96 km travel from the province is no match to Karl’s strong will to get there. Then the conversation shifted back to Joy F. it was quite noticeable that she speaks with the accent most call center agents are now sporting. Karl could not help but blurt out “I used to speak that accent you have now. I am now hearing it from you.” Such comment carries a reality of one factor that raised our eyebrows back in June 1986 when we were just introducing ourselves. His was a Fil-Am accent so crisp that type cast him as a snooty one. This image was further added when he mentioned the high-school he came from. Now, the world seemed to have turned all upside down. Karl now is very much a tagalong speaker with deep tagalong vocabulary while many of our classmates now speak the accent that once intimidated us. Life indeed has a way of changing people and with it we learn to enjoy our differences.

Part 3: Piety to Him Who Nurtured Her

The briefness of the get-together left me shortchanged as we really haven’t got much time to enjoy the company of Joy F. Moreover, that time her attention was on a tag-o-war between us and her relatives. Nevertheless, it was worth attending for such a short time we had a glimpse of her familial love and concern they have with their kin. In that gathering, I get to witness the enormous amount of effort his aging father exerted to get his wobbly knees to dance despite looking so awkward, so as to give joy to his son, daughters and grandchildren. On the other hand Joy F. in her piety responded with eagerness to record such cheerful outward manifestation of her father’s dealing with his old age. A week later, when I have come to meet Joy F. again in University of Sto. Tomas she mentioned that while they were in Nasugbu, they carried the old man down the cliff. From then I know Joy F. as a daughter who will never forget her roots, a manifestation gratitude to him who had nurture her, mark of her deep piety towards her parents… compliance to the word of God:

[Eph 6:2] they must first learn to practice piety in regard to their own family and to make some return to their parents; for this is [1 Tim 2:3] acceptable in the sight of God.

PICTURES:

With Joy Fernandez Ramirez at UST

Joy F. scanning the changes in UST

 

Joy with Husband

The Arc of UST

Arc of the Angelic Doctor

Gene Fortitude

The invitation

March 26, 2009, 6:00PM, I received a phone call from Mike Lui and his immediate question was “What is this I read in your message about Rachel and FF?” So I have to explain that Franz Pantaleon, 18 years old, the eldest son of FF and Rachel Evangelista-Pantaleon was diagnosed to have Extra Skeletal Ewing Sarcoma.

Part 1: Joining Arms
One time Franz wrote in his facebook account that he is treating his condition like a computer game. There is indeed a similarity in this case, not in how the game is played but how the games were made. I remember installing games in my computer. In a normal course of installation, so long as the computer user follows the instruction prompted on the screen, the games will be set up properly. But what if despite careful obedience to the instruction, there arise some abnormal electrical influx or disturbance during installation that made one program of a game fuses with another and then replicates itself progressively, increasing its file size indefinitely… a system failure is expected to happen.. Similar things perhaps must have happened to Franz’ kidney.
Extra Skeletal Ewing Sarcoma or Primitive neuroectodermal tumor (PNET) is a malignant round cell tumor of the soft tissue caused by translocationn between chromosomes 11 and 22 , which fuses the EWS gene of chromosome 22 to the FLI1 gene of chromosome 11. To my understanding, this means that sometime when Franz was still a bunch of cells (no limbs, no arms, no organs yet… still a lump of cells), something unusual happened, particularly in one neuroectodermal cell. Two chromosomes: chromosome 11 and 22 joined arms when they are not supposed to. This resulted to a change of genetic make up, rendering it a mutant cell. Unfortunately however, this type of cell is still in the stage where it is actively multiplying, hence with the passing of time it’s population increases until it reached a gamut of overwhelming size… in this case at Franz’ kidney. By November 2008, Franz urinated blood and recurred several times sometime January 2009… an indication suggestive of a renal system failure.
Part 2: The Big Boulder
The news of Franz’ condition came about when Karl Zafra forwarded Rach’s message asking for prayers. The texts in my cellphone screen appeared like a crystal shattering from extreme internal pressure . A long deafening sound reverberated into my ears rendering me to stare blank onto the white ceiling. My mind got suspended at life’s episodes that the Evangelista-Pantaleon family is trailing. Then came flowing some thoughts… now that the tracks has been regained, that the threats has been conquered, when things started to fall into their rightful places and the ride seems to run smoothly, a big boulder came rolling down the hill, blocking the road making it impassable. Everything seemed to freeze as everyone tries to size up the boulder. Perhaps figuring out what kind of strength is needed in order to move that gigantic blockage out of the way. Clueless of what steps to take, I started off by joinibg the FOR FRANZ PANTALEON e-group at facebook, which was created by the friends of FF. In that e-group, Rachel narrated in detail the inside story of discovering Franz’ illness. After reading, I took note of their address and set off walking under the scouring heat to get to the house I once visited year 1995 to 1998.

Part 3: Rachel, FF and Franz De-coded

As I walked towards the Evangelista-Pantaleon residence, my memories replayed back to the moments when for three years I was a neighbor. Back when I was assigned to that areal, I was only a few blocks away from Evangelista-Pantaleon. Being new to that place, I have decided to pay a few visit to Rachel.

For section A, Rachel, is the symbol of beauty and literary arts. The honor she gave to our section with her winning on the Miss Thomasian Pharmacy and Spanish Inter-collegiate contest is something we deeply appreciate. Her team up with FF is one that we have gotten accustomed to. . Although, theirs is a love story that was initially sneered upon by a few but later was learned to treasure and follow dearly. With this, FF has been regarded as the adopted son of A-MT90. Since then, Section A have greatly enjoyed FF’s wackiness. Five to eight years after graduation FF and Rach proved their love is grounded on a strong foothold. Armed with FF’s humility and Rachel’s strength, the couple managed to topple down their long lingering enemy. When things had gone well, they finally crowned their victory with a matrimonial vow. Franz that time is perhaps only 5 to 8 years of age. He was a very smart boy resembling the face of FF. In pictures, he projects an awkward smile, reflecting a child who is not comfortable before a camera. His assignment notebook or planner manifests a diligent student well guided by his mother. Ten years has lapsed, Franz now stood taller than his father, wearing the smile, the strength and writing skills of her mother.

Part 4: Keeping Us Posted

In the advent of summer heat, after coming from a blood laboratory check up, I came to meet FF and Franz once again. It is not at all difficult to start a conversation with FF, for words do comes out easily in his nature. In his usual spontaneity are narrative accounts of the painful surge of emotions that engulfed him; the close vigilance on the availability of blood units for transfusion; the tiring repeated answers to the deafening repeated questions asked by compassionate relatives and friends; the heavy feeling they have to bear every time they are confronted with a pitying face; and so on and so forth. Soon, tears started to well up FF’s eyes. Good thing I have a tissue at hand with which to dry his eyes. As he wipe off the tears he continued on venting out. But all these he relayed in a tone of a father who is at a forefront of a battlefield. After a quearter of an hour, a man arrived to deliver a gift from a relative. To their joy, it is the much desired continuous internet access. It brought in cheers to the Evangelista-Pantaleon, for this will keep Franz connected despite his leave from school. In the following days, Fran would update his facebook account, bring up to date his status, replies to comments as well as publish his insightful writing composition, thereby keeping us posted.

Part 5: Chinoy’s Math

At the end of my visit, am already elucidated of the type of help a classmate can offer: to support the fundraising project and help disseminate information of it to my batch-mates… the first in line is Rock for Reason.
Rock for Reason is an event set up by RockEd, an organization that uses the rock music community to support various causes and advocacies. With only 150Php entrance fee, one will have the joy of a bottle of beer while listening with the great line up of bands. The artists are composed of: Sandwich; Pedicab; Chillitees; Bagetsafonik; South Super Highway; Gasolina; Juan Lunar; Chubibo and Rivermaya. This news elicited queries from a few and for some, their generosity. One Chinese classmate even expressed how small a 50% of 150Php will be and so asked for the details of a bank account into which he can deposit his donation. This generosity was replicated by another Chinese classmate who was saddened by the news. The benevolence of these two Chinoys brings in agreat warmth in the heart for with a peso spent in text messaging, their reply insinuates a hundred fold or perhaps even more. Hurray to Chinoy’s math.

Part 6: Timely Talents

At 7:00 PM, of March 26, 2009 Judith and I agreed to get to SaGuijo on time or we will lose our chance to get a seat. So, we took our meals, get down from the condominium, hailed a taxi and soon we arrived without getting lost. At 9:00 PM, the beginning time stated in the invitation, SaGuijo bar is already buzzing with people. Both the text generations and that of the eighties swarms the streets of Guijo giving it a very festive mood. After getting off the cab, we immediately caught sight of Rachel and FF. Both were clad in a black shirt; a get-up that can adapt well to all age group. Rachel spotted us and in no time did she welcome us with a big smile. In order not to tie her from meeting other guests that is continuously coming and would definitely want to see her, I gestured to get in the bar and find a place to stay. Rachel gladly pointed to the direction. Up the entrance were kiosks of tote bags, shirts and other paraphernalias—the proceeds of which will go to Franz treatment. After paying our entrance fee, we were given the blue drink stub and a stamp mark on our arms. Judith and I entered the room, but all seats were taken, so we decided to try the side veranda. The garden sets were already taken by a few but ssince there are still vacant spaces, we requested a couple if we they can share with us and they complied. Judith and I then sat quietly to that corner until a familiar figure and voice emerge from the dark… “I was looking for the curly hair” she said. Leah Illada-Vasquez, along with her husband, came to join us. Judith and I then moved a little to accommodate the two.

@ Rock for Reason

@ Rock for Reason

Shortly the band begins to rock and we started teasing each other as to the relevance of getting a seat—the bones of the eighties has come to stage that long standing becomes an issue. A few minutes after, three teen-age girls joined our place and such elicited a conversation from Vasquez couple as regards their daughter. It is noticeable that the two are getting themselves prepared for the coming teen year of their girl. In a while the sound of one of the nation’s favorite band begins to roll and the three teen-age ladies stood up to join the crowd for jamming, they leaving their French fries for us to guard. Our attention then get pre-occupied with all the reasons we can give the girls as an excuse for eating their snacks. With the coming and goings of strangers who shared a seat with us, we soon found ourselves giving in to our cravings for the strips of potatoes we were entrusted to guard. The hunger pangs, all the more get the better of me that I decided to order for a pizza and that was the time I received a message from Karl saying they are at the site. So Leah went to peak behind the walls while I stood on top of the bench hoping to find them. Frustrated, I decided to pass through the crowd and at the driveway and there I found Karl and Weng leaning on the wall. Failing to see them, I went to meet them and bring them to where we were seated.

@ Rock for Reason

Greetings, taunting, updates and laughter lingers in that corner. The upcoming get-together with Joy Fernandez were brought up, followed by posing of pictures for a snapshot of the gathering. As the night were getting deeper and the young crowds are getting high with the jumpy rhythm of the bands, the Vasquez couple bid their farewells to the quartette of singles: the bachelor Karl, the spinster Nova, the single again Weng and the geographically single Judith.

Rock for Reason Concert

@ Rock for Reason concert

@ Rock for Reason

The four of us stayed on for a few minutes, posed for three more photo shots and then decided to call it a night. So we get off our seats and search for FF, Rachel and Franz for a picture with them. Our sleepy heads however got lost in the confusions that no pictures were achieved. Save the one in Rachel’s camera… although a copy of which remains a mystery as to how it will gets its way to the e-group. When the situation strongly suggests that our goal can no longer be achieved, without a word we walked towards the car that will wheel us home. Despite the vague verbal directions from his passenger, Karl managed to drop us off the condominium building. I went to bed amazed at the number of friends that can be gathered in times when you need them most.

Few days after, Rachel did not leave everyone wondering if indeed the activity reached its goal. In FOR FRANZ PANTALEON e-group she wrote:

At the end of the day, between gate sales that reflected 330 or so attendees, merchandise sales, and donations in that hefty box, everyone’s concerted effort yielded a staggering Php 90,000 for Franz’s chemotherapy. Just a few weeks ago, as my sister reminded me, I was worried about the new cost of Franz’s chemo for April amounting to Php 125,000 excluding hospitalization. Now, seemingly in the blink of an eye, the lion’s share of Franz’s upcoming treatment is covered.

Great things can indeed be achieved when many people gather up together and work for one purpose. Rock for Reason is not just a concert of the bands but a concerted effort of friends who no matter how little they can give has a great talent of being there when you need them.

Part 7: Chromosome Fortitude

“In the beginning is a word… and the word was made flesh.” This is a biblical passage that one of a great French geneticist had reflected on in relations to the subject of his profession. This passage pertains to the Second Person of the Blessed Trinity, but this somehow bears a likeness as how genes work. For genes indeed are referred to by geneticist as words, which holds information to build, multiply and maintain their cells until they become a fully developed living organism. In this regards, it is apparent that humans indeed partially resembles its Maker. It is however in this genes too that cancer cells are formed. But this is not because there is a genetic composition for this illness, but because the normal genetic make-up has been abnormally altered. In the face of this intrinsic genetic defect we may feel helpless. But a man of great faith knows too well that within him is a power more superior than the material word written in his chromosomes—the power of the supernatural reality that God created us in his image and likeness. Within this reality man can draw the energy to topple down a difficult enemy. This energy is what I learned as the virtue of Fortitude.

Throughout my dealings with the Evangelista-Pantaleon couple I have had a few glimpse of the power of fortitude permeating in their soul. From the onset of their love to tying of their knot, it has been colored with valor. Such power continues to fortify their spirit as they moved onto a path of discipline and as they cross the road with a buried land mine. Exemplary were they in living it well that it has been replicated in Franz manifests the same. In the evening, of March 26, 2009, Franz together with his family have shown an amazing sportive optimism as they mingle, dance, laugh and play along with the guests who have come to support them. Now, I am convinced that Evangelista-Pantaleon is chromosome Fortitude.

ADDITIONAL PHOTOS

@ Rock for Reason

@ Evangelista-Pantaleon Residence

ARMfully Beautiful

“You have a beautiful glow in skin!” Hearing these words from a friend, I knew I hit a gold mine when it comes to beauty products. It was only three days after applying the skin whiting product given by Alvin R. Matulac through his company A.R.M Skin Essentials Corporation, when they already show pleasing result. From then I knew am going to buy again. After a month, following Alvin’s advice, I then tried using his anti-aging product. A week after, my former co-worker then commented, “Whatever that product you are using for your skin, it really did a great job and please sell them here because am going to buy.” From that moment on, I texted Dr. Alvin R. Matulac for the permission to sell.

Part 1: Getting a Date

SMS is not a thing for a very busy person like Dr. Alvin R. Matulac, yet when I was very much in pain Dr. Alvin, has proved to be a friend. So, I gave it another shot. A day had lapsed and there was no reply. So, I went to see the business card he distributed and there I found the number and address of the company. In haste, did I call, but I was told that Dr. Alvin seldom visit the shop anymore. Nevertheless, I asked for some directions on how to get to the office in order to purchase the products for myself. After I have gathered information I needed, I hang up the landline phone and pick up my mobile phone. On the screen is a flashing one message in the inbox. I pushed the button to read it and there appeared Alvin’s Message:

“Sorry for late reply. Judith is also interested. You may coordinate with her for a schedule of seminar so that I will teach you how to use it.”

A current of thrill, once again flowed into my nerves as this somewhat promises another business venture. So, I texted Judith right away and 11:48 AM, I received the response:

“Sorry for my late reply. Antay ko lang availability ng sister ko sama daw cia txt u f ok n para m set ntin date. “ – Judith Mendoa-Torda, 27 Feb 2009

To this, I agreed and waited. March 12, however, I still received no update, so I texted Judith once again and so she suggested to go with me even without her sister. To this, I texted Dr. Alvin right away and the date is set on March 18, 5:00 PM. He then suggested that we take our dinner in their house because it is going to take long, perhaps until 11:00PM. “That long!” Judith replied to my forwarded message. But despite the surprise we both agreed to the schedule because an efficient beauty product is not something that can keep waiting.

Part 2: The Road We Travel

March is the beginning of a searing hot summer, yet when 18 came, I knew I just have to be valiant about the roasting temperature to get to the place where my skin will be treated well. Upon climbing up the bus, I texted Judith and Alvin to remind them of the arranged seminar. Alvin confirmed the time and the place where Judith and I will be picked up. I then coordinated with Judith as regards the manner with which we will go there. At 1:30 PM, I arrived Manila from Tiaong, Quezon. After my meeting with another person, I set out from La Salle Taft to get to PGH where Judith is receiving her training in Microbiology. By the time I reached PGH, it only took 5 minutes of waiting until Judith came in sight. With great anticipation did we travel along the long stretch of Taft Ave. and España in a cool FX taxi-jeep. Upon reaching Welcome Rotonda Judith asked me if I still knew where Capitol Medical Center is, I answered positively. Yet, that query made this certified probinsyana’s back depart from restfully leaning at the car couch to stretched my neck up letting my head stick out above the rest of the passengers in order not to miss the hospital. When an imposing blue building caught my sight, I halted the taxi-jeep with the break word “PARA!.” Hurriedly did we jumped out of FX to silence the beeping horns of cars behind. As soon as we landed the street, our feet walked us towards the café where we took a little bit of a snack in order to wait a while because we are an hour and a quarter early. Hoping for the possibility of being picked up early, I texted Alvin to announce that we had arrived. Alvin however gave no reply, perhaps still engaged in another meeting, so we just waited for 5:00PM. Ten minutes before five, the event calendar announcement flashed out of my cell phone screen, followed by an incoming message from Alvin saying that he is on his way. Very punctual did he arrived at an agreed time. We get into his dashing car and soon the wheels rolled.

Part 3: Celestial Abode

The wheels ceased to revolve in front of one of the unit of houses painted with streaks of empyreal yellow. The sedan smoothly parked into the covered garage and from there we alighted. We then enter the house and immediately were dazzled with the radiance of glimmering golden room bedecked with cherubim emanating a sweet silent sound of heavenly home. I can’t help but get entranced by the surroundings and be beaconed to comfortably lounge in one of the lovely Victorian couches. As my eyes wonder around every details of the living room, I got captivated at the sight of Judith sitting beside the angels. This inevitably made me tease her with her angelic role in the drama fest twenty years ago. Five minutes later Alvin’s household staff brought in some sodas to our refreshment. As I enjoy the sizzling perk of this tingling sensation of a drink on my tongue, Alvin told us to wait a while until he finish his meeting with the medical representatives. I then took the opportunity to take pictures of seemingly celestial abode and to try my luck with the Alvin look alike one and half year old daughter.

Part 4: A Beautiful Future

After a quarter of a minute a very fair lady with a long dark black hair descended from the stairs to greet us. She sat right across me and from there I could clearly see how well had Alvin taken care of her skin. My tongue could no longer hold to utter words of adulation for hers is a flawless silky white skin that would drop the jaw of anyone who crosses her path. She then relayed the skin regimens that she had undergone. Moments later, a cute little girl by the age of four or five strut down the staircase and joined her mother. The stark contrast in their complexion gives a visual testimony of how well A.R.M products do its job. In her one can see a beautiful future of what and A.R.M. users can be.

Part 5: Twenty first Century Professor Higgins

Past an hour lapsed, the medical representatives bid their farewell. Judith and I then proceed to the dining room when Alvin called for us. Without wasting much time he gave us presentations of his numerous products. The first part was like a review of skin histology. It is quite amusing to see how the “Bonging” of the class whom his cheatmates used to coach is now the one giving a lecture. After skin overview, introduce the different processes by which soap is made. This portion was like a supplementary class to soap making class in one chemistry subject years ago. This is then followed by introduction of wide arrays of skin soaps. But he emphasized on the need to treat the pimples or acne first had there any client manifests such skin problem, hence he showed us the batch of Anti-bacterial soaps like Guava soap, T3soap and Sulfur Soap with Salicilyc Acid. The next batch are the hypo-allergenic soap like Oatmeal soap. After these he brought out the whitening soaps: Black Pearl, Bleaching, Calamansi, Green Papaya, Kojic Acid, Mushroom Soap, Papaya and Milk, Pineapple, Tamarind, vitamin C, Licorice Soap, Burberry, Glutathione and Singkamas. He then proceded with Anti-wrinkle soaps: Carrot, collagen, Green Tea, Placenta and Tretinoin. He then move on to acquaint us with other soaps like moisturizing soaps like oatmeal with honey soap and goat’s milk. The soap lesson ise concluded with accessory soaps like Musculine Bar, Coffee for slimming and deodorant and Prosperity Soap.

After the soap lecture comes the other forms of skin care products like those in solution forms, lotion forms, and cream or gel form be they for whitening, toning, anti-acne,moisturizing, sunblock, anti-wrinkle or body scrub. He emphasized on using the middle and ring finger in applying these on face.

 

Then the last part of the presentation is the medical procedure for a more aggressive skin whitening. With this comes the surprising models_–is household helps to whom he had this procedures applied in gratis. This revelation made me lift myself off my seat to joke about my envy and interest to be hired as his house personnel. In dawned on me that in that home, the household staff were like Eliza Doolittle on their way to becoming lovely fair ladies. Alvin Matulac is the twenty first century Proffessor Higgins.

 

Part 6: ARMfull

Supper was served in between the seminar. Alvin and Joy provided us with an abundant amount of roast pork and fresh lumpia. I had stuffed myself so much that made me feel sleepy and is hardly catching up with the chaining words of Professor Alvin. Thanks to technology that recording is made easy via cellular phone. After the lecture, the products that were presented is for us to keep. Alvin, who is such a nice chap, had the grace of providing us with a company cotton fabric bag to give dignity to our luguage. But before leaving we had our pictures taken for a souvenir.

 

Yet, that is not where Alvin’s generosity ended, together with his wife and his look-a-like daughter, he drove us all the way from Quezon City to Pasay City, in order to make sure that we get home safe. We get off from car extremely grateful for we are blessed with an ARMfull (the acronym in A.R.M. Skin Essentials Corporation stands for Alvin R. Matulac. ARMful is a play of words to signify that we are recipients of the benevolence of A.R.M Skin Essential products and services).

Part 7: Beauty Right Through Your Finger Tips

Alvin, for section A is the “Bondying” or the baby of the class. His is a manner of being gives delight to the group in a way the whole family takes pleasure over their youngest sibling. Much to our amusement is his childlike hanging on the arm while we cross the pedestrian of Espana and his fidgety over being discovered by his mother that he joined the class excursion. Yet, life indeed is full of surprises. Who will suspect that the easy going Med. Tech student Alvin is a Beauty Products Manufacturer in the making… a man who will provide jobs to more than a hundred Filipinos, a man who gives business opportunity to entrepreneurs here and abroad, a man who supplies to the country’s well known beauty doctor of the stars, a man who applied an iron hand to thefts and scandalous staffs and most especially a man who confirmed that Beauty is only skin deep and hence is achievable right through middle and ring finger tips.

Landco Summer Events

 

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Laughing Medicine

Part 1:  Balik Classmate

 

Looking for him via his name will only leave you frustrated as there are so many John Joseph Ledesma living in Bacolod.  This fact, James Lugue can testify under oath even perhaps before the Senate and can firmly say before them “been there, done that your honor!”  Hence after exhausting all our means in searching for the rest of classmates to no avail, we abandon it to the hands of time.  Indeed, after several earth’s rotation, some of the yet missing classmates started to find us instead.  In approximately three months after Judith Mendoza-Torda found us, John Joseph Ledesma succeeded in his search.  Thanks to WordPress blog site that makes the names of our classmates searchable under the search engine.  Hence, when I opened my major e-mail account, and browse through several mail, one caught my eye “John Joseph Ledesma left a comment in your blog.”  To this, I immediately click on the item to open the mail and click onto the link to automatically log me in my blog account.  True enough, John Joseph left a comment in two of the photos of the Christmas Party:

 

 

Submitted on 2009/01/16 at 11:40am

hi rach, weng and pink. Wish I was there. Still looking good after all these years. Miss You all!

John

Submitted on 2009/01/16 at 11:34am

Hello to everyone. Rosalee and weng used to copy from me. Wish to see all of u! Miss you all! hope you still remember me.

john

Upon reading, I immediately went back to the announcing mail.  In there the e-mail address of John, so without further a do, I texted Karl Zafra and gave him the address.  Immediately, Karl invited John Joseph to the group and soon become a “balik classmate.”

 

Part 2: Came Back to Life

 

Having John Joseph back in the circle brought cheers to most of us, because ‘ ei! The treasurer is back!!!’   Once again the 4amtust90 yahoo group came back to life.  The posting of messages became a time of teasing (about his speed as well as who is the fastest to pay) and updating (as regards his where about).  Then came the imac hullabaloo… what is this?  Oh! John Joseph don’t know how to upload the pictures to the site.  Then another one?  Huh? He lost all the mails?  Hmmm… this only happens to John Joseph. 

 

Although in writing he declared to have speeded up in his ways but the giving out of his cellphone numbers declared otherwise.  Sigh!!! Karl has already given out his number and twice I did for him to get in touch with us, but it landed on deaf ears… or shall I say blind eyes as it was written in mails.  This only leaves me wondering as to how a get together with him can be organized if he indeed make it to Manila (as pre-announced in one of his posted mail).  Once again, we leave it in the hands of time.

 

Part 3:  Mysteries Revealed

 

Indeed, some mysteries are revealed in time.  Mon Feb 23, 2009 9:12 am, an e-mail announcement posted:

 

I will be in Manila on Feb 24 ………

Hopefully i can see some of you guys (if your sked permits) on that evening somewhere in Makati area (I stay in Legaspi st.)  near Greenbelt mall.

My cell no. is 0917********

 

So, indeed he has a cellphone and his number finally revealed.  I chance upon Karl being on line and so I asked if he is calling on a get-together but he responded that he is waiting for John Joseph’s notification.  Soon after that conversation, Karl posted a message addressed to John Joseph as regards organizing the group.  That leave me only waiting for the SMS broadcast.

 

February 24 came and no broadcast, so I texted John Joseph for the need to confirm the meeting since I will be coming all the way from Quezon Province.  Then he texted back using his SUN cellular number— “So, he has a Sun cellular number after all—another revalation!”  Taking advantage of the 24/7 unlimited, I called him.  From the other line I heard a very familiar voice of 19 years ago (counting starts from third year).  He has indeed picked up speed in speaking.  After a short exchange of hellos and how are you’s the conversation has to be cut in order to broadcast the short notice get-together.  As soon as we cut the line, I started texting everyone.

 

Part 4: Responses 

 

As soon as messages were sent, Karl Zafra immediately replied:

 

“I could follow sa resto.  Did you send the group text na”

 

To this I replied yes.  Then the other messages came:

 

          Emily Carbonel-Dy -  Can’t make it. Tnx 4 inviting.

JC Huang-Pascual – Would love to, but I’m sad to say I cant come L have fun.

Joy Ramos-Igarta – Sayang. I have an appointment tonight.  Wala bang for tomorrow night? ÜÜ

Judith Mendoza-Torda – Sayang I wont b able 2 make it. F tom sna. Pls say hi 2 john for me. Tnx

 

Considering that such an opportunity to meet John Joseph Ledesma in Manila is quite rare due to geographical distance of Bacolod, I committed myself to pursuing the get-together even if it will only be the three of us because nevertheless a picture posted in yahoo group will be a delight for the rest of the classmates and for some batch-mates who might knew him.  So I set off to ride the bus on the way to Manila from my hometown Tiaong.

 

Part 5:  Uncertainty in Time

 

I arrived two hours earlier in Manila, so I went to my brother’s place yet to put down my backpack and to take a few rest.  An hour later, John Joseph called confirming the get-together event.  I called using SUN cellular but the line is quite weak so I resorted back to texting.  It so happens that he is already in the doctor’s clinic and his mother is on cue for the laser eye operation.  I confirmed the coming of the event.  He haggled for two hours delay due to the uncertainty of the time by which his mother’s operation will start and end.  I begged off to say that there might be classmates who had not replied but may come at the time set.  So, I suggested that I will simply hang around Greenbelt to  meet the others who might come.  To this, he agreed.  Aware that it may take a much later for the get-together to commence, I took my supper at such an early time.    At 5:30 PM, I went to ride the Light Train Transit and the Metro Rail Transit.

 

Part 6:  Long Time Waiting

 

Knowing that the get-together will not begin at the scheduled time I decided to stop over the food stall where my former student is working.  To that stall I killed time by taking a soda.  Fifteen minutes later, my ambulance ringtone reverberated from my bag.  I scooped out my mobile phone and heard on the other end Karl asking who has confirmed.  I then revealed that only him confirmed.  To this we both laugh and then Karl assured me he is going to catch up at the restaurant.  After that, I put back the phone into my bag and on my foot walked to look for the Starbucks landmark John Ledesma has mentioned.  After asking and going around the greenbelt I finally found the Starbucks and the condominium he was referring to.  In Starbucks, I then decided to kill time again.

 

At Starbucks, after getting my refreshment from the counter, I texted John that I have arrived.  John then responded that he has just arrived at the condominium and requested to give him half an hour to refresh himself.  So, I decided to wait by checking 4amtust90 yahoo group.  There I was updated of recently posted teasing messages from my classmates in response to John Joseph’s messages. 

 

Part 7:  Meeting

 

Half an hour past, a knock on the glass wall was heard and upon shifting my gaze to the source I saw John Joseph waving.  I waved back and motioned for him to come in, to which he complied.  Upon coming in, we exchanged welcome greeting.  .  Then he looked into the mini-laptop and mentioned the much discussed topic in yahoo group – his ordeal over posting his pictures in the site.  From my interrogation, it was then that the root cause of the problem became known… he was trying to drag the photo file from his PC to the yahoo site— a procedure that can be done from memory stick to PC.  To which, a little chiding I gave and then bring his attention to the computer.  As I was about to teach him the procedure, my mobile phone rang.  Although the name registered that appeared is that of Karl Zafra, I heard a woman’s voice, Rowena Lim-Sylato.  She then announced that they are about to park.  After that phone conversation, I decided to pack up and John Joseph motioned that we wait for them outside.  Upon coming out of the café, we however walked continuously far from the café, so I told him that we might miss them, to which John Joseph seemed to have not heard me.  When we reached the driveway of a mall, I spotted Karl and Rowena on the other side of the driveway.  I told, Joseph about this and he attempted to cross the grass island, but backed out.  So as not to let Karl and Rowena walked further away from us, I then called on the name of Karl loudly.  To which they immediately saw us and so convened at the crescent road. 

 

 

Part 8:  All about Joseph

The meeting of Karl and John is the start of male bantering.  The boys made fun of each other as we walk in search of a place where we will dine.  Soon we all consent to take our meals at Big Buddah.  John Joseph expressed his preference to sit outside but Karl motioned that temperature is cooler inside, so we agreed to take the indoor table.  After placing our order, John begin to relate his story.  He narrated that did not appear in graduation because he contracted measles.  According to him, few days before the graduation, he was with his friends in Antipolo.  One of the girls however felt the night was chilly so as a gentleman he gave out his jacket to her.  Unknowing to him however, the girl has just recovered from measles and is definitely at the stage where she sheds off what she had been nurturing.  So when they parted he successfully got his share… crimson rash upon the skin.  Fast forward… he got a job in a bank and worked for one and half year.  After, he went back to the Bacolod, there he met the girl he is to wed and fathered to three.

Part 9:  Side-splitting Memories

 

Part 10:  Laughing Medicine

 

I once heard from a friend this phrase “Sa Ilo-ilo walang nagmamadali.”  I shall say, this also holds true to its neighboring town Bacolod, for John Joseph Ledesma was known to us as the “speeding turtle.”  Slow as he might seem, yet, his lifestyle of ease became such a valuable attribute to which the whole section A had placed their trust as when it comes to money.  For the entire three years John Joseph Ledesma served as the most realiable, trusted, efficient, patient and funny class treasurer and collector (no wonder, after graduation he finds himself employed in a bank company).  Nineteen years after, when all computer technology has speeded up from kbps to mbps and now gbps, John Joseph access of memory acheived bps. But unlike computers where at such rate you are rendered infuriated, John Joseph leaves us laughing the whole time.  Thanks to age that humor for John Joseph became effortless.  And such laughter he roused makes this one forwarded message true:

 

Laughter is a unique medicine that

places our problems in perspectives,

Relaxes our tense muscles,

reassures those around you and

helps you to enjoy life.

 

John Joseph that night is a nitrous oxide, a laughing medicine.

Rock for Reason

Rock for a Reason

Fundraising gig for Franz a teenage boy diagnosed with Extra-Skeletal Ewing’s Sarcoma
Host: FOR FRANZ PANTALEON

Type: Music/Arts – Concert

Network: Global
Start Time: Thursday, March 26, 2009 at 9:00pm
End Time: Friday, March 27, 2009 at 3:00am
Location: SaGuijo
Street: Guijo St.
City/Town: Makati,
Band Lineup:

Sandwich
Pedicab
Duster
Chillitees
Bagetsafonik
South Super Highway
Gasolina
Juan Lunar
Chubibo
Rivermaya

Entrance fee is P150, which includes 1 beer. 50% of that will go towards Franz’s medical bills. We’ll also be collecting donations there, so if you’d like to give more than the entrance fee, it would be very much appreciated.

Directions to SaGuijo: From EDSA, take Buendia, then turn right on Pasong Tamo. Turn right on Bagtikan, then take the first left into Guijo St. SaGuijo is on the right, you can’t miss it.
Click on the link below for the map

http://maps.google.com/maps?f=q&hl=en&q=Guijo+St.%2C+Makati%2C+Philippines

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