dual*ities

"For all that has been—Thanks! For all that shall be—Yes." This quote by Dag Hammarskjöld best summarizes Fr. Ben Nebres’ message to the ADMU community during the send-off mass in honor of the 3 basketball teams held last Saturday evening. 'Thanks’ for a wonderful UAAP season, with all its ups and downs, struggles and victories, he said. And ‘yes’ to whatever we might face from now on.

That, of course, happened a night before the teams’ appearance in the UAAP Final Four matches. By now, it’s no secret what the results of Sunday’s games were: The Lady Eagles made it to the finals (hurray!), the Blue Eaglets will face UPIS once more for another crack at a finals berth, and the Blue Eagles finally bowed out of Season 68 with another heartbreaking loss to DLSU.

Of all those games, it was the loss of the Seniors’ team to their archrivals that affected the Ateneo community the most. Every other Atenean that I know was devastated by it, to say the least. In fact, after the ADMU-DLSU game, my friends and I had to have an extended “venting session” at Pizza Hut Bistro-Gateway and Starbucks-Katipunan to find some sort of "closure".ü We also went to visit the Church of Gesu to seek solace. Hehehe. I guess nobody from our circle really expected our team's title bid to end so abruptly. Sure, I initially didn’t expect the Seniors’ team to make it as far as the Final Four this year. After all, the team is, by and large, still composed of relatively untried players (who barely got playing time last year) under a new coach (even though that coach is the legendary Norman Black). But then, the team’s tremendous improvement midway into the season—which enabled them to sustain a 7-game winning streak—suddenly woke me up to the fact that the Season 68 Championship was within the team’s reach. And in truth, against most of the other schools, the Eagles played splendidly and effectively, especially in terms of defense. But the fact remains that against their archrival La Salle, our boys were simply INTIMIDATED. To put it simply, DLSU has a more cohesive and better conditioned team. I don’t care for their players’ half-court/off-court antics, but one has to admit that they really had the Eagles’ number this year.

But then again, regardless of the Blue Eagles' frustrated bid for the title of UAAP champs, Fr. Ben’s message still holds. There are, after all, many things to be thankful for this season. The team’s collective effort has become more visible this year, resulting to many won games. Players who used to squander the ball a lot have now become go-to-guys in their own right. Even the second stringers have stepped up and contributed quality minutes coming off the bench. And of course, no one can forget the heart and intensity shown by veterans LA Tenorio and Magnum Membrere, who gave their all even when the odds were up against them (especially in the last game against DLSU). For all these, 'Thank you, Blue Eagles!' And true, this may be the end of the UAAP season, but there will be many other future endeavors in which to learn and grow. It is, in many ways, the beginning of better things to come. And to that, we say, 'Yes, we are ready!'

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Days after the send-off mass for the basketball teams, I realized that Fr. Ben’s message applies to my own affairs as well. Just last Friday, I finally defended my thesis before a brilliant and very gracious panel of experts in the field of social psychology and social development. Thankfully, the result of my defense was way better than that of the ADMU Seniors’ team. Harhar. So yes, after the long, seemingly endless race that was my thesis (and my masteral studies for that matter), I can now safely say that I've finally crossed the finish line.ü And for that, I am truly, truly grateful—not only to my adviser and panelists, but to all those who offered their assistance, support and encouragement throughout the past 7 months. Of course, just like any thankful person, I celebrated the occasion by making the most of the weekend that has just passed. Saturday night, after the mass at Gesu, I had dinner with my ex-officemate Alex at Gayuma. Then, we joined some of our Pathways friends at Zak’s House, spent some time at Saguijo Bar in Makati, then went back to Zak’s house for a few drinks and loads and loads of laughter until the wee hours. The next day, Sunday, my basketball buddies and I met up earlier than usual to prepare to go to Araneta, grab a quick lunch, and cheer our hearts out during the games (both the Juniors' and the Seniors'). And although our team lost, we did manage to cheer each other up. For this gift of companionship, I truly am thankful as well. 'For all that has been—Thanks!'

Now, my post-thesis defense celebration period (as well as the “mourning” period for ADMU’s loss ü) has come to an end. Another chapter in my life is about to (hopefully) begin. As of yet, I’m not quite sure how it will unfold. But as always, I sure am ready to be taken for one exciting ride. 'For all that shall be—Yes.'

I just realized that I spent a total of about 20 hours watching live basketball games these past four weeks. (The computation includes the amount of time spent traveling to and fro the venue of the games and waiting for the games to start, but doesn’t take into account the time spent for ticket-hunting.) Yup, my basketball buddies and I stuck to our pact of attending every single ADMU game in the 2^nd round of UAAP Season 68. If the increasing number of UAAP tickets that I’ve collected these past few weeks isn't proof enough, then the pictures below (which I just saw a few days ago in www.fabilioh.com) would give one a glimpse of how much I (along with my basketball-loving friends) have become a true-blue UAAP groupie. Harhar.

So yes, we were present in every game of Round 2 (except for the ADMU-ADU match, which fell on the same day as the JVP Board Meeting), thus witnessing the Blue Eagles' every victory and defeat. The wins, of course, were such energy boosters! The losses, on the other hand, were really frustrating. The result of the game last Thursday against DLSU was especially heartbreaking. The Blue Eagles played scared, while the Archers played like the defending champions that they are. It was, more than anything, a mind game— one that Franz Pumaren’s boys seem to have really gotten good at. It was such an emotionally-charged ballgame such that even we— the supporters—were pretty exhausted when it ended. It’s as if we were the ones playing on court! With that loss, coupled with UE’s loss to DLSU earlier today, the Blue Eagles are now faced with a twice-to-win disadvantage— either against the formidable FEU squad or the tougher-by- the-minute DLSU quintet— in their quest for this year's UAAP Championship. But then, as we always say, win or lose, we will stand by the ADMU team all the way! I really just hope that they have learned from their past mistakes and will genuinely play their hearts out during the play offs, the Final Four matches, and hopefully, the Championship. One big fight!

Anyway, in the midst of waiting for those crucial games, my friends and I found something to truly cheer and be proud about yesterday, as we watched our friend George wow ‘em all with his outstanding performance in Trumpets’ rendition of the Hans Christian Andersen classic, The Little Mermaid. For a while there, we thought he was only gonna appear as The Seahorse (not that there's anything wrong with that ü). But he did turn out to be The Prince after all.ü And he really did play his role to a T! Such a natural performer, our friend is. The Christian theme of the play makes it all the more perfect for him to be part of the ensemble. George is, without question, a winner through and through with this latest endeavor of his.

Backstage with the stars of the show! [Back row, L-R] Tintin, John,
George (a.k.a. Prince Christian), moi, Maita; [Front row, L-R] Bing,
Ashley (a.k.a. Jewel/The Little Mermaid), and Carmen.

Putting the "G factor" (the George factor, that is) aside, the whole production was enjoyable to watch. The colorful costumes, the set, et al, were creatively done (although I learned from my friends that everything has been considerably pared down as compared to the play’s initial run in 1996). The entire thing, in my humble opinion, was much-better executed than Atlantis’ Beauty and the Beast (well, maybe except for the Marketing aspect of the show). This production may not have big name performers as part of its ensemble (as in the case of AAI's Once On This Island), but its cast members, in a very real sense, are stars in their own right. So yeah, a huge round of applause goes to George and co. for a job well done!

Last week, I finished all my official commitments with my home organizations (i.e. finished and turned over the JVP documents to SecJen ü, submitted my artwork to Pathways). Hence, when this week started, I thought I’d have a lot of time on my hands. But as it turned out, I’ve had my hands full these past few days—full with everything but nothing in particular. I ran errands, hunted for tickets (both for the much-hyped ADMU-DLSU game and my friend George’s play, The Little Mermaid), showed up in some functions here and there, and attended to the concerns of several friends-in-need. Before I realized it, it’s the middle of the week…and I haven’t even had the chance to get back to the book that I have been itching to finish since about 2 weeks ago!

Anyway, in keeping with my “everything and nothing” theme this week, I didn’t really feel like blogging about anything in particular from my experiences these past days. Hence, I thought it’d be a good idea to finally respond to the various surveys that I’ve been tagged to answer weeks—or maybe even months—ago.

Thanks to May8 for the first one, to Solar Eclipse for the second one, and Allkaput for the third one. Sorry for the delayed response, gals. As they say, better late than later.:)

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SEVEN

Seven things that scare me:
Losing my independence. The possibility of going blind. The possibility of a nuclear holocaust. Being misunderstood. Being complacent. Being irrelevant. Not meeting expectations.

Seven things I like the most:
Reading. Planning. Hanging out with the framily. Watching movies. Walking. Traveling alone. Watching UAAP basketball games.

Seven random facts about me:
I used to obsess about political correctness (I still do sometimes). I came back from my first JVP year with stage 1 anemia. I appeared on national tv at least 2x in the last 3 weeks (i.e., ADMU-UP game, Mass for Truth at Gesu). I am not fond of shopping (unless it is shopping for books). My favorite Tagalog word is taglagas. My favorite subjects in college were Theology and Philosophy. I end up with a really clean plate after eating.

Seven important things in my bedroom:
My laptop (which now has DSL connection. Yipee!). My CDs. My books. My photo albums. The map of RP (in which the places I’ve traveled to have been marked) on the wall beside my door. My TV set. My arts and crafts materials under my bed.

Seven things I plan to do before I die:
Volunteer in Africa or Latin America. Go bungee jumping. Back pack through Europe on my own. Meet the Indigo Girls. Write and/or illustrate children’s books. Be a good daughter. Work for grassroots communities in Bicol or Mindanao.

Seven things I can do:
Draw/sketch/paint. Edit and lay-out publications. Conceptualize and implement training programs. Do image manipulation with Photoshop. Do content and process documentation/analysis. Conceptualize and implement surprise parties and similar events (especially involving mazes). Not sleep for days on end.

Seven things I can’t do:
Cook. Stay put at home. Wear a skirt (unless super duper necessary). Watch/sit-through movies with a predictable plot/ending. Leave the house without my wristwatch. Bluff when playing ‘Bluff’ (the card game). Ride the bike.

Seven things that attract me to the opposite sex: (Hmm, this is hard…)
Sense of humor. Height. Hair. Introspective quality. Elusiveness. Artistic talents. Musical talents.

Seven things I say the most:
Ano buzz?! Shucks. Gosh. Hep! Oh my god. Hay naku. Kinda.

Seven celeb crushes (whether local or foreign): (Okay, this is hard because I don’t think I have seven…but I’ll try.) Katherine Moennig. Jerry Codiñera. Angelina Jolie. Johnny Depp. Kate Moennig. Mig Ayesa (of Rockstar INXS). And oh, did I mention Kate Moennig?:)

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THREE

Three names you go by:
1) Pia
2) Pol
3) P

Three screen names you have had:
1) pol
2) offthemap
3) bulan1819

Three physical things you like about yourself:
1) Eyes
2) Hands
3) Shoulders

Three physical things you don't like about yourself:
1) My facial skin is part oily and part dry. Why can’t it be at least part normal? Hehe.
2) Like solar eclipse, I’m balbon.
3) I’ve always been on the heavy side. (Although I don’t actually dislike this about myself anymore. I’ve come to embrace it as part as who I am.)

Three parts of your heritage:
1) I am Pinoy through and through, and proud to be one!
2) My grandfathers from both sides of the family came from Nueva Ecija.
2) Artistic genes run in both sides of the family. (My mom and dad actually met when they were both Fine Arts students in UST.)

Three things that scare you:
1) the possibility of nuclear holocaust
2) the possibility of going blind
3) being reincarnated as a pig or something

Three of your everyday essentials:
1) my wristwatch
2) my laptop
3) my coin purse

Three of your favorite musical artists:
1) Indigo Girls
2) Lighthouse Family
3) Coldplay (although methinks they’re becoming a little too commercial these days)

Three of your favorite songs:
1) Hammer and Nail (by Indigo Girls)
2) One Hundred Years (by Five for Fighting)
3) Trees (my newest fave; an original song by Marty Casey of Rockstar INXS)

Three things you want in a relationship:
1) humor / laughter
2) communication
3) companionship

Three lies and truths in no particular order:
1) I have 20/20 vision.
2) I’m a tattooed gal.
3) I like dressing up for formal occasions.
4) I’m an only child.
5) I looove the color pink.
6) I’m an internet junkie.

Three physical things about the opposite sex that appeal to you:
1) hair
2) sense of humor
3) elusiveness/mysterious quality

Three of your favorite hobbies:
1) reading
2) watching basketball games (whether live or on tv)
3) dvd/vcd marathons

Three things you want to do really badly now:
1) get my thesis oral defense over and done with
2) watch the ADMU-DLSU game (which actually won’t happen for another 15 hours or so)
3) exactly what I am doing right now

Three careers you're considering/you've considered:
1) development work
2) training and formation (especially of youth groups)
3) illustrating children’s books

Three places you want to go on vacation:
1) Scandinavia
2) Greece
3) Istanbul

Three kid's names you like:
Hmm…I’ll have to think about this one first. I’ll pass for now.

Three things you want to do before you die:
1) Volunteer/work in Africa.
2) Go bungee jumping
3) Make a positive contribution to society.

Three ways that you are stereotypically a boy:
1) I don’t like sappy movies (and senti songs for that matter). I cringe when predictable, cheesy lines are delivered by the characters, and am usually disappointed by formula endings. I actually like action/conspiracy theory films and “end of the world” flicks better.
2) I rarely cry or get over-emotional.
3) I carry my wallet (only a coin purse actually) on my back pocket.

This list actually could go on and on.:) In fact, every single time I take the Gender Test, the test always proclaims that I am absolutely male. Hehehe.

Three ways that you are stereotypically a girl:
1) I have longish hair (although that might soon change).
2) I’m neat and organized (or at least people say I am).
3) I have what my friend Chiqui calls good birthing hips. (And by the way he says it, I don’t think it’s a compliment. Harhar.)

Three celeb crushes:
1) Katherine Moennig
2) Jerry Codiñera
3) Angelina Jolie

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ZILCH* (a.k.a. All About Cooking)
*because this is a subject that I know next to nothing about

What is your first memory of baking/cooking on your own?

When I was about 8 years old, I remember making my own homemade polvoron, which I learned to concoct from my cousin’s nanny. Later on, in my early teens, I progressed to making those no-bake brownies, hotcakes, and cheesecakes. And then, I never went beyond that. Harhar. The thing is, in our house (back in Manila, and now in QC), I am surrounded by great cooks. My grandmother just love to cook! And for the most part of my childhood, we had two cooks who alternated with preparing dishes for the family. So between all of these people, there really was no space for me in the kitchen.:(

Who had the most influence on your cooking?

My paternal grandmother and her daughters (all of whom are U.S.-based) are all culinary experts in their own right. My mom is not as prolific as they are in the kitchen, but she has her own simple specialties that I picked up on over the years. So I guess it could be said that I got my inclination to cook (or the lack of it) from my mom.

Do you have an old photo as “evidence of an early exposure to the culinary world and would you like to share it?

Hmm, none that I know of.

Mageiricophobia - do you suffer from any cooking phobia, a dish that makes your palms sweat?

Not really. I don’t engage in any “intense cooking action” anyway, so I really wouldn’t have anything to fear. (If you hadn’t already caught on, that’s how disengaged I am about cooking. Hehe.)

What would be your most valued or used kitchen gadgets?

The microwave, definitely! Mwahaha. Aside from that, I’ve had a fascination with cheese graters ever since I was a child. I love cheese! And thus, I love cheese graters.:)

Name some funny or weird food combinations/dishes you really like and probably no one else.

I actually can eat anything (except that I don’t eat pork now), no matter how weird they taste. Stuff that I thought to be “normal”/”regular” but that other people think of as weird? Here they are:

• I like eating okra, ampalaya, atay at balunbalunan (chicken liver and gizzard), bagoong on ripe mango or banana, and suman with ripe mango.
• When I was a kid, I used to put sugar and condensed milk (or carabao’s milk, whenever I’d vacation in the province,) on my rice.
• I also liked mixing Milo with powdered milk and putting just enough water to mold it into a sticky, dough-like treat. I also liked eating (as in, “making papak”) Cerelac.
• And last but not the least, ice cream sandwich anyone?

What are the three eatables or dishes you simply don’t want to live without?

• Banana
• Shrimps
• Mentos (Harhar!)
  

3 quickies:

• Favorite ice cream: Cookies and cream
• You will probably never eat: I agree with Allkaput. Never say never! Especially not if I want to compete in Fear Factor someday. (As if!)
• Signature dish: Taco salad

So yes, cooking is not a subject I’m knowledgeable about. But eating? Now that’s a different story.:)

Finding gold in garbage sounds like an impossible--and perhaps a bit crazy--thing to wish for. But that virtually was what the JVP Manila Local Community (MLC) Steering Committee accomplished yesterday with the success of their fund raising project--a Rummage Sale at the Riverbanks Multi-purpose Hall yesterday, the 4th of September.

It was a loooong, tiring day. Loading and unloading and reloading boxes and boxes of used clothing, shoes & bags, books, CDs, household stuff and what-have-you's. Standing for hours on end, on an almost empty stomach, while trying to convince people to buy second-hand items. Answering repeated questions from customers (Customer: "Para saan po ba ito?" JVP: "Ah, ginagamit po yan sa panligo...parang sabon. Pambabango ho at pampakinis ng balat."). Arranging and re-arranging books, clothes and other items that were constantly being messed up by curious customers. It took 12 hours of all these for the JVPs who were present in the event to raise funds for the org.

Not only did we all feel like expert tiangge vendors by the end of the day. We also felt like we've gone back to our respective JVP years somehow, not minding the physical labor, the dirt and the dust, or being assigned to do seemingly menial tasks, just to contibute to reaching that common goal of furthering the Foundation's cause. (And well, we did smell an awful lot like we did back when we were volunteers, when we would spent hours under the sun, or just generally sweat it out as we mingled with people from all walks of life. Hehe.).

Moreover, being a tindera for the day afforded us insight into the common tao's priorities and buying habits. Well, the abubots and butingtings (trinkets) were the best sellers (yes, more so than the clothes!), suggesting how much Pinoys love little decorative stuff that make our surroundings more pleasant to live or work in. Also, on the booth that I was assigned to man, the CDs were sold waaayy before the books. Of course, that doesn't really come as a surprise, given the Filipinos' penchant for movies and music. But still, it saddened me to be reminded of the fact that the average Pinoy isn't really much of a reader. At first, I was thinking, people are really just too lazy to read. But later on, it struck me that maybe, some people would like to read but are intimidated by the idea of reading novels et al., especially if they are written in English. Also, methinks that the average person (in Marikina at least) thinks of books in terms of their practical use, rather than their recreational value.

How did I arrive at these conclusions? First, I observed that most shoppers would hover and browse through the books, but would then go away upon observing that there aren't any Tagalog titles. "Walang Tagalog?," they'd ask. Second, textbooks and other reference books (i.e. cook books, "how to" manuals) were more popular purchases than works of fiction. But the thing that struck me the most was how every so often, somebody would ask if we were selling dictionaries. That was like the most constant thing on my corner of the rummage sale throughout the entire day. I mean, Reg sat on my booth for less than an hour, and already, 5-6 people asked her for a dictionary. And I myself must have been asked more than 20 times! Even the really old and ratty dictionary (without a cover at that) got purchased. Somehow, I didn't anticipate such "enthusiasm" for dictionaries among the customers, just 'coz whenever I myself go to the book stand, I think of buying books for recreational reading. The academic and reference books are usually the exception. So yes, that whole "selling bargain books" thing was an eye-opener for me. Come to think of it, that practically encapsulates our country's literacy problem in a nutshell. How can one be expected to read these novels and other literary works--with their highfallutin language and all--when one cannot even understand the meaning of basic words in English? Merely knowing how to read words, without comprehending them, does not make one functionally literate. Our country may have a high literacy rate (higher than 90%), but our functional literacy is another story. Tough. Really tough. Hmm, this makes me think of suggesting a Dictionary Sale next time. I myself must have at least 3 dictionaries (not including my Thesaurus, etymology stuff, and the like). I certainly could give up a couple of those. Even the tattered, dog-eared ones can still be useful to others.

Anyway, since not a lot of the books have been purchased by noontime, we had to drop the price from PhP 15.00 to PhP 5.00, and do some really aggressive marketing ("Ito pong book ni Robert Ludlum, baka magustuhan niyo. Siya po yung author nung Bourne Identity." "Ah, nagbabasa po pala kayo ng Danielle Steele? Baka magustuhan niyo rin ho si Judith McNaught."). That's what I call promoting literacy. Hehehe. Apparently, our marketing strategy worked. At the end of the day, the loads of books that we originally brought to the sale got reduced to a stack that fit into one medium-sized box.:) Even some of the titles by Isaac Asimov got purchased. Boy, was that fulfilling!

So yes, we did work hard. But we really had fun too. As in most JVP functions, laughter and camaraderie were part of yesterday's equation. Bonding through tough challenges had always been a JVP trademark anyway.:) And our rummage sale experience was, gladly, not an exception to that "norm". What made it even better was that several former JVPs, aside from "the usual suspects," did turn up to show their support for the Steering Com. Community-building wise, that was a really good development for the MLC. Second, what other people consider to be "old" or "extra" have really benefited many not-so-well-off Marikeños who don't have enough money to buy brand new things. ( "Kaya kami nandito, ay dahil hindi namin kaya bumili ng bago," one shopper says.) At ridiculously low prices, they were given the chance to acquire "good finds"... to make something new of the old. Lastly, these extra stuff that are as good as"garbage" to some did turn into "gold" for JVP too. At the end of the day, we were all so happy to learn that we earned PhP xx,xxx.00 (I'm not sure if I could publish the exact amount, so I'll have to keep people guessing for now). Kudos goes to the MLC Steering Com, with its new, dynamic and hardworking team! These people have really outdone themselves this time, thereby infusing new life to the community as well.:) And from the looks of it, this is only the beginning of better things to come.

This week has been a week of “goodbyes,” starting with the surprise despedida party for Fr. Mario on Monday night. After 14 (or was it 15?) years of serving as JVP’s chaplain, this groovy priest is now passing on the baton to Fr. Mars (another kewl priest), as he moves to Boston for his sabbatical. It was a brief gathering with the JVP framily, but it was enjoyable and memorable nonetheless, what with the sumptuous food, the fun games, and the wonderful bye-bye video lovingly prepared by Kangirl. No tears were shed, since I don’t think Fr. Mario’s departure has really sunk in yet... not even on the part of Fr. Mario himself. But I’m pretty sure that his presence in JVP functions, as well as his inspiring homilies, his funky dance moves, and all the playful banter that he so loves to instigate, will be missed.

Here’s a manipulated mag cover I made, which doubles as Fr. Mario’s bye bye card:

Meanwhile, the other “goodbye” happened last Thursday, when we sent off my cousin Rona for her flight back home to the U.S.—but not before we spent time together shopping for pasalubongs, hunting for books and CDs of local artists, touring Metro Manila (via LRT/MRT), watching movies about RP, analyzing Philippine culture, and simply talking about anything and everything under the Philippine sun. So yeah, it has been a fun albeit hectic week with my cousin. Playing Ate (and “family girl”) isn’t so bad after all.:)

But then again, for every goodbye, there is a corresponding “hello"... or at least, a corresponding “how do you do.” The first of such came on Monday night (after Fr. Mario’s despedida) at 70’s Bistro, where my friends and I decided to hang out with expectations of watching Rivermaya do their thing. Well, Rivermaya, for some reason, decided not to start doing their thing until past 11:20 p.m., which got some of us annoyed. But then, I didn’t get as bothered by the band’s “unprofessionalism” (as Maita calls it) as I normally would be, because for some reason, my cousin (who was with her Fil-Am friends at that time) ended up in the same bar. The coincidence of it all kind of amazed me and took my mind off the fact the band was taking their time before performing. But that was just for starters (it's just a side story actually). This is the main story: On our way out of the place, I heard somebody calling my name. When I turned around, I was sooo surprised to see Jib, my former student from Bulan (who was part of a group of students that I fondly called my “wholesome boys” ü). In Bistro, of all places! I couldn’t believe my eyes. My life in Bulan seems so far away from my present reality that seeing a former student of mine in one of my friends’ usual hang-out places is quite surreal. And gosh, I felt so old after hearing that Jib has graduated from college and is now working here in Manila. But I was thoroughly pleased as well when I learned that he is an Economics graduate—because that’s the subject that I taught his class.:) So yah, that encounter really made my day. It totally made up for the hours we spent standing on our feet, in a jampacked venue, waiting for the band to perform.

Anyway, it turned out that my “encounters with my past life in Bulan” was not an isolated incident. Just yesterday, I received a phone call from one Mrs. Lopez. As my mom’s assistant was transferring the call, I was trying to rack my brains for memories attached to the name. Was she someone I met while gathering data for my thesis? I didn’t think so. Or was she a parent of one of my former alagas in Pathways? Nah. Teacher Mike’s mom? Definitely not! And so, I decided to receive the call, not knowing who to expect. Then, when I talked to the lady on the other end of the line, I realized that she is a parent of one of my former students in Bulan (whose group I fondly called my “good boys,” just 'coz the reverse, albeit a more appropriate name for their group, would not sound so encouraging ü). Anyway, the mom was saying that she uncovered an old notebook, found my number on it, and decided to give me a call to invite me to visit their house in V. Luna sometime. She also proudly announced that her son Rogel has just graduated and is now eligible to become a policeman. Wow, I must say, he really has come a long way. To think I (and my co-teachers) used to do lots of “police” and “detective work” on this same kid’s activities and whereabouts when he was in high school! Hehe.

So there you go. Seems like my “past” has been constantly knocking at my door lately. Hmm, I wonder what that could mean. And I mustn’t forget that “get-together” I promised another group of students after I’m done with my thesis defense. Now, if only I could get Chris or Jay to go with me....:)

Speaking of thesis, I saw the person who arranges the defense scheds at Gesu yesterday, and she said that they finally set a date for mine. It will be on September 23, at 12:00 n.n. Gosh, that’s like waaay later than I expected, or at least hoped for. Apparently, my panelists are very busy, and had a hard time finding a common time for my defense. Oh well. Beggars can’t be choosers, I guess. So there goes my aspirations of finishing my defense in the next one or two weeks. Now, I have a three-week gap in my sched and I don’t exactly know what I’d do with it. But then again, there are more things in life to complain about than a three-week sort-of-vacation. So yah, it’s all good.

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On the subject of goodbyes, the ADMU team said bye-bye to solo second spot after losing to UST this afternoon, and after the results of last Thursday’s DLSU-UE game (which DLSU won) went in favor of UE by technicality.:( Now, ADMU has to win all its remaining games (against tough opponents at that!) to force a play-off versus UE for the second championship slot. Hmm, looks like the berth for the Finals will really be ONE BIG FIGHT. In every sense of the phrase.