San Buenaventura reunion

Last Sunday was the planned San Buenaventura reunion. This is my mom's side of the family. I was supposed to go with the CS guys for Reg's wake that day, but wasn't able to because I don't want to hurt my mom's feelings.

Minsan lang din kasi eh... since my Tita Tess (my mom's sister) and her family is based in Indonesia, everytime they go here, its an instant reunion. Well, I miss them too. Last time I saw them was I think, a year or two na.

I'm glad I met my cousins again. There's the twins, Tonico and Caloy. They're all so grown up now. Much taller than I am now! Haha! Then there's Bea, who have grown into a beautiful young lady. She now studies in the States, but right now she's on vacation. They went here in the country just to take driving lessons. I don't know what's wrong about taking lessons in Indonesia. Hehe.

Then there's also my two favorite cousins, the brothers Jon and EJ. They're my Tita Vick's (my mom's other sis) kids. They are the closest cousins I have. Although, we don't get to see each other much now. Natauhan nga ako nung nakita ko si Jon last Sunday. The first thing he told me was, "Oi 'No, long time no see!" They just live in Mandaluyong for god's sake! My mom is right. Maybe I should see them more often!

So what was the order of the day, aside from food galore? As usual, VIDEOGAMES! Haha! If there was someone much hardcore than me, it would be Jon. And last Sunday was no exception. I learned that he bought a Nintendo DS from his last trip in Hong Kong with his girlfriend. I was a bit disappointed though. I was hoping he got a Sony PSP instead so we could trade tricks. EJ on the otherhand is doing good in school. He's a sophomore in De LaSalle Taft, taking up Business management.

It was great seeing my relatives again. Lalo na at hindi na ako na-hot seat ngayon! Haha! I committed a grave sin though: I FORGOT TO TAKE PICTURES! Damn! Well, until the next reunion. ;p

reg's wake

Last Sunday was the planned visit to Regina's funeral. I wasn't able to go with the other CSC people because of an important family reunion. I was able to go last Monday though, with Ed.

Ed and I met up in Welcome Rotonda, and took a cab from there to Abad Santos. On the funeral, I was able to talk to Reg's parents. They told me what Reg went through just to keep surviving. I can only just feel the emotions that her parents are going through right now.

As I looked into her casket, I can only see how different she looked. It saddened me. Thinking that this happened to a kind and pleasant person. There are so many evil persons in the world which deserve this. Why it happened to her, I can't understand.

Before leaving the funeral, I took a long look on Reg's graduation picture. I wanted to remember her the way she was during happier times, rather than the one inside the casket. Rest in peace, Reg.

R.I.P. Regina Adelle Panganiban

I received a text message earlier this night from Sheila Patiag, a fellow UST batch mate, stating that Regina Panganiban has passed away at 1pm today. She bravely fought the battle with cancer for so long, and now God has finally eased her agony.

I myself was very surprised. As early as last year, we heard the unfortunate news that she has cancer. I was one of her friends who came to the hospital to visit her (although we didn't meet her because visitors weren't allowed that time.) As months passed, I asked from friends (particularly the people closer to her) about her current condition. I wanted to know if she was better or what.

Last time I heard, she has partially recovered and is doing very well. I didn't prod much deeper because they might perceive it as being nosy or what. I'm not sure kasi if they (her family) really wanted others to know about her condition, other than her close friends. God knows how much I prayed for her during her most critical moment.

Hearing about her death this evening was very depressing. Whenever we heard that she was doing better, we (the rest of the UST guys) would cheer and be happy for her. All the while we thought she has already recovered and won the battle versus the "Big C". It turns out God had other plans.

I'll always remember Reg as a very poised girl. She never loses her nerves even in the most tense situation. She was also all smiles. She never talked bad about other people, and she was always friendly to others. She was also a very smart student, as well as a loving daughter to her parents.

I am only as thankful to have known her and be one of her friends. We were able to share a joke or two from the past. One moment with her was when she came in class with her zipper open (she was still wearing the Science uniform). Me and Jayson teased her and branded her as "Showgirl"! Haha! She was also one of our 'target' in our Chismax column, pairing her with Emman Guerrero, and later to Erick Manio! Haha! She was always game, and she always knew how to take a joke. The last memorable moment I had involving her was when I posed for her group's underwear advertisement for the Multimedia project! Joke time kasi yun! Haha!

Although she is no longer with us, she'll always be part of my prayers. She was a dear friend, and she will always remain so in our memories. Although I'm sad about her passing, I'm also happy for her because she no longer have to bear the agony and suffering of her sickness.

Here is a pic of Reg during happier times. I think it's from their Multimedia pictorial. She's the one with the white shirt and jeans, sitting in the middle. With her are her FNS friends: (L-R) Sheila V., Nat, and Sheila P.

Also here is my Friendster testimonial for her which I've wrote noong 2003 pa.. Haha!
Posted 21/10/2003 05:51

* Si Reg? Isa sa pinaka-mahinhin na girls
na nakilala ko. She's very friendly and
good natured as she usually smiles a
lot. Lupet rin ng poise ni Reg! Pang
miss Universe. Talagang nde nasisira
ang poise kahit tumagilid sa
recitation! Then, addict rin yan sa
neopets and ragnarok.. Hanggang
madaling umaga gising yan. Mahilig din
siya manuod ng mga nude shows sa Yahoo
Messenger! Hahaha.jk. Tc Reg!!

So to my dear friend Reg, rest in peace! Enjoy God's grace! Take care... 'till next time my friend.. au revoir! :)

eGAMEON job application

Last Wednesday, I went to Ortigas to apply for a job. I wasn't really that interested at first, but when I heard from Dom that she's applying for it, I wanted to try it myself. Another factor was the location. I asked my sister, who's also working in Ortigas, if she knew the location of the company... I was surprised by her answer. I was like: "Alam mo ba kung saan ito?", and she was like: "Eh yan yung building ko eh!" Haha! Talk about coincidence! My sister also works at that same building where I'm going to apply!

So off I went to the eGAMEON office. I was early. I was there as early as 9am. There was already one guy there waiting for the interview. I talked to him and learned that he was contacted by the company, like Dom was. I, on the other hand, was a walk in applicant. So there came one of the HR guys. He asked for my resume and asked: "Ah, so you know web designing and Photoshop? See those posters there? You think you could do better?", in which I replied, "Umm, I could try... err.. if you give me a chance". Hahaha! Talk about choking this early! ;p After a while, he excused himself and left a reminder: "When you're being interviewed, never as in NEVER talk in Tagalog. Speak in English at all times." It turns out, the big boss was a Korean so we need to speak English for him to understand us if ever he joins in the interview.

After a while, we were asked to answer 12 questions regarding the job. It took me a while to finish it since it took me 3 pages. While I was answering, two other applicants came in. A guy and a girl. They even finished ahead of me. After finishing the questionnaire, I was asked to answer an IQ test. I got 119. I really don't know how it fared since I don't know the ranking/rating system. After the test, they asked me to wait for the HR. While waiting, I got to talk to the girl applicant. Her name is Nica. I asked her how her interview turned out. She says that the HR told her to wait for the call. After a while of chatting, it was my turn.

The interviewer was a bald guy. Sorry but I forgot his name. I was never good with names. He seemed very friendly though. He kept asking me about my skills, so the interview was more on the technical side. He asked what computer languages I know. If I was good at web designing. If I knew how to build a web site. Those stuffs. He even asked me to rate myself on a scale of ten, regarding my skills. One weird question from him though was: "Ahh.. so you know networking? Can you build a computer from scratch?". I was like (just inside my mind): "What the fuck?! What's networking got to do with computer engineering and assembly?!". I just explained to him politely that I don't do that. Haha. During the course of the interview, he was writing something on his paper. Notes about me I think, because he doesn't want me to see it. He also kept whispering to his colleagues while he's looking at me. Hello!? I'm right in front of you! I can see you talking about me!! Haha! When the interview ended, I was expecting the "Wait for our call" line. Instead, he asked me to come back after 1pm for another interview. He was like: "Ey Fil, could you wait at the couch or if you want, you can take your lunch first? Don't worry, you have the qualities!" Sucks.

Lunch time! I had lunch with my sister and her officemate. While eating, I was talking to Dom using my cellphone. I was kinda reporting to Dom what happened and all. Haha! Time ran fast and before I knew it, it was time to come back. When I got to the office, the whole place was jam packed full of applicants!! So I went at one corner and played my PSP. Suddenly, a Korean approached me. He said: "PSP?! PSP?! What games do you have... Oh.. Tekken!! Is that CD..?" I said: "Umm, sir.. no.. uh.. I just download games from the Net!" He replied: "Me too.. me too.. dekwat.. dekwat.. too! Hahaha!" Shit natawa rin ako.. akalain mo tinawag niyang "dekwat" yung pag kuha sa net. Koreano na nagtatagalog! Haha! Turns out that the Korean guy was the company VP! Haha! ;p

After a while, it was time for my next interview. This time with the girl HR. Her name is Hazel (ok, I'm good with names when it comes to girls! haha!). The first time I saw her, I thought she was maarte and mataray! Haha. When the interview started, I felt at ease. It was just like a normal conversation. I already like her! Hahaha! She was a dear, and most of her questions were regarding the job at hand. I also mentioned to her that I was recommended by a friend, that being Dom. I was surprised by her reaction! She still remembers Dom, and she was somewhat delighted to know that I was Dom's friend. She said she like Dom and all. She even asked some things about Dom... syempre ako naman todo build up rin kay Dom! Hahaha! The interview was great. I really enjoyed talking to her, and I can somehow say that she liked me too (as an applicant! haha!). After the interview, she told there was another interview. Now, this next interview was the reason why I wrote this blog entry! Read on!

The third and final interview! This time, with a guy. I forgot his name, nor do I want to remember it. I must say I DON'T LIKE him at all. Not one bit! Among the three panelists, he was like the Simon Cowell of the group! He asks the most annoying questions and all, and he "poker face" a LOT! He is an azz-hole (say that in a french accent!), a douchebag! But right now, I will refer to him as CGD (stands for CREEPY GAY DUDE! haha!). You know the likes: The ones who overdresses and thinks they're still fashionable! Metrosexual in all the wrong season; The ones who puts that extra slang while they're speaking English and thinks its nice! In a nut shell, the ones who who seems to be gay but doesn't want to admit it, and thinks they are SUPERIOR than others... which, sadly speaking for them, they're not! Kinda reminds me of another douchebag CGD from UST! *Apir Dom!* Hahaha! Talagang spirit of "Bading" eh! Hahaha! I won't elaborate on how the interview went, with all his stupid questions and all (example: "Can you work for 24 hours straight!?" The fuck!?) All I will say is that I don't like him, and he doesn't like me. In the end, he gave the "We'll call you on Thursday" line. I shook his hands by the way... I wanted to crush it! Haha!

On my way out, I met Hazel (the second interviewer). She was like: "O Fil, ok na?!". I told her: "Uh, the guy told me to just wait for the call on Thursday.." She was like: "Hindi.. mamayang gabi tatawagan kita!" Whoa! Haha! While waiting for the elevator, the "handy man" guy approached me. His name is Kuya Rick. He's like the "fix it" guy of the company. He's a nice guy... I can tell by his aura. He's kinda like Sir Danny from UST, but much timid. Haha. He was kind enough to tell me that I'm almost sure to be hired and all. You know, to make me feel somehow better. He was also ma-kwento, telling me that he was the oldest employee (by tenure) there and he knows the boss and all. In fact, I skipped an elevator ride just to talk to him some more. Haha.

To conclude it, they never called today... THURSDAY. And thank god!!! I wasn't really that thrilled to be hired by them. One reason is that the pay is S-M-A-L-L! I understand that they're a new company and all. In fact, I have no real qualms about the pay since I'm just up for the experience, and a "side job" until I finish my thesis... BUT hell, if they will ask me if I can work for 24 HOURS STRAUGHT, WITHOUT COMPLAINING, AND WITH AN INDEFINITE WORK SCHEDULE, AND KEEP IT FOR LIKE A WHOLE YEAR... then the hell with them! Yeah, the Creepy Gay Dude asked/told me all this... so fuck him! With all these bullshit and the fact that I'll have to co-exist with the Creepy Gay Dude, it just makes me wanna say: "Hell NO! I'm OVERQUALIFIED for your company! Sorry! Thanks anyway!" Haha!

So if ever (IF EVER) they call and tell me that I got the job, there are only TWO REASONS why I will be CRAZY ENOUGH to accept it!:

1. Because it is in the same building as my sister's job, so bringing the car is very economical!

2. Because of Hazel, which is a very nice person. I think we have something going (AS FRIENDS! HAHA!). Kuya Rick too which I also think can be a potential great friend too.

Again, I said "IF EVER". I'm not crossing my fingers really. Haha! ;p

At the end of the day, Dom and I proved that we really think a like! How?! By showing how much we hate the Creepy Gay Dude, just as much as we hate the Creepy Gay Dude from UST! Hahahaha! Apir pre! ;p

TRINOMA with Rix

Finally, after months or so of not being able to go out with my good friend Rica, we've finally been able to... in TRINOMA no less. Last Monday was a holiday so Rica and I took advantage. She's busy with work and other commitments so this is the only time she's really free to go out. This is also the first time I've gone to Trinoma, the new Ayala mall in front of SM NORTH. Maganda yung mall... its big and has many stores though most of them are not yet open.

We were able to watch Pirates of the Carribean 3, finally. Haha. The movie was great! It was more like the first one, which I really liked. More concentrated on the plot and dialogue, as well as the usual backstabbing among the characters. Haha! Johnny Depp and Geoffrey Rush (Capt. Barbossa) were great together. For me, their scenes together were the highlights of the film.

After the movie, Rix and I strolled around. I really enjoyed talking to her and listening to her stories just like the old times. :) I was surprised how many people greeted her the whole day. Ang dami namang kilala ni Rix! Haha! After a while, we decided to have dinner in Teriyaki Boy. Milestone para kay Rix yun! Haha! ;p Though the food was great, the service was baaaaddd! We didn't even give a tip because of our dismay. Mabait lang talaga kami kaya hindi na namin inaway.

We strolled around once again after dinner. This time, we had coffee and shake with us. Kwentuhan again and after a while, we decided to go home because it's late na. Nakakatawa because we both really needed to pee, pero sarado na yung mga restrooms. So tiniis na lang namin! Haha! After driving her home, I was able to pee in her house, finally. ;p Another funny thing was that I got lost on the way out of Rix's subdivision. Akala ko na-engkanto na ako! Haha! ;p

proud owner of a PSP

I asked for a PSP (PlayStation Portable) for a graduation gift of sorts from my mom, but she had a condition that I must finish everything including my thesis before she'll buy me one. Sadly, I wasn't able to complete my thesis this summer. So I thought, well... I'll just work a side job and buy a PSP myself.

Imagine my surprise when my mom gave me money last Sunday! "Sige, bilhin mo na", she said. What a pleasant, pleasant surprise for me! ;p So the very next day, I was off to Greenhills with my buddies Richard and Verge. After a bit of PSP canvassing, we bought one from Shoppesville! ;p

Yes, and now I'm practically inseparable with the thing ever since! Haha! Well, not really. I haven't used the full potential of what I was intending to do with it. I'm still doing a lot of researching about its capability and tricks. Another thing is, I don't have a USB connector to plug it in to my computer. I just hope Richard gives me his (he sold his unit a while back).

So, what was the 'kapalit' of my mom's sudden change of heart of buying me a PSP?! Well, nice question! I'm now the errand boy of the household! I was asked to buy a Gasul tank from Petron. Pero wala dito sa Batasan so I went to San Mateo! Wala rin, so pumunta pa ako sa Philcoa para makabili. At napabayad pa ako ng gas with my own money kasi malapit na mag-empty yung gas ng Toyota! Other than that, I was also 'asked' (more like 'ordered') to pay the Meralco bill in a Meralco office, which had jam-packed lines! More 'errands' are on the way, I'm expecting.

The other errands are more minor but time consuming, like researching. The only bad thing was that it kept me from meeting my pals Richard and Verge again, for the job hunt in Makati. One more thing, my cellphone line is disconnected again so don't get mad if I don't reply to text messages. Yes, disconnected na naman! Haha! Kailangan pa bang i-memorize yan?! Bisyo ko na yan every month... naging habit na. I'm like: "Uy, putol na pala yung line ko.. kailangan na palang bayaran!" ;p

Club Manila East!

At long last! The planned Club Manila East gimmik pushed through! Everything went perfectly! Halos complete yung buong barkada, except for Pay who had to work (on Saturdays!?). It started a week ago when Dom planned out the gimmik. Let me recount on what happened that day.

The ride on the way to CLUB MANILA EAST
The plan was to bring two cars: mine and Jeff. We split the passengers so everybody can fit in. My plan was to have all the couples (Mark-Mado and Pilep-Che) ride in Jeff's car, while the boys ride in mine. Wala kasing radio at mahina yung aircon ng car ko so I thought that the girls will be more comfortable riding with Jeff.

So yun, we all met up in McDonald's Philcoa. Jeff went there and led us to Dom's house in Katipunan to pick her up, along with his kid brother Joel. So the car arrangement was, in my car: Me, Dale, Joel, Ed, and Oninz. On Jeff's: Jeff, Dom, Mark, Mado, Che, and Pilep. I don't know how to get to CME (Club Manila East) so we had to convoy with Jeff leading the way.

Along the way, we had trouble keeping up with Jeff. There was this one time when we 'slightly' lost him, we followed the wrong car! Haha! I said: "Dale, sina Jeff ba yung lumiko?!". Si Dale naman: "Oo, sila yun!". Shit, ibang car pala yun na pumasok sa isang subdivision! Hahaha! Walang kwentang 'co-pilot' si Dale! Hehe! ;p Nagulat din ako na nag-suka si Oninz. Uminom pa kasi yun the night before! Buti may plastic bag kami sa loob ng car! ;p

Club Manila East (Me, Dale, Drey, Jem, Oninz, Dom, Jeff, Joel, Ed, Mark, Madonna, Pilep, and Che)
When we finally got there, andun na sina Drey and Jeimie! Jem's parents are celebrating their wedding anniversary that day and she suggested that they do it in CME para magkitakita! Hehe! So we all had a blast! Swimming all day and getting a tan! The only drawback was that we were not able to try the Kayak since Sykes Asia reserved it for their team building. Anyways, one of the highlight is the slide. They all had trouble sliding fast! Well, not me! Haha! The technique was to lie down while sliding! If you try to sit, you'll slide down with the speed of molasses! ;p

Another highlight was the pool basketball game. The 'Old guys vs. Young guys' as they say! Haha! Nagkataon kasi na the team breakdown was: 'Old guys' were Me, Mark, Drey, and Pilep (all aged 22 years and above! Haha!) while the 'Young guys' were Dale, Jeff, Ed, and Oninz (22 years and below! Haha!). Ang saya!

After that, we tried the Wave pool, reminiscent of the 9 Waves pool. It was great! We had a blast catching the large waves! Parang beach na yung dating! Haha! There was also a taping for a TV series... we saw Anne Curtis and Oyo Sotto. Napatingin nga si Anne Curtis sa akin eh! (I wish! Hahaha!)

During the later noon, Jem's parents had to go. Jem and Drey decided na magpaiwan para makasama pa kami ng mas matagal. We hangout by a pool with a nice shade where we decided to play "Mataya-taya"! Haha! We had a blast running under water! ;p

We then decided to call it quits and talk about where we'll all have dinner. We decided to go to Mister Kebab's in East Ave. So hurry we went. Me and the boys decided to take a shower outside! Hahaha! Para kaming probinsyano kasi we're using soap and shampoos while taking a shower in one of those showers in the pool side. Alam ko kasi, bawal mag shower dun with soaps. Para lang sa pag banlaw yun before you step inside the pool! Haha! ;p

After clearing our bill, we then left. Since Jem and Drey are with us, bagong arrangement na naman sa car pool. In my car: Me, Drey, Jem, Oninz, Ed, and Dale. In Jeff's car: Jeff, Dom (with Joel on her lap), Mark, Mado, Che, and Pilep.

On the way to Dinner!
The plan was to meet up in East Ave. for Mister Kebab's. Along the way, grabe yung mga walang hiyang jeepney na cut ng cut... tapos bigla nalang titigil! Ang sarap banggain! Hehe! Isa pa eh yung mga loko lokong mga naka-scooter! Biglang sumusulpot nalang sa harap! Kung may topak lang ako, ang sarap gitgitin yun eh! Tignan natin kung sumakay pa ng scooter yun! Haha! ;p

When we got to Mister Kebab's, there was so many people. Saturday night kasi eh. So we decided to change venue. We decided to eat in Aveneto's Pizzeria in Visaya's ave. On the way there, I was worried about the parking. Alam ko kasi konti lang yung parking dun. When we got there, much to my relief, we had a parking! And guess what! Sa may Metrobank kami nag-park, which was beside the restaurant! Haha! Jeff's mom kasi is a high ranking employee in that bank kaya the guard allowed us to park our cars there. ;p

Dinner in Aveneto's Pizzeria!
The complete barkada is here! We split the whole crew into three groups: Team Joel, Team Che, and Team Ed. Team Joel consisted of Dom, Jeff, Drey, Jem, and Joel. Team Che were Me, Dale, Pilep, and Cheryl. Team Ed were Ed, Mark, Madonna, and Oninz. We had different orders per group so separate bills din. Hehe. We had a great time to say the least. Busog naman at hindi masyado mahal. That's why I really like Aveneto's. :)

After having a great dinner, it's uwian time. We were all exhausted. Ako nga namamaga yung thighs ko dahil sa kakatalon sa Wave pool eh. Hehe. We all bid our goodbyes and vowed that we will all have another great gimmik next time! They decided to get cabs to go home. Dom and Joel, on the other hand, will ride with Jeff. Me, I ride alone! Hahaha! Wawa naman ako, walang kasama! ;p

It was a really great outing! Thanks to Dom who orchestrated it all. Everything went as planned. I accomplished the tan that I've always wanted. I now have a bronze tan thanks to my Nivea Tanning Spray! ;p Also, it was great because we were almost complete with Jem and Drey there, with the exception of Pay who wasn't able to go. Meeting Drey and Jem again is great. I think the last time I saw them was last summer pa, so meeting them again was very nostalgic! :) Haaay.. kahit pagod na pagod ako, I really had a great time! Sana next time, may car radio na ako para hindi nakakabagot pag mag-isa nalang ako sa car! Hehehe! ;p

*For more pics, visit my Multiply page: http://www.rhugghed.multiply.com