My 30th Birthday

I imagine myself writing this post at Santa Monica Pier while watching its famous sunset. It's past 8:00 PM, yet the sun is still at the horizon, spreading its rays and warmth to everyone. The sun cast its golden rays down upon the clouds of billowing smoke, turning them bright red; fire red. Moments later, the sky bled crimson, purple, and orange. It felt as if my soul was transported into a timeless existence, ready for the protective blanket of night and new dreams.

We Get Sick As One

Days ago, I received an email from Cebu Pacific Air. They canceled my flight to Davao this July 29. I was supposed to fly home and celebrate my birthday with my family. But, I was waiting for their email, frankly speaking. With active cases of COVID-19 still rising, it's still risky to travel around. No choice but to render duty on my birthday. For the first time in forever, I'd be working on my birthday. It's not just an ordinary birthday, but it'll be my 30th birthday. Maybe in the parallel universe, the world won't be experiencing this global pandemic. I'd probably be in Los Angeles, celebrating my 30th birthday.

But no, it all boils down to safety. We're dealing with a public health crisis. While some countries have already started flattening their curve, my country has no plans to do it. Instead, we are fattening the curve. It's downright embarrassing, I tell you!

I am losing hope. But don't y'all worry. Ya boy is still fine, but I can't help but feel tired and exasperated from all the things I hear from the news. This too shall pass.

26th at Bali, Indonesia

I know I'm 6 days late but... this is the best birthday gift I gave to myself! There's no stopping me from exploring the world! My only wish is that I'd live long enough to explore every corner of the world. Cheers!

Quarter Life

This should've been an obligatory thing every year - publishing a blog on my birthday. But yeah, I failed. But that's not really important! Haha excuses.

You know, I still can't believe that I am already 25. It feels like I'm still a fresh graduate from college, barely twenty one. The past few years had been challenging. Uhm, I didn't mean any major family dramas or things that you see on TV. Nothing melodramatic, to be honest but let us put it this way - I have learned a lot about life in general.

Anyway, I am so thankful for my family because they're supportive in all of my endeavors. I have my true friends who have stayed by my side through thick and thin. There are some though who left me in a void, unknowingly they wouldn't come back to you. They leave you behind just because they can. Something like that. But it's okay. It made me a stronger and a more independent man than before.

Quarter life, bring it on!

Twenty Two

One. 'Papa' was the first legit word I've muttered. My parents got very happy by it. Oh, the simple joys of life.

Two. I ruined a show. It happened during a dance presentation of a big company held at the gymnasium of Ateneo de Zamboanga University. The moment I saw the Ninja Turtles and the Tom and Jerry mascots (those were my favorite cartoon characters, by the way), I ran at the stage and danced as if there's no tomorrow.

Three. Was so fascinated with insects! My grandfather used to catch big grasshoppers. Grasshoppers were my first 'pet' actually.

Four. Time for school. Didn't cry when my mom left me inside the classroom, thank God. I wasn't really sociable during that time and I only had a few friends.

Five. My old Chinese teacher forgot to turn off the fan, causing her wig to move. So, the rumors were true! "Oh my, look! Lau sher (Chinese for teacher) is bald!", I cried. Lau sher was so embarrassed and mad that she ordered me to step out of the classroom and stand for hours under the scorching heat of the sun. The following day, I had fever. Good thing, I didn't die due to heat stroke. Apparently, my Chinese teacher died a few years later.

Six. I went to school late, as always. And then I realized, I left my bag at our house. I only brought my lunch box. I cried because it was so embarrassing. My teacher laughed because she thought that it was the cutest thing in the world. Screw you, bitch.

Seven. Joined the impersonation contest of the Linggo ng Wika. I impersonated Jose Rizal, the country's national hero. I won first place, by the way

Eight. First communion. It was my first time to receive the alleged body of our Savior. "That doesn't look like a human flesh!", I jeered. "No, no, you have to open your eyes for you to see the Lord," my Christian Living teacher said. "My eyes are already open. Do I have to open my third eye, then?"

Nine. An old vendor of our school canteen scolded me because I didn't give her the exact amount. I cried. Minutes after, my mom approached the old, grumpy lady together with some of my batch mates - they were 50 of them. They became my instant friends... for that day only.

Ten. Told my long-time crush that I crush her. Expectation: "Awwww, thank you, that's so sweet of you dear!" Reality: She slapped my right cheek. Ouch. Yes, I didn't know that I was THAT ugly.

Eleven. I was the Vice President of the class. Everyone in the class hated me, including my class adviser. Truth is, they're just jealous.