My Best Buds

Yup, time really flies, as a matter of fact, it's so fast that I almost forgot how old I am. Hahahahaha. I viewed the Friendster' accounts of my two best buds a while ago and I am really surprised how things have changed. I can still remember when we're still in High School, how we spent out Saturdays and Sundays, the time when our only 'tambayan' are SM Delgado, Amigo Plaza and the Marymart Mall.

These 2 guys are like brothers to me, we've known each other since we are 11 or 12 years old. Long enough to know the likes and dislikes of each other. I can say that we grew up together and learned the bad deeds together. Hahahaha.

Our togetherness was put on halt after we graduated from High School. We took different paths. Met new set of friends. Developed different interest and the only time we can be together are during our free-time and special occassions.

Even if we took different paths, our communication line was never cut-off. Life's experiences made our bond even more stronger. Nobody ran away.

I respect and trust these two guys. I missed our High School days a lot but we have to move on. We are adults now and probably more mature but i know each of us can still be a 'boy'
anytime.

I can't wait to have a good laugh with these guys again. I know it's going to be a long wait but it will still happen.

Goodluck Guys.

Lucky Me

I can't stop thinking how lucky I am to have the best parents in the world. Yeah, really.

God gave me and my siblings the kind of parent that will support you all the way.

My mother is an epitome of courage and selfless love. She is willing to take our pains, our sufferings, our troubles. She don't want her children to suffer. She's unbelievable. My father is the ideal provider. During his heyday, he will work away from us (as a seaman) for more than a year, then after that, he will rest for about a month or two before packing up his bags to work away from us again. That is why he missed a lot of things while we are growing up.

They both have shortcomings but hey, nobody's perfect. I know that in everything they do for us, they gave their best. I can't say anything bad against them. It's just unfair and inapproriate.

I really can't afford to lose a parent. I know that time will come because that is the reality of life. I have one wish for them that until now I have not yet fulfilled. I want them to go on a vacation outside the Philippines, just the two of them. To relax and feel that after long years of hardwork, they should be enjoying life the way other parents of thier age do. I don't have the resources to fulfill that wish now BUT I will die trying. I will really do.

I can never ever repay all the things that they had done to me. Even if I live my life twice. I disappointed them many, many times. I just hope that before the end comes, I can give them the good life that they now deserve.

I am miles away from them. When the time comes that we will meet again, I hope, I can in any way give them all the good things in life.

Thank you Lord for giving me these two amazing people.

May You continually bless them.

WT Accommodation Chronicles (BoO-001)

HOW, WHY and WHEN

Hmmm. How did it happen? If my deteriorating mind serves me right, it was my boss' decision for me to stay at Wood Tech (sister company of Block Tech) staff's and worker's accommodation.

Why? I don't know the exact reason but I have 2 things in mind:


a.) It's because my boss will never approve the housing allowance that I was asking.

b.) It's because WT accommodation is home to a lot of Filipino's, so I will feel comfortable there.

Anyways, whatever the reason is, I am not interested to know anymore.

When? I think I transferred to WT last February 6, 2007, 3 days after I got back from a looonnnng vacation from the "Island of Depression", the one and only Iran's Kish Island. (I wrote an article/story about Kish months ago. I will post it here sometime next month)

THE FIRST FEW MONTHS

Damn dude, it was one hell of an adjustment period. I can say now that I'm done with that. I'm glad I was able to adjust in the nick of time.

The place is an epitome of loneliness. That is why you have to learn how to kill time or you will soon hear voices whispering in your ears. Hehehehe. My so-called Filipino neighbors are all working in WT, I am the odd one among the group but I was able to quickly adapt to their way of living. (Owwwwws?)

One typical Filipino trait is giving nicknames or monikers or aliases to a friend or even to an enemy. That is why I was not surprise to hear such aliases like "Big Man" (obviously because he is big), "Lakay" (dunno the reason why) "Abuhin" (again, dunno the reason) "Bansot" (no explanation needed) "Sablay" (reason not proven) "Talakitok" (???) and "Bingi" (ha??)

All in all, I am glad that I was able to survive the ride during the first few months. I just hope I can continue to get a good grip at the handles to avoid myself from falling down. Can you dig it? I hope so.

THE MAKING OF A GROUP

A month ago, a group or association was created among Filipino's staying in the WT accommodation. It was a good idea, excellent in fact. I salute the owner of that brainchild. That historic move is one way of putting everything in order. (Sorry dude, I said historic but you can't have your face printed on UAE bills)

The biggest question for me right now are the rules and regulations. I think it was copied (then edited) from someone else. The rules should come from the members of the group. one good way of doing it is to gather all the members, enumerate and propose rules and regulations. The rules should not come from a single person only. Lest you forget the word democracy. Then after the rules and regulations have been agreed (and signed) by everybody. Voting can follow a few days later or even after the signing of approved rules and regulations.

OF HEROES AND HEROINE

As what I have said, the making of the association is a superb idea but putting a tag line "Samahan ng mga bagong bayani" is funny, absolutely funny. I'm smiling right now, I can assure you. My point is, who will take you seriously for that? Good heavens, we are not children anymore. Filipino's are the worst critics in the world.

From what I know, "bayani" is the funny looking guy whom we use to see in Comedy films and sitcoms or the statues in Rizal Park and Edsa or the faces printed on Philippine peso bills. The Philippine government says that the OFW's are the bagong bayani's. Do you still believe that? Our government sucks.

Since I am talking about bayani's or heroes. I was thinking, what if we are really heroes? Hmmmmm. I can be Diego Silang, but instead riding on a horse, I'll be riding on a camel. Nyeheheheheh! or Spider-Man...................wait, If I will be Spider-Man, I can never swing from one building to another because I am here in Ajman. Nyeeeehehehehehehehehe! Can you dig it?

THE LEAGUE OF MODERN DAY HEROES

I'll be stepping hard on the gas pedal. BROOOOOOOOOOOOOM! Let's get things rolling. Close your eyes and ride with me. :)

What if, I mean just what if, some of the guys and gals in WT are really heroes? (Superhero or National hero?)

Hmmm. Okay, Big Man is "The Thing", Jonathan is "Human Torch", Emil is "Mr. Fantastic" No Invisible Girl. She will be in trouble if she stays along with the three. Of course, they will be called Fantastic 3.

Egay is "Batman" and Ramy will be "Robin", Melvin fits "Wolverine" and Golem is "Aquaman"

PJ can either be "Mighty Mouse" or "Captain Inggo" Nyehehehehe.

For the Gals, Aileen can be the first short-haired "Wonder Woman", Ellen can be "Storm", For Michelle, Eden and Riza, they are the "Power Puff Girls" Nyehehehehe. Megs will be "Catwoman" for the obvious reason that she loves to hug cats. Jerlyn can be the sultry "Elektra".

Ohhhhh. Don't worry, I will still be the camel-riding Diego Silang! Nyehehehehehe.

No offense meant fellas! Just smile. Chill!

Coming up: Accommodation Chronicles (BoO-002)

An Interview with Myself

Place of Interview: Inside my office. A/C (air-con) set to 20C for that freezing atmosphere.

Time of Interview: 10:30AM (UAE Time) / (2:30PM in the Philippines)

Objective of Interview: Just to let you know a bit of who I am



Alter-ego: So, your full name is Arthur Jan Agustin, but friends call you by your nickname, Am I right? Errr.... by the way Sir, what is that 'famous' nickname of yours?



ME: First of all, please don't call me Sir and my nickname isn't famous, it's just unique. My nickname is "Bimbo", Yeah I know, don't mention it. I know if you look at the dictionary, the meaning of it is not good. Okay?



Alter-ego: Sure, Bimbo. Rest assured that the meaning of your nickname will not be posted in this interview. Hehehe. Anyways, Let us proceed. Hmmm.... Bimbo, Please tell me who you really are? Just a few description of yourself.



ME: Well, I'm someone who don't speak much, I am always on silent mode especially when I'm not comfortable with people I am with but I am very "kulit" to my close buddies, I love to make them laugh and play practical jokes on them. I have a very good sense of humor. That's my personality. There is always an up and a down. Just like a coin, it always has 2 sides. I am a born critic, I have this rebellious juices running in my veins. I love to side with the underdogs. Im not an "aktivista" but I'm sure I could have been if I went to U.P. for college.

I'm unpredictable, my mood swing is terrible. I'll never say that I am a role model. My family always thought that I am, but hey, I'll say it again, I am not a role model. I am not what they think I am. I'm aint saying that I am bad, a pain in the ass, a trouble maker. It's not like that. Let's put it this way, a mixture of both good and bad. Sounds clear? Nobody's perfect you gotta know that. Those who loves to pretend should come out of their shell and face reality. This is real life, this is not tele-novela.

The only thing that I really hate about me is depriving myself of what they say "the greatest love of all". Do you know what is that?

Alter-ego: ???

ME: Was it to love yourself?

Alter-ego: ??? (looks confused)

ME: Okay, I am selfless. What I mean is, I always love to sacrifice for the people I love even if it will make my life difficult. Now I just realized that, I need to give some love for myself. It's not always them, you know what I mean?. I should now reserve a piece of love for myself. I know I have a personality problem and I have to make remedies before it's too late.

Alter-ego: From what I believe, you hate pretenders.

ME: Yeah, I do? I really do!

Alter-ego: You do? but you are also a pretender. You said you always sacrifice for your love ones. It means that even if you're broke, even if it's the last penny in your pocket, even if it's the last food left to satisfy your hunger. You hold back and give it to them. I think that is also pretending. You are always pretending that the situation is fine. That you are someone else. Am I right?

ME: Yes, you are absolutely right! That's why I also hate myself BUT it's the smile on their faces that satisfies me. That at the end of the day, you can sit back and think about them and tell yourself that, yeah, I was able to help them. It's a damn 'feel good moment'.

Alter-ego: Was it the need of helping them, make them happy, or was it because of your pride that you always do that?

ME: Whoaa! That was a stunning question. Honestly, I don't know the answer. I really don't know. Period. Maybe I grew up that way. I remember when I was I kid, somebody my brother for a fistfight. Again, instead of him fighting, I took the oppurtunity and I was badly beaten. Stupid me.

Alter-ego: You should seek some advice.

ME: If it's because of my pride or whatsoever. I just don't know the answer.

Alter-ego: Now that you are away from home. What life's lesson have you learned.

ME: It thought me a lot of things dude. I don't have to enumarate them all.

Alter-ego: Okay, finally, what can you say to people out there who are probably reading this at the moment?

ME: I have not lost my sanity. I always express myself well this way. I know there are a lot of people just like me out there.

Welcome to my world!