Wednesday, July 20, 2005
THE MEN IN MY LIFE
MY FATHER: He is my no. 1 fan and my avid supporter. He believes in me so much that he encourages me to further develop my talents: gave me encouragement to enroll in voice classes and to excel in academics. He provides the family with our needs, never to miss his responsibility as a loving father and husband. There are two unforgettable moments that prove my dad's love for our family. First, I saw my dad cried in front of me upon knowing that I had a boyfriend. He told me "Hindi naman ako galit sa yo, tinatanong ko lang kung toto ba yang boyfriend mo si Paulo". That statement made me realize how my dad loves me so much and he cares for me. Second, it was when I accompanied my mon to the OB GYNE to have her check-up. I was there listening to the doctor about my mom's results. One line struck me the most, "Ma'am, you are a lucky wife. I don't see any foreign particles in your organ. Your husband is faithful to you". From then on, I really look up to my dad. I never heard any intrigues of him philandering or having affairs with other women. Even when they have small fights with my mom, it's my dad who cries because he loves my mom so much.MY BROTHERS: I have three brothers. Yes, we are all boys. When I was younger, I was not close to Jay-Mar, the eldest. We usually end up fighting over anything. It was not until we got into college that we became close. He even confides his frustrations in love. My dad told me that when he had a drinking session with Jay-Mar, my brother confessed that he envies me because all of my family and relatives' attention are directed to me. It's JORY... JORY... and always JORY. Ecoy, who is next to me, is a cerebral palsy. Most of my relatives say that he looks like me. He stays in the house most of the time with his yaya, Auntie Edith. Everytime I visit CDO, I always make it a point to spend time with Ecoy and play with him. He needs more attention and I give it to him. The youngest, Louie, is my "kakulitan" back then. We always play those crazy 'superman' games and laugh crazily watching CARTOON NETWORK. When he reached the adolescent stage, I miss him as my playmate. We never got to play those silly things we did before.
PAULO: He is my first boyfriend and now my bestfriend. If I could imagine growing old with someone, I think it's Paulo. I know he's still waiting for me!!! Hahaha!!! Nobody thought that the relationship I had would end because we loved each other so much. Everyone was in shock when they learned I broke up with Paulo when I found a new love interest, Arnie.
ARNIE: My second boyfriend. Of all my boyfriends, Arnie is the one I showered most of my sweetness. During his birthday last year, I gave him a bouquet of flowers (4 dozens of white roses) and filled his rooms with 20 balloons. I also gave him a charcoal painted portrait during Christmas. When I met Arnie, he has this ocassional mood swings. But after patiently understanding him, he has changed a lot. And I mean A LOT!!!!
TOLITS: I had a short-lived relationship with him as my third boyfriend. I met him over the internet. We started out as cyber lovers and eventually decided to meet personally. The most unforgettable memory of our relationship is my trip to Thailand, Malaysia & Singapore where he paid for all the expenses. Lucky, isn't it?
GHARYJOHN: To my cyberfriends, I am known with my screenname as GharyJohn. But Gharyjohn is not a fictional name that I thought of. He was once my "kabarkada" and a suitor. He is a famous public figure in my hometown because he is "CRUSH NG BAYAN" and a great dancer. Up to now, he still tells me of how great his love is for me. But unfortunately, I could give him back the love he is due. I will always treasure him as a friend.
NIGEL: He is MY FANTA!!! Why? He fulfilled my fantasy of becoming a mistress. Need I say more?
jory 7:27 PM
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Tuesday, July 19, 2005
THE PINOY POP SUPERSTAR EXPERIENCE
Believe it or not, I actually tried my luck in becoming Philippines' next Pop Superstar. I almost made it... well, almost...My ex-boyfriend encouraged me to try singing as a career. When he found out that I could sing well and that I teach voice classes, he encouraged me to audition for GMA 7's PINOY POP SUPERSTAR. At first I was hesistant because I didn't dream of becoming famous and becoming a public figure. But after much thought of it, I gave in to the idea and mustered my courage to line-up under the scorching heat outside GMA 7 compound in Timog together with my friend Oreo Vamenta. I brought with me my requirements: two 3R pictures (whole body and close-up), birth certificate and valid ID.
Although I arrived early, there was already long line for those who want to try their luck to be seen on national television. So, my friend and I lined up and waited for our turn to get inside the vicinity. When we got in a room where they collected our applications, a lady announced the rules and other important things regarding application. My turn then came and I handed my application. The lady then asked me "you're 21 already?". She continued,"Sorry, but the age limit is 21 and you'll be 22 in the duration of the contest". She handed back my papers and I bowed my head down. It was the end of my venture into showbusiness.
But wait JORY.... luckily, another lady approached and got my papers. She scrutinized my looks and my outfit. She stared closer at me. Hmmm... it was the star factor she was looking for. She got a piece of paper and handed it to me: AUDITIONEE #459. Yehey! I got in!!!
Next step to stardom was singing "a capella" song in front of RC BALTAZAR. While waiting in line for long hours because I was no. 459, I saw familiar faces who joined singing contests on TV. There was one who was a Grand Finalist in MTB's Star Quest, another was a semifinalist in Star for A night and many others were Star In A Million monthly contestants. I even overheard two girls chatting about their past audition experiences. Wow! Almost all of them were veterans in the singing competition arena. I, on the other hand, was a first-timer.
It was my turn to sing my song of choice. Before entering the audition room, my heart started to beat faster, my knees shook and my palms sweat. I slowly walked towards the center of the room where the microphone stand stood still. I got the mic and introduced myself. RC, the resident critic, noticed my hands shaking and laughed at me. I told this is my first time to line up and audition for a singing contest. Then, I started to sing the chorus part "WHY GOD WHY?" from the musical Miss Saigon. RC commented on my performance that it was a bit shaky because I felt nervous. He wrote something on a piece of paper and handed it over to me. It read: CONGRATULATIONS FOR PASSING PHASE 1 AUDITIONS. Yehey! I'll be coming back for the 2nd auditions.
I came back as early as 9 am for the 2nd day of audition. Out of 600 plus in the first audition, we were a hundred left for the 2nd round. We were seated chronologically, according to our original number. So, I was still at the end part because I was no. 459. It started past 10. I waited until my turn... waited... waited... and waited. It was until 7 pm that I had my chance to sing. I was hungry and tired. DEAD TIRED!!! My energy got drained of waiting for my turn. So, I walked past the cameraman and went to the center of the "stage". I decided to sing "I Will Be Here" because it's something close to my heart. I started from chorus, "I will be here when you feel like being quiet, I wil listen". Then my mind totally went blank, I forgot my lyrics!!!! I really don't know why in this crucial part??? But I just don't know what line to sing next. What I did? I repeated the first line and realized it was the end of the road to fame.
"Jory, do you know your lyrics?" That was what I heard from the audition master. I smiled at him, that was all I could do. Then he told me to try my luck in the coming auditions and be sure of my lyrics next time.
I was contemplating of trying again and come back for the next auditions. If I sang my signature song "THROUGH THE FIRE", could it have changed my life? But I think singing as career is not meant for me. I'm happy and satisfied singing for my family and friends. My heart is contented when they appreciate my singing performance. Kung kumanta naman kasi ako talagang performance level kaya wala silang masabi. Hahaha!!!
Singing is my passion... but as a career??? hmmm... I think I have other things where I could excel best...
jory 8:02 PM
2 comments
Monday, July 18, 2005
MINSAN LANG AKO NAGING BATA
I'm 22 and I still feel young at heart. But as I live each day, life seems to get more complicated: more responsibilities and more problems to face. With this situation, sometimes it makes me think and wish I didn't grow up. When I was a kid, all I had to think of was to eat regularly, to sleep on time, to play with kids and to attend school punctually. There were no bills to pay, no piled up works to finish, no "weird" people to understand and no broken hearts to mend. Life back then as a kid was simple yet filled with so much fun and memories.This a trip down memory lane:
- cassava cake used to be my favorite merienda during nursery days
- my cousins G-anne and Tipol were my bestfriends during day care: we danced to "TINANA" during our Christmas party, we ate CSM and NUTRIBUN during recess, we were the stars of the class
- I was awarded best in MATH during my day care graduation
- I attended the recognition day when I was in grade one, not as an honor student but a dancer for an intermission number
- Patintero was the neighborhood kids' favorite past time. I even have this scar on my right foot because of playing Patintero
- my cousing G-anne, Joan, Champ and Tipol were my playmates: I was Donatello in our NINJA TURTLES and was YELLOW TIGER FOUR in the BIO KIDS.
- GI JOE was my family's first pet dog
- I love eating at my neighbor's house because they eat CORN RICE and DRIED FISH.
- I wasn't in the honor's list until I reached grade six
- Nanay Bebe Koking is well loved because she pays for my BINGO cards
- Kundisi, Skul Bukol, Tsinelas lata, Piko, Taguan, Lambing na Lambing, Seven-Up, Skati/Maro, Bika-Bika, Balay-balay and Bulan-bulan were the kids' games in the afternoon
- I had my first crush in Grade 5, Dennis Capuyan.
- my cousin Estee and I sang 'A Whole New World' during their town fiesta
- I had a SPIDERMAN costume.
- Flores de Mayo is a must attend event. Complete attendance for the whole Month of May.
- I had a VINA MORALES tape because I loved singing SANA'Y IKAW NA NGA.
- Manilyn Reynes and the TUESDAY GROUP was my favorite in That's Entertainment.
- Purefoods and Alvin Patrimonio was the team I cheered for PBA, Larry Bird and Boston Celtics was for NBA
- Every 10 AM during school days, I hit the plaza to buy Nang Belen's BINIGNIT. It was heavenly!
- I was the star dancer together with cousin Jacklyn in our LAMBADA and EH KASI BATA dance number
- As a beauty pageant fan, during summer, I shout my favorite candidates' names before jumping into the river from the top of the bridge. hahaha!!!!
- Auntie Edith, my brother Ecoy's yaya, was my "kakampi"
- I loved eating Cheez Curls paired with Chocolait
- I was grandparents' pet Lola Esther/Mamaten and Lolo Briccio/Papacio, they usually give me what I ask for... even until now
- Mighty Kid was a favorite shoe brand
- going to Timoga Pool in Iligan was always a special event for me
- Corpus Christi was my school
- Filipino week during my grade six days: I won second place in elocution, first place in interpretative dance (I acted as BALIW) and best actor for our Flipino playfest.
- I was a volleyball varsity from Grade 3 up to Grade 6, exempted from attending Saturday PE classes
- When I was in grade one, I had this favorite short pants that I really loved to wear. Why? Becaude after our classes end, ESTEE, LILIBETH and I play Chinese garter. hahaha!!!
My greatest frustration as a kid was to be the singing Angel during EASTER SUNDAY SALUBONG. The closest I got to it was assisting those little angels in singing but I had no wings like they had. Hahaha!
I was once a kid and I enjoyed my childhood a lot. My parents never deprived me of what a kid should have. Memories of my childhood would always make me smile. It's nice reminiscing those days where all you did was to play and to have fun, not thinking of what lies ahead.
ANG SARAP MAGING BATA ULIT!!!!
jory 7:03 PM
3 comments
Wednesday, July 13, 2005
IS APATHY A SIN?
Gail called me up to ask if I want to go with her to Standard Chartered to withdraw money. Our office's payday is on the 13th and 28th by the way. So I told her I'll come with her because I don't have cash on hand.We were strolling along Ayala Avenue on the way to the bank when we suddenly thought of going to the "GLORIA RESIGN" rally in Paseo. It was out of curiosity. Trip lang namin!!! For a usual working day in Makati, Ayala Avenue is jammed with cars and big buses. But today was unusual: Ayala Avenue was packed with people shouting for Gloria to step down. Vendors of dirty ice creams, peanut, fishball, green mango and even balloons were also scattered in Ayala. The Makati City Government is strict with the proliferation of these kind of vendors along Ayala but today was an exception.
Gail and I were laughing hard as we approached the crowd gathered around the stage especially set-up for today's big rally. We didn't have any other reason to be in the rally, it was simply "pakikiusyoso". We took pictures of the teenagers chanting and swaying "GLORIA RESIGN" flags. We posed and smiled on camera with the protestors in the background. Gail even joked that if a TV reporter would approach us we will answer her questions in slang English.
It was fun indeed. However, it was apathetic. But I choose to be in apathy with the current political turmoil the country is experiencing today. I'm not pro or anti GLORIA and I love the Philippines so much. But with the recurring political rallies calling our heads of state to resign? I'm fed up!!! We haven't learned our lesson from EDSA 1 and EDSA 2. Will there be another impeachment? Will this be another PEOPLE POWER in the making? We overuse the term "bloodless revolution" and it seems to lose it real essence. I hate to say it but it's true!!!
When can we learn to trust the government that we ourselves have established and the government officials that we ourselves have have put into office? When can politicians be public servants? I hate their loyalty to their political parties!!! They should serve the people first, it's their first call of duty, not their own political allies and interests.
I know there's hope for this country. But is my apathy a grievous sin? I think not.
smile talaga anoh?
malapit yan sa stage
confetti
flags (collage by Gail)
jory 4:22 PM
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Thursday, July 07, 2005
SCHOLARSHIP UPDATES
I just read my admission letter today because I had it mailed directly to my permanent address in Opol. I got so excited upon receiving the letter. I tore the LBC plastic immediately and opened the contents of the envelope: the admission letter, acceptance of admission, financial assurance form, health certificate form, guidelines and confirmation of readmission._________________________________________________________________
The admission letter stated:
CONGRATULATIONS. We are pleased to inform that, after a rigorous evaluation of your qualifications, you are hereby offered admission to the Asian Institute of Technology for the following study program:
Program of Study: MASTER
School: School of Environment, Resources and Development
Field of Study: Regional and Rural Development Planning
Duration of Study: 04 August 2005 - 25 May 2007
Arrival Period: 01 August- 03 August 2005
_________________________________________________________________
In the lower part of the letter, it stated that I got a 50% AIT FELLOWSHIP/SCHOLARSHIP. Out of the normal 48 number of credits for master's degree, I have to pay 24 credits during my first year in AIT. The last 24 credits will be covered by the school. However, the payment will sum up to $7800... yeah it's in US DOLLARS!!!! WHEW!!!!
Where will I possibly get that amount in less than a month?
So, I'm decided to defer my application for the coming semesters, either January 06 or August 06. Since the school enclosed a confirmation for readmission, I have to fill it out and declare that I can't possibly enroll this coming August due to financial matters . But the catch is I can apply for reconsideration for a full scholarship. Yehey!
My parents got excited at the same time worried because of the money needed for enrollment which we could not furnish in the time being. There's no assurance that I could avail of full scholarship. I have to seek financial assistance through private donors or other scholarship organizations. I have months ahead of me to plan and to act on how to get that 50% of my tuition fee. Thanks to my Tito Oscar who's willing to help me out in seeking financial assistance. He asked me to draft a letter indicating my situation and to furnish other documents as he will be endorsing to government offices and private organizations. I'm also planning of finding a second job since I will be starting with my new shift which is 12 noon - 8 pm. I could work part time, like 7 am-11 pm or after my 8 pm shift.
Things are getting clearer and brighter towards pursuing my master's degree. I've been praying for this particular course and I know I want to achieve my dream career in development economics. Well, I hope everything will push through as planned.
I'm doing everything I could. I lift everything else to God, if He wills this for me!!!
I will soon conquer AIT!!!! And in the future, ADB (Asian Development Bank) or the World Bank...
jory 9:03 PM
1 comments
Tuesday, July 05, 2005
IN THE STATE OF AMBIVALENCE
My dad called me to tell me that I got a letter. He told that I got admitted for a master's degree in Regional and Rural Development Planning in AIT (Asian Institute of Technology) in Thailand. I was so happy to hear the news because I've been praying for it. But my dad told me that we have to pay certain amount.So, I called the AIT admissions office to confirm if I was given a scholarship. The girl asked for me application number. She said I got a 50% scholarship from the school.
I'm so happy as of this moment because I've proven to myself that I have what it takes to be admitted for a master's degree but I'm worried and sad because I don't know where I would get cash or any form of financial assistance to pay for half of the tuition fee and expenses.
I'm thankful my prayer was answered. My only dilemma is the other half of my tuition. Where and how will I get that amount???
Help me God!
jory 5:04 PM
5 comments
A BIRTHDAY GREETING FOR A DEAR FRIEND!
I'm known to have a very sharp memory of dates, places and people. But how could I forget a birthday of a dear friend? And I could not forgive myself for that!!! I really don't know why I've forgotten his special day. This may be late but here it is:HAPPY BIRTHDAY TOLITS!!!!!
jory 2:14 PM
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Monday, July 04, 2005
THE MP GATHERING
Warning: If you don't understand Bisaya, don't ever dare reading after this line.Pahibalo: Kung dili ka kahibalo ug binisaya, ayaw na ug pamugas. Dili gyud ka makasabot!!!
Kini nga entry akong ipahinungod sa akong mga higala sa MP nga misalmot adtong EB ilang Kuya Sagi: Montroy, Eric, Pyre, Linus, Madam MBN ug Sagi. Kini sila ang akong mga higala nako sa kahanginan. Naila-ila nako ni silang tanan pinaagi sa usa ka Bisaya Yahoogroup nga panglalaki (pero naay usa ka member nga 100% biologically babayi).
Nagsabot mi ni Eric nga magkita sa Jollibee Boni alas singko y medya ang takna sa hapon. Wala damha nga maulahi ko sa sabot kay taga Boni man ko. Apan wala gyud nako mapugngan ang akong pagkakatulgon kay gakudaay na man gyud ako mata, busa natulog ko mga alas kwatro. Pagmata nako, nilapas na man diay ang 5:30. Hahaha! Namuti na ang mata ni Eric ug Kuya Mon ug hinulat sa Jollibee. Dali-dali gyud ko ug ligo adto uy. Wala nay lugod-lugod pa, basta lang makasabo payts na. Dili na man kinahanglan magshampoo ang WAPO (opaw ba sa binali). Pag-abot nako sa Jollibee, naa na si Kuya Mon ug Eric nagtabi-tabi sila didto. Maayo na lang kay dili ako ang pinakaulahi miabot kay gihulat pa sad diay si Pyre. Samtang naghulat nga moabot ang maanyag nga si Pyre, sige ug text si Nigel sa akoa kung asa na daw mi ug unsa na amo gibuhat. Si Nigel diay kay kauban gihapon namo sa group pero dili man siya kauban sa maon EB busa mangutanahay na lang siya sa akoa. Hulat gihapon mi kang Pyre, murag namuti na gyud ang kalimutaw ni Eric kay isang oras na hulat nila sa Jollibee. Ingon dayon si Eric, "kung dili pa moabot si Pyre mga alas diyes, molakaw na ta ha". Hahaha!!! Hay salamat sa Diyos, kay giabot ra gyud si Pyre mga alas sais medya. Ambot nganong nadugay pud to si Pyre. Basig natraffic ang MRT nga iyang gisakyan. hahaha!
Nagtext dayon ko kang Kuya Sagi nga pasakay na mi sa MRT. Pagsulod namo sa istasyon nag-una na si Kuya Mon kay naa na man siya prepaid ticket, suki man siya sa MRT gud. Didto mi gipwesto sa atubangan dapit para gamay ra tao. Pagsulod namo sa train, dili man kaayo guot pero puno-puno. Mao pa ni Kuya Mon, maayo unta tong guot kaayo kay magbag-id bag-id ang mga panit ug mga unsa pa diha. Ingon pud si Kuya Mon nga naa daw siya mahinumduman nga kaagi ni Nigel anang mga lamian nga panghitabo mintras mosakay ka sa train nga guot gyud kaayo.
Pagnaog namo sa Cubao nagbalhin dayon mi sa LRT line 2. Miagi mi sa Gateway Mall nga pwerteng kanindot ug bugnaw kaayo. Si Pyre kay murag nasaag sa Manila, kung biyaan nimo siya ra usa kay mawala gyud siya sa lugar. Sakay na pud mi ug train paingon Katipunan kay didto man ang sabot ni Kuya Sagi nga kuhaon mi. Maayo na lang kay sweto ko sa Katipunan kay kung dili, di ra tanto nga nawala mi. Pag-abot na sa Starbucks Katipunan, nakita dayon nako ang kaanyag ni MADAM MBN. Diri gyud mabalibaran iyang presensya kay mag-amag man gyud, murag bag glow in the dark. Mogawas gyud ang iyang katahom. Ila-ila dayon namo si Kuya Sagi kay wala pa man namo siya nailhan sa grupo. Gikan pa man gud siya sa laing nasod. Hala, sakay dayon sa Starrex paingon sa balay ni Kuya Sagi.
Pag-abot namo sa balay, aysus, murag palasyo!!!! Puro mga glass ang decorations. Hadlok magkiat-kiat kay makabuak unya. Nah, dili ra igo ang ikabayad. Didto mi nanglingkod sa veranda overlooking some parts of Marikina.
Sugod na dayon kaon namo. Lami kaayo ang sinugba nga baboy ug pusit uy. Naa puy pansit ug sampayna/dinuguan. Siyempre, dili gyud mawala ang beer ug ilimnon, vodka and tequila. Banat gyud ug kaon intawon kay gipang-gutom man mi. Ug usa pa, libre tong kaon. Lami man gyud ang libre bisag unsaon. Hahaha!!!
Mintras nagkaon mo, nanawag si Nigel nako ug nangumusta. Giistorya pud si Mon, si Eric ug si Sagi. Kuba-kuba pud akong dughan kay si Nigel man ang nanawag. Hahaha!
Miapas dayon si Linus kay eskwela pa man siya. Si Linus, nagdala-dala pa ug pwerteng dakoang bag murag mosaka ug bukid.
Pila ka minuto human miabot si Linus, nanawag na pud si Nigel sa akoa. Ingon niya nga naa daw siya sa ilang balay. Ug iya dayon giistorya si Linus, murag ilang gisabutan nga bantayan daw ko kay giingnan ko ni Linus nga siya daw bantay nako adtong gabhinua.
Human namo kaon kay istoryra-istorya ang bisag unsa nga mahisgutan namo. After pila ka oras kay nangabot man to kuaban nila Kuya Sagi sa laing grupo, sila na pud ang gikaon. Kami misulod mi sa balay para magvideoke. Banat dayon ug kanta si Kuya Mon. Siya gyud ang opening number singing a Martin Nievera song. Paulahi pud lugar diay ko? Kanta pud ko sa akong national anthem na KAHIT ISANG SAGLIT. Si Eric dili palupig, bangka pud siya ug iyang kanta murag isa gyud to ka CD iyang gihurot ug kanta. Si Linus grabe ang shagit para mokanta. Si Pyre kay medyo behave pero kanta gihapon siya. Pakodak sad lugar mi mintras naglingaw-lingaw ug kanta. Daw be kay nakita man nako ang ARAY nga kanta. Aguuuyyy, pwerte ra ba gyud ko mokanta anang mga kiat-kiat ug uwag-uwag with matching bawog-bawog sa tingog ug biad sa lawas. Lupig gyud si Mae Rivera nako. Wala siyay ikabuga sa akong performance sa ARAY.
Sa gawas, daghan na nangabot nga laing mga amigo nila Kuya Sagi. Si Linus tua miapil sa ilang grupo. Si Mon ug Eric nagpabilin ra sa sulod kay namugas ug kanta. Ako ug si Pyre nag-guitar sa gawas, didto sa lutuan dapit.
Gikalit dayon ug ulan ug kusog, bisag gusto na namo mouli dili gyud makauli kay gibundak man ang ulan. Sudlonon pa gyud ang balay ni Kuya Sagi busa naghulat mi didto nga moabot ang taxi nga gipatawag. Alas tres na sa kadlawon mi nakauli. Kahulugon na kaayo ang akong mata tungod kaduka na gyud ko.
Ninaog si Linus sa Crame ug human kami ni Pyre sa Boni. Si Mon and Eric na lang ang nabilin sa taxi, ambot kung asa to sila gipaingon. hahaha!
Niabot ko sa akong balay mga alas kwatro na to. Nagtext dayon ko kanilang tanan na giabot na ko sa akong balay. Nagpahibalo dayon ko kang Nigel through text nga nakauli na ko gikan sa party. Nanghilam-os, nagbrush, nag-ilis... tulog na dayon diretso. Ning mata ko alas dos sa na sa hapon.
Lingaw kaayo ang EB. Hinaut nga dili masumham si Kuya Sagi ug invite namo.
Till the next EB mga higalang BISDAK!!!!
jory 1:23 PM
3 comments
