The Month of the Heart of Winter

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about the long pause

I haven’t written for a while not because I’m losing the drive or anything, it just that August passed by too fast and before I knew it, the “ber” month is already here. I wish I have a droid to take charge of this blog while I’m out and getting too many things on my hand. Sigh!

August was supposed to be a slow-down being it’s the ghost month but I’m no Chinese, so while the chinky-eyed community took most of their day off this rainy month I was out and around trying to make a difference. I went on a five-day vacay in Cavite after a workday was sandwiched with two holidays, so technically I was on leave for a day only. However, I did not go on a real break rather I was out on most days talking to people, doing a lot more of volunteer work this time for the batch reunion I’m spearheading (ehem). My high school batch will mark its Silver Anniversary by May of next year so we’re down to only 9 months of preparation. Tho there were previous meetings and gatherings, I noticed that I kept seeing the same people because the same people were the ones religiously doing their part, they’re the ones committed and easy to work with. That despite of the circulating negative issues about some of them, insert personal issues here, I remained mum about it because they’ve been of help, big help in fact to the group so why would I dwell on the unhelpful concerns. Besides, we’re ll grown-up and I guess pointing my finger on them would just mean an intrusion to their private lives.

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August 21, our Oplan Katok started to roll around town, it was the pet project of AP commencing the reunion campaign. It was a day out to pay a visit class members, say hi and hellos once more, and to keep the spirit of our batch buzzing in prep for the grand day. Actually, the target were those mostly living in the countryside, and those we can’t find online, mga di-fanatic ng facebook. 😀 We started the day early on day one beginning at Tambo Malaki off to Pulo, Carasuchi, Guyam, Lumampong, Tambo Kulit and Tambo Balagbag where we stopped over for a quick and hearty lunch. In the afternoon we trooped the neighboring barangay –Daine and Tambo Ilaya and later on drove to Barangay 4 in Poblacion, Calumpang Cerca & Lejos and Kayquit. It was an exhausting day other than we never really felt that way, we had a great day despite the scorching heat of the sun, despite the dusty road and all and we’d like to believe as well that we succeed in a way because of the awe-inspiring feel of being young and excited.

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This was how we fared on day one, all smiles despite the stinky smell and hunger. We send our thank you to those who were kind enough to serve us water and soda during our flight. May God bless you all a hundredfold. 🙂

August 22, I personally ordered a rest day for the group because it’s obvious we’re no more teens, we easily gets tired and at times burned out when doing things continually. The team needed a break and I want to give them time as well to attend their own personal errands, and family. Besides some had work that Friday so after sending my thank you note, I was surprised to receive a “who u?” reply. My God! At this time and age it’s funny when someone would ask me who am I because I don’t text strangers, if it’s the first time to text the person I would readily introduce myself at the onset. So, I therefore conclude that he didn’t save my second number. If I were a bit younger I might had tripped up this guy and pretend I’m his future but I don’t have the luxury of time to fool around, I have to say it straight. Kung kaharap ko nga lang baka nabatukan ko pa!

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GL was a friend from the time when we were just freshman. He was one of the rowdy boys in our class aside from his very deafening tone of voice. Siya yun tipong parang nasa giyera lagi o kaya ay nasa  sabungan, hyper and all. I had a short exchange of sms with him that morning and because I needed someone who could drive me around for free, well, what do you know his schedule was perfect that day.

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By mid-afternoon we were in Tagaytay, it’s the usual day out with the kids and Nanay, and probably because we came in early, Summit Ridge was empty. I love. I treated them over pizza and pasta at Shakey’s and later on we moved to Starbucks to get our coffee fix. A trip to Tagaytay would never ever be complete for the kids without that coffee experience from the favored coffee shop. I had to work a bit and go online while my party was enjoying the comfy seat and lounging, sipping their hot brew like a big shot. Kuya P had that out of the blue tantrum and Ate SAM’s drink accidentally spilled out at her white shorts, despite these hard lucks we ended the day well. We got home safe and sound and all in one piece, thank you G for the smooth ride. Next time ulit ha pag wala kaming driver. 🙂

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August 23, it’s day two of our Oplan Katok. I thought we could cover the remaining barangays already in half day, so we started the day at past 2pm.

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The group was rather small and behindhand this time other than what we thought diminutive still turned out a happy and fulfilling one. We completed the barangays of Alulod, Kaytapos, Mahabang Kahoy Cerca, Mahabang Kahoy Balagbag, Buna Lejos and Barangay 1 & 3.

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We caught AVR off guarded, and since he owed us too many because of the many promises of attendance and help, he had no choice but to treat us over dinner. It became his belated birthday blowout following his August 21st birthday. Belated happy birthday still and thank you for the Chicken Joy, thank you for making our Sabado filled with love and blessing.

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August 24, I reserved this day for my big B after missing a grand party in celebration of her 7th. We thought she’d love it better that we go out as a family once again like the old days when she was growing up.

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A day out at this now celebrated dog café in San Juan made her 7th exclusive and wonderful. After a charming mid-afternoon snack and meeting the café resident golden retriever named Jack we drove to BGC to meet more furry friends. I won’t talk about much of the dog café for now, a separate post for that is a must. 🙂

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If you must know, the big B had changed her preference of playmates over the years. She prefers now the two-legged playfellow rather than the four-legged of her kind. She loves it especially with kids who’d pet her and hug her and kiss her like a little pup. ♥

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After a little shopping at SM Aura we ended over dinner at Italianni’s, another first for the kids and I’m happy that they enjoyed the pasta and pizza and the complimentary Tuscan bread. 🙂 We drove home past 8pm already, our passengers including the big B was dog-tired and slept during the entire trip back to Cavite. I love it when days are carefree as this one, when there’s no need to think about going to work on Mondays. The following day was another holiday, thank God for that long weekend break, we spent it freely and laid-back with people that matters most.

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August 25, I finally had the time to rest well and feel the holiday mode. I spent the entire day with the big B while Dadi gave them bath in the afternoon. My Boi had been behaving nicely these days and we hope to unleash him in no time. Yehey!

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Tatay had been busy with his rambutan fruits, he’s picking the last few pieces when we’re there that’s why we had some take home when we went back to Manila that night including the sweet Bangkok santols. And tho the house including the household remained in mayhem because of the helper issue and clutter everywhere, wanted long-term yaya for Ysa, we remained a peace-loving family, we remained full of beans and I pray for healthiness alone.

Back to reality. After five days of vacationing in Cavite I was back to work shortly, there were plentiful of issues as usual, I actually expected it because it normally happen following long breaks, especially when you have someone in your team that skips her homework when the boss is away. Hahaha. But thankfully none that I can’t fix so far, none that I can’t vindicate, I always thank the former mentor for instilling in me the values of how to be a good leader, of how not to be a double dealer by all means. So, I’m living the corporate life with issues here and there, and there’s no color to it when at times I’d babble and feel lazy, I love it at work nevertheless and I’m only human entitled to feel weariness and sickness once in a while.

That Friday we’re home bound once more after a quick dinner at our favorite carenderia in Palanan, Makati. It’s good that the following day was Dadi’s off so even if we arrived so late at home I don’t have to worry about him getting too little sleep. Of course the big B was the happiest, she’ll have Momi again over the weekend.

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August 30, the day has come! What’s makin’ me occupied was this high school reunion thing, since I’m  on top of the organization and everything else –solicitation, mobilization, logistics, paper works, etc., I haven’t been hanging out with the maternals lately. I am on a busier sched when at home in Cavite because aside from this batch reunion, I’m also part of the Grand Alumni Homecoming happening next year. The Alma Mater will turn 50 on 2016 and by June of 2015 the year-long celebration will start already. So you imagine the loads I’m having outside my procurement career, the more I need vitamin C to evade the common flu and keep going. Bawal magkasakit!

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Anyway, the grand meeting last August 30 was a huge success. I can say now that we’re on our way to getting it done, we’re on our way for the Silver Anniversary and all we need is just a little more push. The attendance was overwhelming and the feedback was heartwarming. I can’t thank enough the group’s effort during our two-day Oplan Katok, it paid off really well. Kudos to my errand boys –AP, GL, HE and to the only rose amongst RA.

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Now, I hope this very looong post explains the silence for a while. I have tons of backlogs and I haven’t figure out where to start, the very least I guess but that would still require time and energy and ambiance. I’m staying at the city this weekend (I’ll be missing home and the kids) and will check around how the “ber” month is making headway. The Greenhills COD started its construction a week back so I’m feeling the season and Christmas is coming soon whether you like it or not! 😛