TWENTY-TWO THOUGHTS

Today is August 17, 2009.

Exactly twenty-two years ago, a once crazy little wanderer was welcomed into this world.

Yes folks, it’s my birthday.

And these twenty-two thoughts are my self-reflective gifts I have for myself.

ONE: THE HOLY BIBLE

I thank the Lord for the Faith. I am nothing without Him. He is my Friend, the reason for my being. Amen.

TWO: HOUSE GATE

I miss my family back in Dipolog.
It’s a learning process still. My parents are slowly accepting that their playground lad is now a full necktie grown-up. On my part, ‘full-out independence’ is the only way to be in Makati.

All the same, the love remains unconditional. Thanks Ma, Pa, and Obet.

THREE: KINDERGARTEN CLASS

Nika, we’ve known each other since Kindergarten I. Thank you for spending the movie date with me. Cheers niks…

FOUR: DUMAGUETE BOULEVARD

I have fantastic memories with the boulevard, mostly shared with my Silliman friends. These remain to be vivid – the lonesome wind breezing over a wounded being, the serenity coupled by warm conversations chatted over white cozy benches, and the promise the unending horizon offers her visitors.

FIVE: THAT APARTMENT

I still remember a certain stranger, who will graduate soon enough. A friend told me that a vulnerable man would always return to his comfort zone no matter how painful or gut-wrenching that place was. I miss that certain stranger, whom I will always care for.

SIX: DIPOLOG AIRPORT

Dipolog is slowly becoming a grown man. Its charm shall forever engulf me. I miss the real people who made my ‘growing-up’ years worth breathing for. Strangely enough, most of these real people have considered old Dipolog a home only during approved vacation leaves.

SEVEN: ADOBO MAGAZINE

Adobo is my bible for advertising. By God’s grace, I shall experience first-hand the words shared between quotations from admen who rock the creative industry.

EIGHT: BILLBOARD

A former stranger whose greeting would mean a lot. I wish that face could speak.

NINE: OPM CDs

I will always support anything and everything Filipino – a growing collection of Original Pinoy Music CDs and books written by Filipino authors would be a testament to that. Ipagbunyi ang sariling atin.

TEN: ZORRO MASK

Karl, your number one kuya misses you the same. See you in December. Study well.

ELEVEN: RADIO

A simple request: gusto kong makapunta at makita ng personal sina Chris Tsuper at Nicole Hyala. I am a certified Tambalanista!!! Their radio show airs weekday mornings at 8:00 a.m. and 9:00 a.m. sa certified number one, 90.7 Love Radio.

TWELVE: AUDITING THEORY

I’m giving myself time to love auditing - knowing it’s not the calling for which I live. I have to love it, pero konting tiis na lang Nino, matutupad na rin pangarap mo.

THIRTEEN: MARYSVILLE

To Silliman University Accountancy Batch 2009, especially to my bro Dave, God bless for your upcoming board exam. Wishes extended to my batchmates Charelyn, Cyndi, and Arianne too.

FOURTEEN: CABLE

I freaking miss my couch potato days. Housemates, pa-cable naman jan.

FIFTEEN: BOOK

Could someone hand me another Tony Perez book? Nakaka-adik ang Cubao Midnight Express: Mga Pusong Nadiskaril Sa Mahabang Riles Ng Pag-ibig. Ang galing ng pagkagawa. Dalawang beses kong binasa at binili ang librong ito.

SIXTEEN: PEN AND PAPER

I hope I could have a formal writing job assignment soon enough. Would want to write a more directed subject-driven article again.

SEVENTEEN: CELLPHONE

Akala ko wala nang nakaalala. Meron pa pala. And I thank you for making the effort to text, no matter how distant we are.

EIGHTEEN: ZAMBOANGA PLAYGROUND

I want to go to Zamboanga for one reason – I have lost contact with my childhood play buddies for more than ten years. What came after the habulan, the patinteros, the basketball, is something I don’t know. And that, I wish to know.

NINETEEN: CEBU HOLIDAY

I would not be a Nino today had not my parents prayed fervently in the Basilica Minore de Santo Nino de Cebu. It has been a year since I have last visited the place. I want to pay gratitude for all the blessings that has come my way because of Him.

TWENTY: BLACKBOARD

Thank You Ma’m and Sir. To my Ateneo grade school teachers, thank you for building a strong Christian education during my formative years. To my Vincentian high school instructors, thank you for the support during that competitive flair of that tough four years (you know what I mean). To my Silliman Accountancy professors, thank you for widening our knowledge about our profession. And to Sir Casocot, your English Literature class has changed my life forever. I have read countless Filipino-written words because of you. To the professor who shares my birth date, Happy Birthday Sir.

TWENTY-ONE: PRAYER

I hope someone would pray with me someday, and that we would pray together for the rest of our lives.

TWENTY-TWO: BITHDAY CAKE

Happy Birthday Inigo. Treat yourself well. Thank You Friend Lord.


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Written exactly at 10:00 am. I am officially twenty-two.