The Long Long Journey Into Turning Silver

PROLOGUE: 

I decided to celebrate my twenty-fifth birthday a little differently this time. It's very traditional, almost cliche, for one to spend every birthday with his friends or family--eat themselves full or drink themselves wasted every year. And being an occasional social conformist, I am no exception to the birthday paradigm. But this year, I decided to celebrate me turning silver using a different approach. There are certain ages that you really have to celebrate as if they are milestone achievements and for me, turning 25 is one of those. After all, you only get to be silver once. I feel I am *officially* an adult. Gone are the days when I can easily blame youth for poor decisions and irrational judgments. I'm no longer a kid, that's for certain, but appearing like a kid is a whole different story.

The inspiration came to me a few days back. After a few shots of  Don Enrique Tequila (the 750 mL which I have yet to finish) I suddenly had an epiphany. It's amazing how alcohol, although responsible for most broken noses and bar fights, can sometimes spark a stroke of genius. Since I have been pondering on the thought on how to celebrate my birthday differently this year without spending too much, I realized that in order for me to fully understand what it takes to be twenty-five, I have to go back. I have to go back to being twenty-four, twenty-three, eleven, and so on. So I decided to put on a little adventure trip to revisit the places that has the most memories. Memories--childhood memories, youth memories, yuppie memories, the good and the bad and the ugly. Just like any other nostalgic sentimental young man out there, a lot of places have become part of my memory bank but I narrowed the list to twenty five, for obvious reasons, and I wanted to finish the journey before the day ends. 

So, I decided I'm not going to spend anytime with my friends or family on my birthday. That day will be a special bonding time with myself, an alone time, a soul search if you may. I'm going to visit the 25 Places I love the most.

PART 1: The Preparation

You have a long way ahead of you, little grasshopper...

Narrowing the locations to twenty five was an easy task. We moved around a lot when I was a kid so going to all the houses we've lived in would cross out a lot of the spots in the list. It's only a matter of retracing my schools and my work that I was able to easily come up with the twenty-five places in  "The Itinerary". I carefully mapped out the locations and the order in which I'm going to visit to them to maximize the travel time and lessen the effort and the "haggard" factor. After finalizing the list, the race path would take me from the starting point, our house here in North Caloocan to Valenzuela, then to Obando, Bulacan, after that Valenzuela again, then to Kalaw and Ermita in Manila, Makati, Taguig and the final stops would be Fairview Quezon City before heading back home. Piece of a cake, I thought. 

The Itinerary - a sacred list
that must be followed at all cost

Of course, a trip this massive would be a suicidal one if I don't pack the essentials. First of all, I wanted to have some sort of documentation to all the places I would visit, so a camera is a must. Being the sentimental guy that I am, I wanted to remember the feat that I was about to do. I didn't think my cellphone, with its oh-so-unstable battery life would suffice for the journey, so I had to borrow my sister's digital camera. I'm no shutterbug either so I don't think I need an SLR. I just want to take the pictures, not put  on an art show. And just like any trip outside the house I packed my essentials: 

a. Camera (for documentation purposes)

b. Cellphone (in case I get lost or die along the way, I can call my loved ones to say goodbye)

c. Ipod (as my only source of entertainment during commuting to the places)

d. Vanities: oil control film, lip balm, handkerchief (oiliness is punishable to death in my book)

e. eye glasses and cap ( I wanted to go incognito, just for fun) 

f. extra t-shirt and perfume ( I anticipated that I would be sweating a lot and I don't want to come home smelling like a magsasaka who's been out all day long)

g. jacket and umbrella (in case it rains)

h. Wallet and coin purse (for the needed travel money, duh!)

i. "The Itinerary" and a ball-point pen to cross out what's been visited

j. Slippers ( this turned out to be a lifesaver as my feet were killing me during the latter part of the trip)

h. lots and lots and lots (and I mean plenty) of hydration

Inside Dora the Explorer's back up lie the essentials

 With the Itinerary at hand and The Essentials all packed up, I was, more than ever, ready to go. Twenty five years of memory, here we go!

PART 2: The First Leg of the Long Journey

"It's been a long and winding journey. But I'm finally here tonight. Picking up the pieces. Walking back into the light.."-- Guy Sebastian

Departure Time: 8:00 AM Manila Time

PIT STOP Number 1: Pasolo Maternity & Medical Clinic -Pasolo Valenzuela Metro Manila

Twenty-five years ago, in a clinic far far away...a young Jedi was born.

No journey is possible without a starting point, and the starting point of my life is here. Pasolo Maternity Clinic is located in  Pasolo Valenzuela an according to my birth certificate twenty five years ago, exactly 10:05 AM, I was born here. I don't know where Pasolo is, let alone the clinic, so before the trip I had to google the map. After I got off at familiar stop - a familiar junction in M.H Del Pilar Highway, I relied on instinct, charm and my poor navigation skills to get to where I was supposed to be. It took me a good fifteen minute walk amidst flooded cemented pavements that is so typical of the many Valenzuela municipalites and a couple of asking directions from strangers to finally get to the clinic. I was able to make it on time, before the 10:05 deadline. Sweet. 

It was a surreal feeling to be standing there at exactly 10:05 AM. I imagine what it must be like twenty-five years ago when I was coming out to this world. I imagined this place to be a lot bigger and lot 'clinic-y' or 'medical-looking', instead I was surprised that it kind of looked 'homey' and 'residential'. But I guess seeing as how it is a private clinic ran by one family, the residential look isn't so much of a surprise after all. 

After a few kodak moments, I decided to go head back as there was a lot of ground to cover for the day.

Memories Include: non-applicable

PIT STOP Number 2:  Our House Number 1/Ka-Edeng's House  - 

129 Espino Street Panghulo, Obando, Bulacan

The little house on the eskinita - the very first Arganoza residence.

This isn't exactly the house I grew up in but it's where our old house used to be. Our house then was small and cramped, but it's always gonna be the house where my childhood memories are attached. It had an old duplex style and an "improvised" second floor where the family slept. It was also the house where all my 4 older siblings grew up in. My family spent more or less twenty years on that house and it was hard for us to leave when the time came for us to relocate. I'll always remember how the front part of the house is always flooded during the rainy season and how my friends and I would catch butete (tadpoles). I also remember the tomato I planted outside and the balon (well) right across our front porch. As a kid, I was always afraid that I might fall into that balon and my mom always had a scary story to tell for me to avoid it at all times. Since we left, the house has been renovated a several times. I think the son of the owner of the lot is the one living in the house now, I'm not sure. The well is also not there anymore, sad.

 Memories Include: balon, baha na abot-tuhod, pagtataas ng gamit kapag baha, sewing machine, dividers, childhood, jumping up and down in bed, wrestling matches, butete, Topie the dog, the gorilla poster in our bed room

PIT STOP Number 3: Espino Street  - Panghulo Obando Bulacan

Espino Street - ang isang dipang eskinita

Childhood memories are always filled with the times you spent countless hours playing with the other neighborhood kids. My fondest childhood memories always took place here, in the street I grew up in. Although, from what I remember it used to be a lot wider when I was a kid, and definitely a lot bigger, or maybe because I was so little back then that everything seemed to tower over me. Now the concrete pavement is levelled higher than what it used to be, to avoid getting flooded I suppose. Only here was I able to experience swimming in knee-high flood water, and enjoying it. This street grew witness to the playful side of my childhood. I remember every shortcut, narrow crook and corner there is to this tiny street as if they were at the back of my hand. Now these shortcuts have become dead ends, the corners are now plastered with brick walls. Certainly a lot has changed since the last time I’ve been here.

Walking along this crowded space, I can’t help but feel a sense of nostalgia back to the days when all was simple. I remember every face of every neighbor I had back then; too bad I wasn’t able to see them while I was there. I wonder if they’re still here. Every house in Espino street had its own story to tell and I grew up watching those stories come alive.

Memories Include: habulan, taguan, mataya-taya, walang ilaw na poste tuwing gabi, abot-tuhod na baha, knee scrapes, bruisies, mga kapitbahay, kanal

PIT STOP Number 4: Panghulo Elementary School - Main Road, Panghulo Obando Bulacan

Contests + Flood = Panghulo Elementary School

This is where my intellectual roots were encouraged to grow, where I spent 6 years of early childhood memories. I will always associate this school as the one which nurtured my passion to learn. Among the eight public elementary schools back in my days, this is one of the (if not the) top performing schools in terms of academics. I had a fare share of contests won here, from District level up until Divisional level. Not to brag, I was kind of a big star back then, well almost all of the Argañoza kids who went here were sort of became famous. I even set a record of the most medals received by a single graduate, imagine that? Elementary days were always filled with contests, floods, more contests, more flood, even more contests, and even more flood.

It was good seeing that some things haven't changed here, like the grotesque Rizal bust which remotely resembles our national hero, the carabao statue where almost all PES students rode at one point in their lives and the familiar maroon uniform and khaky shorts. The rooms are higher than what they used to be, the stage is now covered and none of my grade school teachers teach here anymore. 

Memories Include: Yung kalabaw na laging sinasakyan ng mga estudyante, flag ceremonies, district contests, sectoral contests, provincial contests, awards, flood, president, childhood classmates, bibo

PIT STOP Number 5: Jet's First House - Espino Street Panghulo Obando Bulacan

My childhood Toy Kingdom

Jerome, or Jet as I fondly call him, is my childhood best friend. He is actually two years my junior but he always acted like my older brother. Whenever we pretend we’re  a group of ninja elite fighters, he would always be the leader—always the Red Mask, Red Ranger, Red five. And I was always the second in command, which I didn’t mind really since I was not big into leadership responsibilities back then as I am now. He and his brother Roimart had the coolest toys when we were kids so naturally we would always hang-out at their place. This is their first house. They were among the first ones in our street to have a colored TV and a family computer. I remember playing video games here, borrowing his cool toys, watching Panday and all sorts of fun memories.

The house is a lot higher than what I remember and a portion of their wall has been opened to serve as the entrance.  Back then, we had to go through a different gate to get in. I would always remember us sitting  proudly on top of this wall, as if it's the highest point on Earth.

Memories include: Jet, Roimart, the rest of the Sison flock, endless computer games, lots of toys, climbing the wall and sitting on top of it.

PIT STOP Number 6: Our House Number 2/Ka  Aning's House  - 

Espino Street Panghulo, Obando, Bulacan

Our second house, now stands the Great Wall

Ka Edeng (the owner of the first house) asked us to move so that his son can occupy the place that we were renting. We couldn't leave Espino Street since we have grown so attached, so we relocated to a nearby shack a few walks away. Our second house can be considered an improvement from the first since it was more spacious and it had a legitimate second floor. I remember when we were preparing to move to it, I fell through one of the uncovered holes in the second floor straight down to the first. I remember hurting my back and my brother carrying me. It was also a fun house, fun in the sense that it was "haunted". Things would disappear from where we left them only to miraculously reappear a few minutes after. When my second oldest sister's psychic friend slept over, she claimed she saw a couple of pulang dwendes (red dwarves) and a severed head. Creepy. It was also the house where the ghost of my grandmom used to frequent. We would hear footsteps coming up and down the stairs, lights would suddenly go on and off and we would hear the bed creak upstairs as if someone was lying on it, while everyone of us were downstairs. I also remember that this is the house we stayed in when I was recuperating from being circumcised. And like all houses in our street back then, come rainy seasons, we would have an instant indoor swimming pool.

This is the spot where our second house used to stand. It's an empty lot now. See the A? I drew that A when I was 12. It's still there! So cool! Coming back, it was good seeing that although virtually nothing is left, I was able to make a mark that would hopefully last for a long time.

Memories Include: ghosts and dwendes, dilapidated rooftops, balcony, Ka Aning, sitting on top of our front wall, outside bathroom, falling head-first when the house was still under construction, lots of cockroaches, boyhood, very very low ceiling

PIT STOP Number 7: Panghulo Chapel  - Main Road Panghulo, Obando, Bulacan

The setting of my Lazarus moment

Back then, my family and I was a bit religious and this is where we used to go to mass every Christmas and New Year mornings. If you can see the picture of the main road parallel to the church (2nd picture down left), that is where I got hit by a PUJ when I was four or five (I can't remember). A little background story: my brother, my cousin and I were playing habulan (tag) in our street and in the heat of the game they decided to venture out into the main road until we reached the church. The last thing I remember is the image of my brother trying to warn me not to follow them and cross to the other side of the street, then all went blank. Folklore has it that the guys who responded was able to take my body from the rear side of the vehicle and  I don't know if it's true, they said that while they were rushing me to the hospital, they kept hearing me mumble "Jesus help me" while unconscious. Freaky. I survived with just a torn sando and a scar in my left eyebrow.

The church is a bit posh from what it used to be when I was a kid. Back then, it was as high as the main road but now you have to go up a flight of stairs to get in. It also has a second floor now, I guess for the choir. And although I don't subscribe to Catholicism lately because of their incessant meddling with state affairs, I would love to hear mass again in this church, just for old times sake.

Memories Include: Being hit by a PUJ, Legion of Mary, Chruch services, Ate Judith, Christmas an New Year mornings, coin collectors tuwing misa

PIT STOP Number 8:  Miniville Subdivision - Panghulo Obando Bulacan

The Playing field - where numerous taguan,
tumbang preso, luksong baka Olympics were held

They started developing the empty bukid (grass field) next to our street into a subdivision when I was a kid. This is where my childhood friends and I played the more rigorous games since the wide concrete road helped us maneuver better. Met some nice childhood friends here too. We used to come here by climbing through the wall from our street or by sneaking through the private gates of one of the house owner (The Gaytano's)

Not much has changed since we left, the main road is still the same, the gumamela's from the walls are still there, even the brick wall we used to climb when we were kids still looks exactly the same. There's a few bigger houses which I don't recognize though. And the original houses here from my childhood friends are still standing, although you can tell that weathering has done its toll.

Memories Include: pseudo-baseball, pretend soccer, skateboarding, moro-moro, tumbang preso, bandiritas making during fiestas, posh neighbors, lots of dogs, Nice, Nikko, Kamille, Nikka, Dar Juans, another balon

PIT STOP Number 9:  Colegio de San Pascual Baylon - Pag-asa Obando Bulacan

Beverly Hills 90210 ain't just the high school filled with drama

This is Colegio de San Pascual Baylon, a prominent Catholic high school in Obando where I spent four years of adolescence. This also served as the setting of my rather uneventful high school life. Like any typical high school teen, I struggled to find my identity and the clique that would accept me. Fortunately by senior year, I was able to gain trustworthy friends and find a suitable barkada. We still hang-out occasionally. The picture that says Mozzarita's (2nd picture down left) is a cafe near the school where I ate my lunch. (Shout out to Mang Phil who is still there! Woot!) The school had two campuses: Father Punzal - where I spent sophomore and junior year, and Father Dilag, the bigger campus on the adjacent street where I spent freshmen year and senior year, coincidentally in the same room. Plaza Obando is also where we sometimes held events and PE classes. And the church...never mind.

The school didn't change much from the outside. Too bad I wasn't able to go in as the guards wouldn't let me. I would've loved to see the renovations on both campuses. Oh, and the girls changed their uniforms to match the boys' mouse gray theme. Personally, I liked the old one better, even if it's a carbon copy of Sta. Isabelle's uniform.

Memories Include: class factions, saints, rosaries, countless prayers, genuflect, high school life, adoration chapel, crushes, recognitions, limited contests, star section, light seeker

PIT STOP Number 10:  Jet's Second House- Main Road Panghulo Obando Bulacan

Jet's Second House - small but terrible

 I honestly can't remember why Jet's family moved out from Espino street. After my childhood bestfriend relocated, they settled here - which was about a five minute walk from our second house and one jeepney ride from our house in Valenzuela. This is smaller than their original house but still functional nonetheless. This is where I spent my "outside" time the most during high school and up until early college days. I'll always remember their red sofa that smells like wet cat. When we didn't hang-out here much since by the time they relocated here we would prefer my place instead to play Sega or Nintendo.

Their house hasn't changed a bit. They still live here by the way but I didn't bother coming in since I was on  a tight schedule.

Memories Include: doorbell, Ka Jango's welding shop next door, hot and humid atmosphere, TV shows, maraming pusa, The Sison's

PIT STOP Number 11:  Tawiran Bridge - Tawiran Obando Bulacan

Like the Tawiran Bridge over semi-polluted water, I will lay me down

Tawiran is located in the far-flung uppermost part of Obando. It borders Obando from Bulacan, Bulacan.This is where I used to hang-out when I "run away" from home. After family feuds, I would often go here to cool my head. I usually walk from our house in Panghulo to here (which is actually more than 4 kilometers away). One of my high school classmates live around here, so when we go their house to practice something for school, we would often drop by this bridge. One of the most relaxing emo-ish places I've been to.

This was one of my favorite pitstops during the whole trip. Although it was scorching hot that day, there was something about the brine-smelling breeze that was very comfortable and familiar. Since it's in the remotest part of Obando, not much PUJ's pass here, except ones coming from Bulacan or Malolos, but they're so rare like one in fifteen minutes; which would probably explain why the bridge looks deserted.

Memories Include: paglalayas, umuugang bridge kapag may dumadaang jeep, practice ng sabayang bigkas, Myra, corned beef na may repolyo, practice sa PE ng group 1

PIT STOP Number 12:  Gladysmae's House - Balangkas Valenzuela City

The Kamikami Headquarters

My high school class, just like any other, was filled with factions - there's the self-proclaimed "popular" circle, the rebels, the social butterflies, the quiet ones and those like me who didn't fit a certain group. Thankfully, come senior year I was able to finally find some true set of friends who were just like me, not part of any exclusive groups. Thus, the social circle came to be known as "kamikami" ("just us"). Whenever we would hang-out we would always hang-out here, at Gladysmae's house. This house became the venue for mutliple sleepovers, movie marathons, episodes of debauchery, high school gossip, high school love stories and the occasional coming outs. It's impossible for me not to think about this house when I reminisce about high school.

Aside from the recent renovations which included extending the backyard, not much has changed; especially the "homey" atmosphere this place brings. This is still the hang-out venue whenever my high school friends and I gather for occasional bonding. It is still the best place to have a sleep-over.

Memories include: The Ring, Cannibal Holocaust, horror stories, high school chismis, high school inuman, videoke, party party, kamikami, emohan, aminan, free internet, Le Rinell Swimming, pedicabs, dog poo, Bebang, PJ, Tolitz,

PIT STOP Number 13:  Our House Number 3: Valenzuela House - 
811 A N.Urrutia Street Arkong Bato Valenzuela City

The Valenzuela Palace

After we left our House #2 in Panghulo, this is where my family settled. It was definitely an *upgrade* from the first two houses. This is where I spent the latter part of my high school days up until first year college. Since the family was expanding (with the birth of my nephew and another nephew on the way) and the fact that we needed to move to a house that wouldn't be flooded come June to September, we decided to move here. Rent's a bit steep but it was definitely worth it. I loved it here. It was our first taste of sturdy concrete walls, freshly painted interiors, tiled flooring and separate rooms. Even after we moved here, I still frequented going to Panghulo since it was only a five minute walk from here to Espino Street.

The houses still looks the same but the gate is now painted purple. The street is also leveled a bit higher from what I remember.The picture of the small window (3rd picture down, 1st column) is where my room was.

Memories Include: Cordero family, better rooms, first taste of marbled flooring, private bedrooms, better CR, out-of-tune videoke from the neighbor, Jholo, Ian

PIT STOP Number 14:  Our House Number 4: First House in North Caloocan - 

Villa Luisa North Bagumbong Caloocan City

The Bad House

Of all the houses we've lived in, this has got to be the worst house ever. After my eldest sister's family acquired a house in North Caloocan, my mom decided to relocate here so that she can help raise my nephew. My other siblings and I hated it here because: (1) it is so far from my school and where they work; so far from my school back in college that commuting alone would take me two hours, tops; (2) it's far from civilization, the malls, the usual hang-out places; (3) it is far from our friends and the neighborhood we grew up in, (4) transportation is not 24-hours accessible and (5) the place we moved in was a dump compared to the last house. I was so angry when we moved here and I lost count how many times I've cursed this place. But overtime, I got used to how far this house  is and I was able to adjust.

The small window above is where my room used to be. After we left, this place has become a meat-stand.

Memories Include: Early college days, lots and lots of frustrations

PART 3:  The Gas Stop

"Sa Jollibee, bida ang saya..."

Jolly Kid's Meal - for every growing boy on his birthday

After visiting Valenzuela and Obando under the scorching sun and unbearable heat, I had to stop somewhere to replenish fuel. It was hot, I was tired and I felt I sweated myself off two jean waistlines down (in my case, it's not good seeing as how thin I already am). On my way towards the second leg of my journey, I stopped  at Jollibee Monumento to eat and cool myself. No Birthday is complete without:

• Jollibee Chicken Joy
• Jolly Spaghetti
• Large Coke
• Rocky Road Ice Cream Sundae

A little children's party-ish, but it was what  my stomach wanted that day. After gaining fuel, I was ready to venture out on the second part of my adventure. Aja!

PART 4:  The Second Leg of the Long Journey

"Ooooh we're halfway there. Ooooh, living on a prayer..."-- Bon Jovi

PIT STOP Number 15:  UP Manila College of Arts and Sciences - 

Padre Faura Street Ermita Manila

The academic battlefield - where I had my first awakening

University of the Philippines Manila is one of the eight UP constituents and is the oldest UP Campus. Its College of Arts and Sciences (CAS) is located at Padre Faura Street, an isolation from the rest of the other  health-related colleges situated in the Health Sciences Center in Pedro Gil. Every UP Manila student has stepped here to take their GE (General Education) subjects, this is where all of our Isko stories began and this is where I spent the first parts of my oh-so-colorful college life.  This place has been the setting of my many rants in this blog and where I first tasted failure (hello DPSM). 

The place hasn't changed a bit. Whenever I pass by AS on my way to Robinson or to meet my college friends, it always gives me a sense of calm, nostalgia, and hope that only idealistic academicians can bring.

Memories Include: GE Subjects, outside RH 303, RTR's, malamok na LT for Physics/Math exams, Gab Roofdeck, mga tibak, mga burgis, mga konyo, bluebooks, Nutrilicious, The Brotherhood, Math 17, 5.00

PIT STOP Number 16:  UP College Of Pharmacy - 

Health Sciences Center, Pedro Gil cor Taft Ave Ermita Manila

The College Of Pharmacy - toxic and therapeutic at the same time

This is where I spent the remaining parts of my oh-so-colorful college life- a place where toxicity thrives and is the way of life for most students. Although I didn't finish my race here, it did reaffirm what my passion is.

The benches pictured here are not actually from CP but from the neighboring college (College of Nursing) but since there are not enough studying space for most students, this is where Nikki and I usually study (if not in Univ Lib) or eat our lunch. 

In fairness, the college had an extreme makeover. I want to comment on how it looked like before but...nevermind. Haha. UP College of Pharmacy will always be the "one that got away" nonetheless, with all cases of loss and regret comes the needed lesson that they always teach in the end.

Memories Include: 7 page pharm chem exams, no multiple choices, right minus wrong, kakaibang equivalency, white uniform, dirty labgowns, fume hoods na parang motor sa lakas ng sound, handling concentrated reagents without gloves (masama to), grade conscious people, cool people, isang dipang library, Lantern parade and facade-making contests, USP, specific gravity, titrations, burets, pycnometers, haggard, 6,7-dihydroxy coumarin

PIT STOP Number 17:  Burger King Robinson's Place Ermita - 

Adriatico Wing Robinson's Place Ermita, Ermita Manila

The Brotherhood Meeting Quarters

Among my freshmen block, there were four of us who failed Math 17, four of us who became irregular students since second term of freshman year. One of us transferred courses right away and the three of us still held on to our pharmaceutical dream (later on two of my irreg friends Divine and Gem shifted courses but that's a another story). After taking the course the second time, we met two more friends (Ivy and M) from AS and Nikki joined our circle sophomore year when we took chem classes together. After that, as they say, the rest is history. It's actually ironic that we call ourselves the Brotherhood since technically, I am the only "brethren" there as all of them are girls. But the name stuck. And I didn't mind they were all girls since I can easily be myself when I'm with them. Even after Math 17 days, we became tight and they became my family back in college. We're still close and among my many circle of friends they are the ones I often meet up and hang-out with. 

BK Rob (Burger King Robinson's) is where the Brotherhood convenes to discuss pharmaceutical frustrations, political issues, KR (karelasyon) issues, showbiz tidbits and where we spent time after haggard exams. Too bad the second floor of this establishment is now closed, that is where we usually sit. I have always loved their fluorescent lightings, their cushioned seat where I can put my feet up and their saver's meal when fifty pesos can get you through the day.

I was on my way here when Divine texted me saying that she was at Robinson's and Gem was on her way over to meet her. That would explain why both of them are in the picture. As with all brotherhood meetings, we talked and ate and talked some more and ate some more. Although I swore I'm not going to see any of my friends that day, I couldn't blow them off. We were all in the same place anyway. Time went by so fast and I didn't realize it was already 9:00 PM and that I had to go to Makati to finish the last parts of my trip.

Memories Include: The Brotherhood, political ramblings, stat assignments, pharm exam aftermaths, issues on societal pressure on the lack of KR, talks about crabby classmates and prof crushes, "bottomless" iced tea, ham and cheese sandwhich, calculators

PIT STOP Number 18:  Burgundy Corporate Towers - 

Sen. Gil Puyat Ave. Makati City

The Burgundy Experience

After I quit college, I decided to join the call center world. This is where my yuppie emancipation took place, where I spent my early call center "virgin" days. At the 31st floor we held training for my first ever account. I can still remember my first call, the first time I released a phone call and the anxiety I felt everytime my Avaya rang. Those were the days when I was still a goody-two-shoes agent. This place is notorious for its elevator- the "golden-plated" elevator that's always on queue, always full and rather painfully slow, which makes agents tardy when they go down for their fifteen minute break. The marble steps at the entrance is where my call center buddies and I used to hang-out after shift - amidst the second hand smoke of the other agents.

Memories Include: Microsoft Zune, training, siomai, golden-door elevators, elevator na ubod ng bagal, elevator na queuing lagi, yuppie attires, a whole new world

PIT STOP Number 19:  Export Bank Plaza- 

Chino Roces Cor. Gil Puyat Ave. Makati

Export Bank Plaza - Call Center Phase II

My previous company had two offices, one in Burgundy Towers and just a few walks away in Export Bank Plaza in Pasong Tamo. After my technical support stint got dissolved and was transferred to a different site, all of us were dispersed and I ended up in a financial account in the neighboring building. The elevators are way better than those in Burgundy and the accessibility of Jollibee, Ministop and Chowking made it easier for us to nourish ourselves during our breaks. My account then is situated at the 9th floor. I remember meeting a lot of great friends in my team mates back then (Rockets, Huskies, Pistons) and some still remain in contact even today.

Memories Include: H&R Block, PayPal, uber fast elevators, Jollibee lunch breaks, lockers, Team Huskies, PayPal openers, Houston Rockets, first Avaya days, kumot, CSAT champion, tonshingwa 

PIT STOP Number 20: Total Corporate Towers - Kalayaan Taguig City

The lone tower in the prairie

After a year, my company's lease on the building expired and so everyone had to be transferred to a new site. We ended up here, in Taguig which is, although one MRT station closer from my way to work, is not as easily accessible as the previous two company locations are. It is located in the rather "unrenovated" part of The Fort so there was a scarcity of decent dining places here aside from the usual karinderya from the slums across the street. You can easily spot the building as it is the only sign of recent technology amid the vast tall grasses surrounding the area. I'm sure the dayami (carabao grass) field across it has a buried body or so. Since back in my days the area and the building is still being renovated, we had little chill spots aside from the 7-11 and the Starbucks downstairs. I think the building now is fully furnished and I noticed a lot of food stalls on the ground floor, plus I heard new company facilities like a gaming room and a gym are now being built for the company so the agents now are luckier than we were.

Also, this building saw the birth of my nicotine habit.

Memories Include: Team Pistons, Tonio Go, Starbucks sessions after shift, 7-11, yosi days, resignation, Elmas

PIT STOP Number 21:  Teletech Novaliches - 

Robinson's Place Novaliches Novaliches Quezon City

Teletech Novaliches - the Multicolor Call Center

Commuting far to work did take its toll on me. When you're already stressed coming into work to face a stressful job, something's bound to give up. I decided to resign from my previous company and my next call center became closer to home. It will only take me 45 minutes tops to come here compared to the almost two-hour journey to my work. Aside from the overuse of colors in the production floor interiors, I can't say I complain about the posh facilities here. Although not as high-paying as my previous job I grew to love it here because of how near it was to my house. Plus, after shift only a few walks and I can be in either of the two malls conveniently placed outside. I love how a just a few steps outside the entrance there's also a 24-hour food joint and beer place that was designed to target the bus drivers that park a few blocks from here.

Met some good drinking buddies here too. This company felt closer to home.

Memories Include: Dell XPS, Verizon, multi-colored interiors, posh facilities, accessibility, no lockers, AHT, friggin TOSOL, Sodexho GC, raffles

PIT STOP Number 22: Jairah - Novastop Robinson's Place Novaliches

The Place of Debauchery

One of my previous officemates has an uncanny drinking habit. Every after work, he would encourage us to drink with him to "de-stress". Soon enough, it became a habit and the drinking circle became bigger and bigger that the attendants of Jairah know where to designate our table and know our exact orders soon after we enter the place. We became the patrons of this little joint. A bottle of Red Horse Mucho, which is a liter, would already fill a pitcher. And that pitcher would be enough for a group of three. And three or four pitchers along with fish sticks and french fries would be enough for us to get through. Although small and with limited seats, this place was always empty when we came since our shift ends in the early mornings. So imagine seeing a group of people drinking themselves sober so early in the morning. But that was how we were back then. This joint hosted a lot of random inuman, birthday celebrations, occasional send-off's and the likes. In this little underrated place, through alcohol in our veins and smoke in our lungs, true friendships were born.

Memories Include: inuman, inuman, inuman, Red Horse, Tanduay Ice, Fish Fillet, Jo dimpols, after shift, chill, Team Mattel, Team Ramz, Team Swinia, Team Letsmakewl, union talks

PIT STOP Number 23: Our House Number 5: Second House in Caloocan -

Villa Luisa North Bagumbong Caloocan City

Almost perfect - aside from the tricycle noises outside

This was our second house here in North Caloocan after we relocated (yet again). It had better living conditions compared our first house here. Better comfort room, better kitchen, divided rooms and certainly a lot  less annoying landlord. The only downside is that it was along the main road entrance of the village and there were times that the sound of passing tricycles became our alarm clocks. But we got used to it in time. Again the small window shown here is where my room was. Overlooking it is an underdeveloped pasture that I always loved to look at since it was so relaxing. Tragically, when my brother and I decided to renovate it by fixing the kitchen and painting the first floor, the landlord decided to let his relative stay here so we had to move again. They paid for the price of the renovation, but I still feel it was a bit unfair. But then again, not everything in this world is fair.

Memories Include: Teletech Days, divided rooms, tricycle sounds, bukid sa tapat

PIT STOP Number 24: Luneta Benches - Rizal Park, Manila

Oh Rizal, you were the first one to know my secret

 I never went to Luneta when I was young. The only time I heard about Rizal Park was when my older siblings used to tell their tales of childhood visits here or when I see  a postcard and a picture of it in my history class. I always felt it was the one thing that escaped my childhood (like Manila Zoo) so when college came, I made sure to pay it a visit. My school then is only about a ten minute-walk to this park. Turns out, aside from the occasional over-display of couples' sweetness, Luneta isn't jologs or baduy. It is actually pretty nice and relaxing.

Earlier this year, I decided to come out to one of my closest friends here. After a last full show movie, we decided that it was too dangerous for her to commute back home, so we decided to walk around the metro and we ultimately ended up here (as if walking in the park in the wee hours of the morning wasn't dangerous enough, but we managed to survive unscathed). After a few serious talks, I came out. I felt like the weight of the world has been lifted off my shoulders. After that, I became more comfortable with myself and so I decided to come out to my other close friends and thankfully they were very supportive and they weren't as surprised as I imagined them to be. Maybe they knew it all along or they simply didn't want to make a big deal out of it-but that's a story for another day.  In these benches, amid mosquito bites that fateful night, I let the world know I was gay.

Memories Include: madaling araw, walang humpay na lakaran, aminan, emohan, buti na lang walang holdapper

PIT STOP Number 25: House Number 6: Our Current House

My current coordinates

Alas, the final pit stop. This is my current house. Block 2 Lot 21. So far, this is the best house I've lived in so far. I finally have my own room since my brother decided to get a place of his own. I don't know if there's something lucky in this house, but I noticed that our living conditions have been pretty much easy since we settled here.

Memories Include: On going

PART 5:  The Finish Line

"Now's the time, if I'm right. Then we've come to the end of the line..." --Honeyz

The Finish Line

Arrival Time: a few minutes after 1:00 AM

Casualties: One very sweaty t-shirt, tired gastrocnemius, minor headache, drained cellphone, ipod and camera

Final Stop: Bedroom

Mission: Accomplished

Pictures:

• Left picture: HDTV streaming of The Big Bang Theory from my netbook 
• Upper right hand: My sister's gift, "Thirdie" who arrived the same day (he is not supposed to arrive until next week...surprise!)
• 2nd below right: The Total Lunar Eclipse that night (Sorry my camera isn't that high-end to capture it)
• Bottom right: My bed. My heaven.

EPILOGUE:

So after venturing in and around the various parts of Bulacan and the Metro, I was able to finally complete my mission to visit the twenty-five places that hold most memories for me. Although it was tiring and hot that day, and it felt like I sweated off the little body fat I have left, I wouldn't have celebrated my twenty-fifth birthday any other way. Seeing these familiar landmarks gave me a mixture of feelings I can't even put into words. It certainly helped me rediscover my roots, the memories of my childhood and boyhood which helped me better understand why I'm the way I am and where I'm  in my life right now. Nostalgia- this is this year's birthday theme.  Adult life can be very busy and sometimes we forget to remember the things in our past that helped shaped our present. Every once in a while, one should stop and remember, where he came from and the places he's been to. These places maybe old dilapidated houses, schools, playgrounds,old offices and the likes, so that he will know where he's heading in his life. Reminiscing isn't always a sign of loneliness and melancholia, sometimes it's a sign of gratefulness. It is only through remembering the past the we can better see our future.

HAPPY HAPPY SILVER!

25 years and my life is still  

Trying to get up that great big hill of hope 

For a destination. -

4 Non Blondes, "What's Up?"