Backtrack // Welcome interlude
(Second of two parts. Read first post here.)
Amid the risk of being melodramatic, let it be said: It was only until I turned 20 that I started to cherish — and consequently, remember — the celebration of my birth anniversary.
This year has been special because I ushered my turning and feeling 22 with friends, at a coffee shop, in such a haste.
^ My STAR friends — Mika, Mike, Verns, and Aki — with the “enlightened” Nigel
^ Cupcakes from STAR’s editor-in-chief Amy Pamintuan
At the expense of being a called a “loser with no childhood”, let it be said: Until after a few days since I turned another year older, I never learned to ride a bike.
Yes, among a lot of other things, biking was one of the simple joys and milestones in a person’s life that I missed in my childhood. So, while I can, I am trying to make things right.
Pedalling is basic and rudimentary. The proper gripping of gears can be learned. But letting go (of a guide) and balancing thereafter posed the greater challenge. I realized biking is not for those who are afraid of falling and failing, of taking flight in spite of the possibility of ending up with skinned knees, and of liberty.
Clearly, I fit in all the aforementioned qualifications except the last one — which was precisely what had drawn me to engage myself in such a physical activity.
It took me some time to eventually muster the courage and go solo. In this recent feat, there are two things I discovered:
Amid the risk of being touted a tomboy, let it be said: I found happiness in shooting.
The best part is being able to hit the target.
At the risk of projecting the image of an elitista, let it be said: 2014 was the year I devoted much of my leisure time attending theater plays, concerts, and film festivals.
Among all musicals I have seen so far, the most memorable has to be Wicked: The Untold Story of the Witches of Oz because not only was it the first broadway show I watched at laway distance — we were seated at the orchestra area — but it also came at such a time in my life when I was unwillingly pitted against people I had learned to trust. (Yes, I could relate to Elphaba at the time.)
Lea Salonga’s Playlist: The Repeat also means so much to me, as I went there with a dear friend to celebrate my 21st birthday.
My admiration for Salonga skyrocketed after having been able to watch her live. I also found my new favorite song: Higher, from the musical Allegiance by George Takei.
Also a night to remember: Gary Valenciano’s ARISE: The Repeat.
^ This close!
At the expense of seeming overly attached, let it be said: Even after half a decade since we graduated together, high school never ends.
It has been an annual tradition for our class to set a reunion party to celebrate the yuletide holidays and catch up on one another’s lives. Proudly I say, never had I missed one.
^ Photo by Lester Buenavidez; minimal post-processing by yours truly
Meanwhile, my best friends and I — all working in separately located offices and in different fields — had a bit of bonding as we stayed together in a hotel room to chill.
Surely, given my work schedule, I had to leave earlier than they would. Still, the short-lived gathering was a pleasant break from my working holidays.
At the risk of being clingy, let it be said: I love my STAR family.
The organization cradled me as I was then recovering from troubled times. More than providing me with some sense of security and tranquility, it nurtured my need for belongingness and affiliation.
^ During STAR’s institutional Christmas party;
photos by Verns Joven
^ Photo by Kristoff Cruz; taken during the Christmas party of STAR's digital team + Verns' birthday celebration + my sendoff (because I received news that day that I would be transferred to the news and editorial team)
^ Taken during the Christmas party of STAR’s news and editorial team
I can’t be any more grateful.
The year 2013 may have been a travesty, but 2014 was my transitional phase — a welcome interlude — into what lies in 2015... transcendence. Hopefully.
Bonus: We joined the talent contest during the Christmas party. The ever-supportive stage mother slash Vice President for Operations took and uploaded a video of our performance. •
Amid the risk of being melodramatic, let it be said: It was only until I turned 20 that I started to cherish — and consequently, remember — the celebration of my birth anniversary.
This year has been special because I ushered my turning and feeling 22 with friends, at a coffee shop, in such a haste.
^ My STAR friends — Mika, Mike, Verns, and Aki — with the “enlightened” Nigel
^ Cupcakes from STAR’s editor-in-chief Amy Pamintuan
At the expense of being a called a “loser with no childhood”, let it be said: Until after a few days since I turned another year older, I never learned to ride a bike.
Yes, among a lot of other things, biking was one of the simple joys and milestones in a person’s life that I missed in my childhood. So, while I can, I am trying to make things right.
Pedalling is basic and rudimentary. The proper gripping of gears can be learned. But letting go (of a guide) and balancing thereafter posed the greater challenge. I realized biking is not for those who are afraid of falling and failing, of taking flight in spite of the possibility of ending up with skinned knees, and of liberty.
Clearly, I fit in all the aforementioned qualifications except the last one — which was precisely what had drawn me to engage myself in such a physical activity.
It took me some time to eventually muster the courage and go solo. In this recent feat, there are two things I discovered:
- You have to adjust to the situation, as the situation would never adjust for you.
- I can do it.
Amid the risk of being touted a tomboy, let it be said: I found happiness in shooting.
The best part is being able to hit the target.
At the risk of projecting the image of an elitista, let it be said: 2014 was the year I devoted much of my leisure time attending theater plays, concerts, and film festivals.
Among all musicals I have seen so far, the most memorable has to be Wicked: The Untold Story of the Witches of Oz because not only was it the first broadway show I watched at laway distance — we were seated at the orchestra area — but it also came at such a time in my life when I was unwillingly pitted against people I had learned to trust. (Yes, I could relate to Elphaba at the time.)
Lea Salonga’s Playlist: The Repeat also means so much to me, as I went there with a dear friend to celebrate my 21st birthday.
My admiration for Salonga skyrocketed after having been able to watch her live. I also found my new favorite song: Higher, from the musical Allegiance by George Takei.
Also a night to remember: Gary Valenciano’s ARISE: The Repeat.
^ This close!
At the expense of seeming overly attached, let it be said: Even after half a decade since we graduated together, high school never ends.
It has been an annual tradition for our class to set a reunion party to celebrate the yuletide holidays and catch up on one another’s lives. Proudly I say, never had I missed one.
^ Photo by Lester Buenavidez; minimal post-processing by yours truly
Meanwhile, my best friends and I — all working in separately located offices and in different fields — had a bit of bonding as we stayed together in a hotel room to chill.
Surely, given my work schedule, I had to leave earlier than they would. Still, the short-lived gathering was a pleasant break from my working holidays.
At the risk of being clingy, let it be said: I love my STAR family.
The organization cradled me as I was then recovering from troubled times. More than providing me with some sense of security and tranquility, it nurtured my need for belongingness and affiliation.
^ During STAR’s institutional Christmas party;
photos by Verns Joven
^ Photo by Kristoff Cruz; taken during the Christmas party of STAR's digital team + Verns' birthday celebration + my sendoff (because I received news that day that I would be transferred to the news and editorial team)
^ Taken during the Christmas party of STAR’s news and editorial team
I can’t be any more grateful.
The year 2013 may have been a travesty, but 2014 was my transitional phase — a welcome interlude — into what lies in 2015... transcendence. Hopefully.
Bonus: We joined the talent contest during the Christmas party. The ever-supportive stage mother slash Vice President for Operations took and uploaded a video of our performance. •