DIAZ – DON’T CLEAN UP THIS BLOOD

It was great to see a movie at the Moviemov Italian Film Festival in Greenbelt. I watched the controversial, award-winning and emotionally compelling Italian-Romanian-French movie DIAZ – DON’T CLEAN UP THIS BLOOD directed by Daniele Vicari.

The film is based on a true incident and focuses on the storming of the Diaz school in Genoa by the police after the 2001 G8 summit. In that building were young protesters against the international summit who were brutally attacked by the Italian police.

It is based on the testimonies and reports from judicial processes.

Amnesty International refers to these events as: “The most serious suspension of democratic rights in a Western country since the Second World War.”

My Bucket List: 100 Goals I Want to Achieve Before I Die

I’m not saying that tomorrow is my final day on earth. Frankly, I’ll be hostile to the idea of seeing angels from above lifting up their voices, reaching down their hands and telling me to wear a lily white outfit. Well, if God would allow me, I want to leave traces and foot prints first before I join HIM, my father, my grandpa, Jose Rizal, Elvis Presley and those uncountable kind-hearted people.

The idea of waking up someday when I’m too old, tired and financially incapable makes me think of doing things I wanna do while my nerves are running sprightly. And oops, while I still have a job.

Okay, lemme’ start by giving you my bucket list. If you haven’t heard about bucket list, it is a list of things, goals, life-experiences and dreams you want to achieve before you die. I’m pretty sure several things already dominate your mind.

Life is too unpredictable. You cannot say if you have already reached your finish line. So as long as you still breathe longer… get your clothes on and go out, pound the pavement, and experience what the outside world has to offer.

“Yeah, we gotta start looking at the hands of the time we’ve been given. If this is all we got and we gotta start thinking. If every second counts on a clock that’s ticking, gotta live like we’re dying!” Kris Allen also contributed to my urgency of creating this list.

Here we go…

1. Be fluent in Nihongo.

2. Be an interior designer.

3. Be a t-shirt designer.

4. Be a professional photographer.

5. Be a triathlete.

6. Witness a solar eclipse.

7. Fly in a hot-air balloon.

8. Write a book.

9. Climb a mountain in the Philippines.

10. Earn a Master’s degree.

11. Learn how to play violin.

12. Stroll around Paris.

13. Ride a gondola in Venice.

14. Go swimming with dolphins.

15. Visit Angel Falls in Venezuela.

16. See and experience snow.

17. Fall asleep on grassy plains.

18. Go snorkeling.

19. See cherry blossoms in Japan.

20. Fly in a helicopter.

21. Ride a rollercoaster.

22. Take up Tai Chi.

23. Visit a castle in England.

24. See the Mona Lisa in Louvre.

25. Experience Disneyland in California.

26. Learn how to ice skate.

27. Milk a cow.

28. Watch The Script live.

29. Spend a night in a haunted place.

30. Visit the Great Wall of China.

31. Read the Bible cover to cover.

32. Attend a Broadway play.

33. Try yoga.

34. Explore Hawaii.

35. Visit Seoul.

36. Go inside the Ankor Wat in Cambodia.

37. Attend my high school and college reunion after 20 years.

38. Visit the Pyramids of Egypt.

39. Build my dream house.

40. Live in a tree house for a week.

41. Sing with a band again.

42. Sing at the top of my voice from the peak of a mountain.

43. Attend an NBA finals game.

44. Try bungee jumping.

45. Have a sentimental trip to my birthplace Seria, Brunei.

46. Ride a horse.

47. Skydive.

48. Go to Coliseum in Rome.

49. Visit Santorini, Greece staying at bed and breakfasts.

50. Volunteer in a third-world country.

51. Run my own coffee shop.

52. Work in New York.

53. Experience sunset in Bali.

54. Sleep in an igloo.

55. Bake a chocolate cake.

56. Trek in Borneo’s rainforest.

57. Travel across the Philippines.

58. Learn sign language.

59. Climb to the top of the lighthouse.

60. Hear a wolf howl in the wild.

61. Visit Universal Studios.

62. Meet a Thai monk.

63. Safari tour in Kenya.

64. Walk across a swingy suspension bridge.

65. Publish a piece in National Geographic magazine.

66. Write a script for a film.

67. Attend a Hillsong concert.

68. Be a game show contestant.

69. Watch Charice sing live in a concert.

70.  Eat a fish I caught myself.

71. Collect tumblers.

72. Get a souvenir from every country I visit.

73. Have myself one lazy day a week.

74. Master Katakana and Hiragana.

75. Have a photo with a Russian lady.

76. Spend a week with the Ifugao tribe.

77. Attend a run for a cause.

78. Own a rest house.

79. Walk where Jesus walked in Israel and Jerusalem.

80. Sponsor unfortunate kids’ education.

81. Attend a cosplay event.

82. Own the latest gaming console.

83. Attend a Philippine festival.

84. Walk on a desert.

85. Attend a World Expo.

86. Donate blood.

87. Join a charitable institution.

88. Undergo Lasik to bring back my original vision.

89. Read 100 works of classic literature.

90. Learn to make pottery.

91. Ride in a submarine.

92. Try all coffee flavors in Starbucks.

93. Play golf.

94. Learn to say “hello” in 50 languages.

95. Be a skateboarder.

96. Laugh more, be happy.

97. Get married.

98. Spend our honeymoon in Milan, Italy.

99. Name my sons Shinji and Souji.

100. Be a loving and responsible husband and father.

 

 

 

GERALD SANTOS: UP CLOSE AND PERSONAL

My true friends know that I once dreamed of becoming a recording artist, a professional singer in a hotel or a composer wanting my songs to regularly hit the air waves. I am also a big fan of reality singing contests on TV and familiar with every participant hoping to remain on the spotlight and earn a record deal.

When Ms. Cherry Bayle, the producer of our radio program featuring real-life accomplishments from people worthy of notice, told me she would be having Gerald Santos as their guest, I felt excited to know more about his storybook — on how a simple, humble and family-oriented lad vocally overpowered thousands of aspirants (including my schoolmate Aicelle Santos) in the second season of Pinoy Pop Superstar.

Going back to the competition, it was apparent that Aicelle was dictating the tempo with her classy and dazzling performances. She was receiving outstanding remarks and warm fuzzies from the judges making her thrust into attention. Gerald, on the other side of the stage, was giving safe renditions of overlistened ballad hits. Just like what happened to the Erik Santos-Sheryn Regis drama the moment the top winner was revealed, the younger and less-experienced Gerald took the grand prize.

Gerald Santos

Gerald Santos singing with Pinoy Pop Superstar 3 champion Maricris Garcia

Gerald became a budding singing star and eventually marked a name known for heartfelt songs. He was able to associate his name with the likes of Ogie Alcasid and Janno Gibbs. He got a record deal with GMA Records and later in 2006 he released his first single “A Day on the Rainbow.“ He didn’t sustain a career with the Kapuso Network. His career didn’t reach its next level in the four years he spent with the network. Due to a controversy involving a musical director, he terminated his contract before its expiration. Gerald also lamented that he decided to part ways because he felt the network didn’t have a vision with regards to his career. But it seemed there would always be doors open for those who possess great natural endowments.

Gerald told us that he met TV5 chairman Manny V. Pangilinan in Hong Kong during an event. Mister Pangilinan talked to him and offered him to be one of the network’s talents. He accepted the given projects under TV5 with his new manager Rommel Ramilo. He was indeed excited to try other things aside from singing where he also signed for some acting stints on TV and films.

Coming from a poor family, Gerald learned to use his past experiences to personify his songs. He said the songs he sings are part of his system, a true representation of his identity. At a very young age, he had joined several amateur singing contests to help his parents provide their basic needs.

Gerald is very much thankful to all those people who helped him stir in the right direction and supported him all the way. I could say he is one of the few singers of this generation who were able to retrieve their sinking careers. Well, not all singing champions remain to be active in their professional singing career and continue to release albums. He didn’t rest on his laurels. He was given a chance this year to release a new album with its carrier single “And Iyong Pagmamahal.”

The writer with Gerald Santos

 

THE DAY I MET RAISSA

What would you feel if you lost a part of your body in a snap? What if you found yourself inside a dark labyrinth and at loggerheads of emotions to find the right way to get out? What if you foresee that your tomorrows are as opaque as the rotten old wood at your backyard? People sometimes experience events that could be tragic as what you have never imagined.

Her eyes swelled with tears. She couldn’t even move. As far as she remembered something was thrown near her feet and suddenly exploded with immeasurable intensity. She looked at herself helplessly where people around her scream and squall for help and urgency. She couldn’t move; not even a small gait. She prayed. She hoped someone from the cloudy area would give her a hand and save her from agonizing. She suddenly had a vision in which she entered a courtroom on a wheelchair, still doing what she loves but with just some major changes. She thought about her boyfriend, her family, her dreams, her future. A whirlwind of emotions run through her veins. She thought it could be her last remaining hours. She told me if the rescue got delayed for about five minutes, she wouldn’t be able to survive.

It was indeed an unforgettable moment for her but it was also a starting point to move forward and leave all the remnants of despair and despondency.

I waited for her outside their house in San Juan. I felt a bit excited to finally meet Raissa Laurel, the 2nd year Law student from San Sebastian College, who lost both her feet on September 26, 2010 where 47 got injured after a bomb exploded in front of a fast-food chain during the last day of 2010 Bar Exams at De La Salle University. I used to see her on TV; a truly Joan of Arc in her existence who proved to be a victim-slash-hero. But she didn’t get the popularity from a reality TV show but from a tragic reality normal people wouldn’t imagine for themselves. She went outside the house and greeted me with her unfading smile. Raine, her boyfriend, carried her all the way to our service vehicle. While on the road, she narrated me the real experience of being “there.” I knew it was kinda awful for her to remember the scenario and tell it to me probably for a hundred times already but I didn’t see any disappointment and wretchedness from her. She was even smiling while telling me the whole story. One thing’s for sure, she has gotten over it already. We also attend the same church which gave me the definite idea of how she grew strong and faithful to God Almighty despite the unanticipated predicament. Well, that’s what matters most. God is our ultimate source of strength and gives us security in times of trouble and inconsistencies in our lives.

We arrived at TV5 and went straight ahead to our radio booth. She was interviewed by Chinkee Tan, one of our radio anchors and also one of our acclaimed pastors at Victory Christian Fellowship. Raine also confessed his unconditional love towards Raissa. He remains as her best friend, prince, well-wisher and protector. Their love story really serves as an eternal example of what couples should be. I’ve learned so much from them.

(from left) Chinkee Tan, Raissa Laurel, Cristina Lazo, Cherry Bayle and me

You can’t stop bad things happening and sometimes it’s really hard to deal with those stabbing situations. Challenges always come and it’s absolutely a matter of facing and surviving it. Storms, disasters, bloody encounters or even the smallest conflict and unlikable circumstances with a friend or a family member can be the root of hating our dear Savior Jesus Christ. People tend to blame God for the sufferings and trials and would ask HIM “of all people… why me?” But when blessings pour unto us, do we ask the same question?  Every day is a battle of swords and chariots. We cannot control the situation but we can hold sway over our fate. We may be wounded and sometimes we get lost track of our emotions but by abiding the Scripture, we can surmount huge tidal waves and other disasters extraordinaire.

Raissa and Raine are both role models of courage, unconditional love, optimism and faithfulness to the Lord God Almighty.

(from left) Raine, Chinkee Tan, Raissa Laurel, Cristina Lazo, Cherry Bayle and me

After the live interview,  I accompanied them to our service vehicle. Raissa was also scheduled to report for a civil organization where she was elected as the president. She invited me to attend a special event of our church where she’ll have a major part. At least, we’re gonna meet each other again.

May we all learn to move on and find the real purpose of having a second life, a second chance and a second opportunity to show how truly blessed and “among the angels” we are.

NOSTALGIA

Every day, he greets me with his unfading smile. He even inspires me to do well for feats. It has been my habit to talk to him whenever I’m alone, anxious and tired. He is one of my sources of strength. I love this gentleman so much. His words are still emotionally compelling in the way they always touch my heightened feelings.

 It was Friday when everything in our town house was already prepared for my brother’s birthday bash. My mother cooked our all-time favorite “ham and chicken casserole” and other requested viands. The visitors were coming and everyone was celebrating that special day in our family. Afterwards, someone gave a buzz and my mom answered the call from the telephone. In just a blink of an eye, the atmosphere in the four-cornered house turned into complete taciturnity. My mother was stunned – could not even utter a single tone. My father, who was on his way to our home from work, was rushed into the hospital. Instead of celebrating my brother’s birthday, my mother immediately went to the hospital. We were all worried.

My father stayed in the hospital for a couple of months. The doctor said he had sudden rupture of blood vessels in his brain. He could not speak. He could not move. And the worst of all, we could not see his remarkable smile. What we were seeing was a man covered with pain and anguish. I know he was suffering inside and I could feel that extreme anxiety down my spine.

My father was my mentor. He taught me a lot of things. He wanted me to become a doctor but he saw I was into visual arts. I used to paint and draw and even told him I wanted to be a famous painter like Francois Boucher. We even had an argument when he did not allow me to pursue my dream. He was too strict. He wanted me to follow my uncle’s footsteps. If happened, I’ll be the second licensed doctor in our family. But when I celebrated my 12^th birthday, I received a special gift from him – oil pastels and a charcoal pencil with a note, “Keep it up, Son.” Then I asked him, “Where’s the sketch pad, Dad?”

Now that my mentor was bed-ridden staring in one direction, I could not help but cry when memories tended to squeeze my heart. Praying was a virtue. We were still hoping that someday he’d be able to recover. We had to be strong so he would feel that we were still holding on his breath and not giving him up.

Day after day, his condition was getting worse. He started to experience death agonies where we all thought it would be the end of his pilgrimage in this life. Christmas arrived but we never felt the spirit of it. The New Year passed by but did not recognize the thought of having a new life. Our minds were all attached to my father’s unpredictable condition. All we wanted was a complete family spending quality time and sharing our laughter with each other.

While everyone was sleeping on a couch in my father’s hospital room, I showed to him my latest artwork. I drew our whole family. Filled with bright colors, the drawing displayed us eating all together on a round table – having fun and sharing our stories.

“Daddy, can you hear me?” I asked with a subtle voice. Still, there was no response. I shrugged. I reached his hand and uttered, “I fixed your things in the office. Everyone’s missing you, Dad.” Then, I felt a warm hand on my back. It was my mother and she embraced me so tight. In the wee hours, my father passed away. A single tear in his eye was the only thing left to us. Even though it was absolutely hard, we should accept God’s final decision. It was time to bid farewell to the most special man in my life. My father had suffered so much and it was certainly the time for him to rest at the Great Blue Yonder.

Now that it is already seven years from that dreadful day, his presence is still living in our nostalgia. With his smile on his portrait hung on our wall, quiet, gentle and patient waves are always washing me. I know he is beside me, always and forever.

LEARNING REAL LESSONS FROM REAL PEOPLE

I had a chance to have a worthy conversation with Bernard, who is now my friend. He is really an eye-catcher with good looks and intimidating posture. But he almost killed himself three years ago thinking that he’s useless. His girlfriend left him and his family once neglected him. He believed that living started to crash him part by part. But he found God. He met a pastor who introduced him to Christ. Yes, he knew Christ before but he never allowed Him to fully control his heart. But everything abruptly changed. He learned to live again, to offer his life to Jesus, to appreciate the people around him and to keep going on. He is blind but he is sure enough his life has now a purpose.

“Jesus is in my heart and He speaks to me.”
-Bernard

21st Century Filipino Politicians

There is this sparkling energy from books that alters my mush, moods and madness. Yes, you read it right. Since that I’m reading a novel of politics, I decided to write something about politics; as if I’m knowledgeable about it. I’m not a political science major, no office in public service; just a few experiences with politicians during the concluded national elections. I worked as political coordinator for a candidate under the Nacionalista Party. I wouldn’t mention her name but she won. And she deserved it. Ok, I’m not really a Nacionalista boy. I think it was just a matter of returning a favor. Working with lawyers everyday, I saw how crucial legal documents were. Even a piece of paper can send you to jail or perhaps ruin your life convincing yourself you shouldn’t have done it in the first place. Everything must be properly planned. There are certain points I learned from the previous campaigns we had for aspiring politicians. Here we go.

-Always smile. Our candidate was always smiling in the morning, in the afternoon and in the evening. I wondered if her lips were scotch-taped already or….. never mind. But don’t smile exaggeratedly. People may think your “pashowbiz” or “loka-loka”. People feel that you’re friendly, approachable and polite if you always smile.

-Don’t talk much about your educational and career achievements. Sometimes, I admit, it feels good to boast something you had but people don’t care much about it. They want reforms, jobs, improvement etc. Focus on these topics.

-Be friendly to the media people. Ehem. They can end your stay in the race in a snap. Dare? Have your media relations seminar for example. Oooops!

-Make your campaign jingle “singable”. Yes, like everybody can make it his/her national anthem. Well, it helps build the image of the candidate (from PR principles). But don’t overexpose it. It becomes irritating.

-Make sure you have your money. There is this saying that if you want to run for a public office and you don’t have bucks in your pocket, start to back off.  You don’t have a bright future in politics. Well, you can seek for sponsors and donations. GOOD LUCK!

-Your speech should include what ought to be done. Lessen your statistics, graphs etc. The hell people care. Focus on their problems and how you’ll resolve it and deliver it with conviction. If you’re not sure what to be done, make sure that something ought to be, quickly.

-Be always open for photo sessions and handshakes. Don’t show you’re tired and annoyed. Don’t forget to retouch every hour or else you’ll look like a walking rotten squash monster. Campaigning is like swimming in an Olympic pool.

-Know your opponent. Hmmmm. This is the most exciting cause you get to compare your platforms with each other and even your capabilities. Competition challenges a person so don’t consider it as a threat. Most politicians look for their opponent’s blind side and attack them directly or invisibly. 🙂

-Make sure you don’t have any scandal in the past or if there is… make sure you bury it deep. In politics, you should be the most generous, loving and wholesome person ever existed.

-Learn to work with others. Of course you have your campaign organizers, advisers or other members of the party you belong to work with. Don’t just rely on your instincts or decisions. You also need pieces of advice from people who handle the game better.

Whoooo! Am I really interested to enter political public relations or maybe even become a candidate? Well, the answer is NO! I’m just happy elucidating and elucidating and elucidating on these issues with a little bit of research.

Read ONE HELL OF CANDIDATE by William Gavin. It’s definitely one heck of a fun read.

Yaw Yan Founder Finds Himself Homeless

He greeted me with an approachable smile and shook my hand like the door’s always open. At that moment, I felt that I was gladly received upon entering the Yaw Yan (YY) Pasay Gym. He was none other than the great Napoleon Fernandez, the founder of the known deadliest martial art which was first introduced here in the Philippines. This 84-year-old man, who was known as the most fearless Yaw Yan fighter ever existed, never had any loss in any of his competitions. Who would have ever imagined that this gray-haired man once defeated the country’s best mixed martial artists. Though he cannot join tournaments because of his age and illness, he is contented to train his own fighters who are currently representing his spirit.

Master Napoleon Fernandez

He had sudden rupture in his blood vessels that’s why he is having difficulty in moving. I also had to speak right close to his right ear so he could understand my questions.

Yaw Yan, which is also known as “Sayaw ng Kamatayan” is a Filipino martial art. It is a form of kickboxing just like Thailand’s Muay Thai but differs in the hip-torquing motion and downward-cutting nature of kicks.

Considered as the grand master, the great Fernandez makes sure that his students develop their agility, strength and sense of discipline. He trains them nine hours a day. He does not allow students to engage in any vice. He also nurtures those who are unfortunate and converts them into tremendous martial artists.

Fernandez admits that though he was honored as the one who started the martial art, he considers himself homeless. He does not know where his wife and children are. One of his students, Saladin Dacuyan, who now owns the Pasay gym, takes care of him and procures his basic necessities. He did not receive any financial return as Yaw Yan gyms continuously spring all throughout the country.

With the incontestable popularity of mixed martial arts competitions in the Philippines and other countries, Fernandez hones his students by learning the principles of Yaw Yan. The martial art is designed to be offensive. It has no blockings. The fighter aims to attack his opponent through striking, takedowns, grappling, arnis stick and knife fighting and additional kickboxing material. A Yaw Yan fighter also uses his arms and wrists to attack.

Master Napoleon and his fighters

Yaw-Yan is not purely a full-contact no-holds barred sport martial art. It is a complete martial training with body-mind coordination and test of enduring indomitable spirit.

For Grand Master Fernandez, this martial art represents the Filipinos. “There has only been one thing that I have been pursuing ever since and that is to enlighten the Filipinos to patronize their own art and not to be called “Malansang Isda” or foul odor fish. People nowadays will do anything just to patronize foreign arts rather than their own. Fancy styles from foreign arts rarely works on actual fights where anything goes really does happen,” said Fernandez.

He has marked the country’s own and unique way of fighting which was designed to be sport-oriented.

After my worthy conversation with him, I couldn’t help but adore this great man who will certainly leave a legacy. With 47 years of practicing the martial art, it is beyond doubt that Master Napoleon and Yaw Yan are both inseparable.

The Great PLUMA V Experience

“I’m gonna ruin this day!”

That’s what I silently uttered when I woke up so early and found out that I had no voice. It was like acquiring a major “uh-oh”. My heart was pounding with dismay expecting a tragic moment on stage if I’d give a Charlie Chaplin appearance. That day was the finals of the prestigious PRSP Grand Prix Competition and we were expected to give one hell of a performance. I was really pressured. PLUMA (the official representative of PLM) has been considered as the “powerhouse” team because of its remarkable campaigns and exceptionally well stage performances.

Well, I could say PLUMA V, our team, was well composed of talented speakers and great minds.

Alvin, our team manager, gave brilliant ideas upon doing the campaign. He’s my thesis mate so we got a lot of time to talk about it. He is your type of guy who sits in the corner and listens to everyone’s rants and arguments first. And after something bright has popped up in his mind, he ardently shares it with certainty. He has indeed the qualities of a republican candidate.

Vina was one of the presenters. Tall, confident and undaunted. This lady speaks like she has taken all the vitamins in this world. Her voice, which sounds like a Mellow Radio DJ, surely gets everyone’s attention. She even had chickenpox during our training but she still went for it. Good thing I had chickenpox so I didn’t have to worry since she was just inches away from me in our stage formation. That’s how dedicated she was.

Camille was also one of the presenters. She has this quick response in every question given to her. She is really opinionated and sometimes has Patricia Evangelista’s soul. She thinks well and delivers it well. No doubt, she’s one of the in-demand debaters in our college.

Owen, the ever animated and jolly one. He’s also a presenter. He made us all laugh when we’re all fed up with bunch of works for the campaign and tiring practices. He’s the super duper mega energetic guy in the group. But he gets nervous easily. Still, he has the composure. I remember he told me before the competition that he’s freakin’ excited to walk on the stage because he felt he’s one of the Ms. Universe candidates. LOL!

Pau is our very sweet team coordinator. We love her for the food she always brought for the group. Nah, just kidding. Of course, we all love Pau because of her dedication in doing her tasks. She monitored our performances if we were delivering our lines accordingly. Of course, we also love her dad. (Alam na niya yun) I’m happy for her since she is now a presenter for this year’s line up and also the PRSSP president.

Rossielle is our production head. I knew he had a lot of stabbing pains in his head during our campaign preparation. He’s keen when it came to our collaterals’ concepts and designs. He did the designs and editing for our tshirts, posters etc. At least he didn’t totally follow Sir Roel’s drawings! (Alam na rin niya yan)

Gian, one of the presenters, had been the “crush ng bayan” of Southville students. Having this American accent with his charisma on stage, he could absolutely get your attention. Like Alvin, he had been silent sometimes in our meetings but he truly had the “ideas” that helped us during our campaign preparation.
 
Lea was our presenter-slash-multimedia queen. She did our audio-visual presentation maximizing her video editing skills. Lea was indeed one of the greatest minds in our group. Being her groupmate in our PR reports, I knew she really contributed in giving pragmatic ideas.

Grace was also one of the presenters. Who would have ever imagined that this simple, petite and down-to-earth lady talks like Maria Ressa and Cheche Lazaro. She’s one of the most dedicated and intellectually gifted persons I met in my life. I could see a bright future for her.

Sir Roel Ramirez, our trainer, is really one of a kind. He was the martinet, meticulous and obsessively organized in our campaign preparation. He covered the materials with systematic fashion. He has been a father to all of us. He may be strict and persistent to close-to-perfection performances but we always had fun moments with him.

Okay, now that I’ve introduced to you my team members, let’s go back to my story. I was suffering from laryngitis the day before the competition. I was too damn nervous and worried of failing to attend the ‘most awaited’ day. Whew! My voice was hoarse plus the fact that I also had fever that time. My mom brought me some medicines and Ma’am Gina, our team adviser, prepared ginger tea for me. She also gave me some medicines. Due to desperation, I took them all. Geeeeezzz! After a few minutes I felt like I was riding in a rollercoaster. I felt so giddy and everyone looked like they’re in a whirlpool. That time, I didn’t even remember my lines. I told Vina I couldn’t make it. I saw the disappointment in Sir Roel’s face. He said, “Pau, step in. You’re gonna replace Dennis.” I was teary-eyed. I gave my time, effort and dedication for it. And because of this effin’ laryngitis, everything’s gone in a snap. But I was also conscious about the embarrassment I would be experiencing if I failed to remember my lines. And I also didn’t want to make that disaster.

I rested my body on the floor with Ma’am Gina’s blanket covering me and cried. I heard them practicing. Pau was having a hard time because she wasn’t that prepared. I felt it was my entire fault. I told them I’d go to the comfort room for a while and denied an offer for accompaniment. I looked at the mirror facing the man who was wearing a Pinoy-inspired shirt with white visor cap on his head. He looked so pathetic. I remembered all his hard work and sleepless nights for this. That was not the time to give up. I prayed. I prayed harder. Then I decided to go back to our designated room and suddenly found out I regained my voice, well partly of it, but I could speak clearer than before. But that was not the best time to celebrate. When I entered the room, I interrupted their practice and told everyone I would hit the stage and give one hell of a performance. Sir Roel smiled at me and said, “That’s my boy!”

We did our final practice and everything went smoothly. My teammates and I all smiled. It’s like shouting “Let’s volt in!” I saw our professors were really grateful cause’ everything’s back to normal. We prayed all together. I also couldn’t explain the energy I suddenly had. God provided.

Five minutes before our turn, we were staying at the side of the stage. It was the De La Salle Manila team facing the judges for the question and answer portion. They received a big round of applause from the audience because of their clear and specific answers. That made our hearts beat faster.

Then the emcee started to call our team. “And now, for our next presentation, we have the “Bigkis Bigkis sa Halalang Malinis!” she enunciated. OMG! My heart was beating so fast. I told myself “Bahala na!” Then we entered the stage and we received a warm welcome from the audience through their whistles and cheers. I saw my classmates sitting right in front of me and they’re all smiling. Those smiles really gave me the confidence to own the stage. I started to deliver my lines and my voice sounded good because of Sir Roel’s lapel. LOL! Bring it on! Then I modulated my voice for me to enunciate the lines clearly. Kung alam niyo lang gaano kahirap i-modulate at palakihin ang boses ko para hindi sumabit.

Then we had the question and answer portion. I felt more relieved because I delivered the lines well. Whooo! I thought I would be missing one o lahat mismo. Then Ms. Ritzi Ronquillo, one of the judges, told the team “The gentleman in the middle is a great talent.” That was me! I wanted to cry. I wanted to tell her “Ma’am kung alam niyo lang pinagdaanan ko!”

The team received good remarks from the judges. We were able to answer all the questions according to Sir Roel’s instructions. Grace answered a tricky question from the hip and she nailed the answer. When we exited the stage, we all hugged each other for a job well done. It’s like fulfilling our mission. When we went to the corridor at the back of the stage, we felt so elated because everyone’s waiting for us. The place was covered with high spirits. Then I saw Sir Roel and he hugged me so tight uttering “Dennis, you did it!” Again, I cried. I was too emotional that day. My mom also arrived and she gave me a tight hug.

We were named the 2009 PRSP Grand Prix Competition Champions with just .0 something difference from DLSU-Manila.

There’s one thing I’ve realized from that meaningful day. Don’t live down to expectations.  Go out there and do something remarkable. When you do nothing, you feel overwhelmed and powerless. But when you get involved, you feel the sense of hope and accomplishment that comes from knowing you are working to make things better.