HIGH SCHOOL MATES

I always wonder what happened to my good old High School classmates. For reasons I can't recall now, after graduation I did not have contact with any of them. That might something to do with what happened to Gerome, whose face I still remember vividly to this day, who was stabbed and died ONE week before he was to graduate with us. Gerome, who's a wholesome and fine lad, who I was sure was going to have a great future. Gerome who was buying bond paper at his neighborhood store for his last term paper when he was accosted by one of those who have no reason to live in this world. One of those who wasted his life doing nothing good and by his terrible action, we, as his classmates, lost a valued friend. I was particularly close to Jerome together with Eugene Mercado where we hang out at his Morning Breeze Street house.

That's why our graduation was very solemn and subdued and very emotional, especially when his mother received Gerome's diploma from Father McGrath. That's why our graduation party was lacking in fun, at least for me. Maybe that's why after that time and the following years in college, I wasn't able to go back, even just once, to the campus where I've spent many happy moments and experiences, that in great part, shaped of who I am today. His passing away was very painful for me and I'm sure for many of my classmates which was touched by Jerome's smile, and by simpleness and humble demeanor. And I'm sorry to Eugene that I didn't get to continue our friendship. And to Dennis, another of my best friends in high school, whom I lost contact also, when a year or two after graduation had moved to Los Angeles. In all these years I have thought and wish I could see them again.

Now the good news. Last week Lynn mentioned to me that their High School classmates have a yahoogroup and did have a mini reunion last September 8, being Notre Dame of Manila's foundation day. And that my batch '72 class has a North America alumni association (NDMAANA). And Lynn told me how happy their meeting was for he himself haven't seen his classmates for 35 years! He advised to visit NDMAANA website to reconnect with classmates. I did so after a day or two, being skeptical that I wouldn't find anybody or any name that I can still remember in the officers and board of members lists. I sent an email and what a surprised when the President replied and mentioned that he was also from batch '72! He even remembers my Jay Ilagan hair style and that they used to call me, "Siopao", which I didn't like then, but now is a bit okay. It's a lot better than being called, "sunog" by the others who didn't like me. But that is okay also, because I didn't like them also or doesn't meet my standard for them to be called my friends. I guess even then I was choosy and the reason also I didn't have a single girl friend. The only guys that were courting me were those guys in sutanas. I didn't have a single clue that would change in college. I guess that would be natural if one spends his days with boys only for ten years. Some say high school days are the happiest. For me, college days are the greatest, for during those years I found true friends for life and most importantly my TRUE LOVE for life--my wife of 25 years.

Now, even my nights are better, as the song goes, or even busier, livelier and entertaining as I am always at my Apple, combing my Inbox and replying to the many emails I continue to get from my fans, I mean, from my long lost classmates. Who I'm finding out are our closer here than I thought. I'm not alone after all. They're just out there and might even be one of those Pinoys we saw at the Mall today. It very exciting to find out if indeed they are.

Now, as I've said here before: I'm trying to get back to life- to my real life, to get back and deal with my past and finally connect and contact some of those I haven't done so before. As they also say in Pilipino:"Hindi ka makakarating sa iyong paroroonan kung di mo alam ang iyong pinanggalinan". At ang daan para ko magawa ito ay ang Internet Highway. And thanks to Al Gore, he, who said was the one who invented it. (The truth is probably in his lock box!!!). It will give a big chance to meet again people who I have shared memorable and unforgettable moments together. For that I would be very grateful.

THAT WAS REFRESHING

Lately Nette and I have walking Paris, our long-haired mixed Chihuahua, around our neighborhood. She does it in the morning after an early workout at the gym, but, before she goes to work. I am supposed to walk Paris in the afternoon upon arriving home from work. Well, I just did that and what a happy gal she was. At first, she was the one pulling the leash and me and in doing so she was panting heavily. But in a book I read before, I should be the one to be in control of her, so I tighten or shorten up the leash so that she was walking besides me not ahead of me. So, after we passed the swimming pool, she was getting used to the idea of walking besides and was even jumping at my legs gently. And that's how we went home, but on our way home I was thinking of the times Mabelle and family was here using the pool last July. And I said I'll have a dip at he pool on a nice Thursday afternoon.

And why not, I was tired after a long day at work and it was still sunny and it was only 6:15. So, I changed into my blue swimming trunk with my cellphone, keys and earplugs. When I got into the pool's gate, I look inside and there was nobody else using it. My lucky day, I said to myself, and I can do whatever I want to do if I want to, if not for a surveillance cameras on top of the roof. Well, I was going to do anything foolish, though. I got first into the round jacussi and the jets and bubbles was very soothing to my muscles and the warm water made for a relaxing massage. And I don't have to pay anybody to have one like I did at Tarawoods and at the Circle C THai Massage Clinic. Next, i got into the swimming pool which a little cold, but was bearable. I did short laps of backstroking and freestyle while imitating Michael Phelps. Wow, huh! Or si Dyesebel na lang.

In our almost five years in this community, I can count in my hands the number of times we have used the pool and mostly when we have visitors. Now, today, it was like it was about time we start getting our money's worth we pay in our HOA fee.
And I plan to do it more often next Monday Fall officially starts, but, till now it's been very humid lately in the afternoons like it's still summer. Well, indeed, this year our summer was cooler and a bit late. So, if you're in the neighborhood, join me and we might as well bring something to munch and drink while watching a red-orange perfectly round Oceanside sunset. Just what I was looking while showering at the pool's facility. Next time, I'll bring my camera and my I-pod. That would an ideal way as Californians do it.

DO YOU BELIEVE IN UFO'S?

Tonight I happen to watch ABC show, "Primetime UFO" To See is Believing. At Stephentown, Texas, several people narrated how they saw lights that they believe are UFOs. And the radar shows that indeed there was something out there. What do you make out of these? Hope you comment on this.

AND THEN THE BLOGGER RESTED

After almost a week of massive, as Gail would best describe, update of this blog, the blogger rested on Sunday night-just in time to watch "Eat Bulaga" or have a massage there!!!! In going back and choosing the copies and photos to post, I came to realize what a long and satisfying feeling that I had in the last two months. For one, I get to know Mabelle, Billy and Julius more. And what a fine son Julius is becoming and what fine family they are. I can only see a better and happy future for them. Or I can see a daughter down the line! Joke only. Second, I get closer to Da Kuya thru after daily small talks. And why is this? Maybe it's because we have grown up, mature and finally ready to hang our gloves ( for that matter, our egos). So much as Da Kuy is asking me already how and where we would retire, which is not too far away. I hope I won't be too far away from my him, Lynn and Mabelle. We'll need each others support.

The trip gave me a chance to be with Daddy again for which I've been thinking of doing for a long time. That's why till now it makes me tear up when I see him, in my mind, playing catch with the beach ball in Tarawoods. His smile reminds of our happy days here. His happiness is simple--to be with his family. But now he is alone with Mommy. But, Daddy, it wouldn't be long we'll see you again. I'll prove you wrong. The trip also gave me some time to share with Mommy. Especially when It came to karaokeing. She still has the voice. Although, she can't seem to forget that I forgot some items I promise to bring for her. Some time to treasure although Mommy can sometimes be to domineering. She has to be in control even if we have our own lives now. She just have to realize that it's alright to give way to other thinking.

Lastly, our last trip, I was able to know more Gwen and John, Gail and Alej. But, I know it's not enough to fully appreciate them. But, I truly thank for all their help. The only persons I didn't get to know more are Lynn and Jon--and why not, I'm always chatting with Lynn almost every week. And Jon, I know even his whole life story by reading his blog. I only wish I could have spent time with my other relatives and find out what happened to some of my friends and loves.

Those were the best of times, those were times I wish would never end and those were the times I'll never forget. And later, after all these years I wish we could stay in touch (friends and family). For we had good times and nothing will erase those in my memory.