A newspaper account of yesterday's game.

NOW, for my own account...

MONDAY
Originally, I was just planning to watch the game at home. But then an invitation came from Rowie to watch with Mike and his friends in Makati. So I decided, why not? It would helluva be more fun watching with other Ateneans. And then I receive a text from another friend that I might just get tickets to the game. Hell, yeah! I'll go with him.

TUESDAY
The day of reckoning. Eleven o'clock, there still wasn't any confirmation about the tickets. Mike was kind enough to still include me with his friends in case my plans to watch the game would not push through. I get a call from Erik that he has an extra ticket. So I'm torn. After confirming with my other friend about our ticket (he would find out 1:30), I ended up going with Erik and Bok. These two are always the best companions for a UAAP game for they LIVE and BREATHE UAAP basketball and I just love the energy!

So I rush to Araneta once the plans were finalized. The MRT cars were teeming with blues and greens, talking about the previous game. I found a JVP friend in the MRT and we were discussing how we were both nervous about this particular game. I told him, "well, kasalanan talaga ng bata natin iyong last game." Provoked or unprovoked, LA did lose his cool which contributed to our loss that time. He did apologize for that and seemed sincere with it (with tears streaming down his face, I heard). He also apologized to the kids who idolized him. I'm glad. Not that the apology would have changed any of the results or increased our chances of winning (he is vital to ADMU's system)... but at least he knows what he did wrong and will be careful not to do it again.

Anyway...!

Upon entering Araneta, you could just feel the nervous energy on the blue side. Knowing that Tenorio would not be playing and DLSU would be rabid for a second chance at the championship, this could be THE game of the season. Prayers were being said by the Babble Band. ADMU spectators, I assume were saying their own silent prayers as I was (Help our players keep cool, Lord! I hope we win but if we don't, at least I hope our players play valiantly). Grade school babblers were having their faces painted. Some girls were primping up themselves. High school kids were given a free afternoon for the game as throngs of them were in the crowd (I don't think many of them would have to gall to cut class and be seen on national TV).

Once the ADMU players were out, the Babble band started banging their drums and the crowd cheered with "Ate-ne-oooo, Ate-ne-ooo, ooooh, go and fight!" Boos, expectedly, came from the La Salle side. When the DLSU players came, the greens went on with their "Go, La Salle!" and in return, we booed back. Part of the game. Part of the thrill.

It was a very gruesome ten-minute wait. I desperately wanted the game to start as my heart was about to burst from the tension.

Finally! The first five of the Blue Eagles were called. The cheers were so loud on our side, I couldn't hear if La Salle were shouting anything at us. A roar of applause erupted from the crowd when Macky Escalona's name was called in place of Tenorio. It was good that he knew we believe he can do it.

Now, the Archers came next. When Yeo was called, I couldn't help but shout, "MAGPAGUPIT KA NAAAA!" I just can not understand that haircut. Spiky top, long back and patilya? Just does not go well together. Not that Enrico Villanueva had a good cut last year but Rico got the same jeers from me too (except I jeered at him lovingly). I've always admired Yeo as admittedly he is a good player and can be quite a pain to Ateneo. Gaco's name was finally called. Loud boos from our side, of course. I did not have an opinion on him before, but he was slowly making his way up my dislike list which Cardona alone occupies (well Kramer goes in and out).

Jump ball. First possession by La Salle. First point by La Salle. The nervous tension just grew worse. For the first two-three minutes the score was 7-2 in favor of DLSU. Fortunately, Ateneo got their act together after a time-out. They had a strong ring defense but forgot guard Yeo (thanks to Bok keen observation skills). Hello! Did they not realize that leaving Yeo open at perimeter lane is suicide as he dishes out three-point shots with skill and precision and not just tsamba! Grsh.

There were obvious bad calls especially from that bald referee. Even a basketball idiot like me could tell. But then many, many, many bad calls have been made before this game. So it was something we had to live with. I was seething, as the rest of the crowd was but the team was able to make it nonetheless, ending the first half with a supposed-to-be comfortable lead.

Half-time. Time for the cheers.

The cheer ladies danced to the canned modern version of Halikinu and another one. There was an improvement on their part, though they need to work on their synchronization. The girls left and the boys came. I was actually hoping for those kantiyaw formation. But they did something better. Cheesy but better. The boys formed a heart. Just like the one in the shirt HEART OF AN ATENEAN. I guess after the loss, we had to humble ourselves. For many of us who have not experienced a lot of winning in the past years, it has always been about the heart, that each game is played with honor. The first loss was a good reminder. Highlight was when the little babble kids joined the big babble kids for the Blue Eagle Spelling.

DLSU's turn. In fairness, they had good choreographyand formed very nice A.

Second half. Everything was a blur. It was surreal. Memories of it were just snippets. Two triples made by Alvarez (wow!) and Fonacier. Long two-pointers by Escalona. Follow-up shots by Bugia, Alvarez and Kramer. The highlight was that that nanosecond before shotclock awkward desperation shot by Bugia from almost half-court. It took much discussion and two replays before they finally considered it. D-uh! Klarong-klaro noh!

The game just got dirtier as time was closing in. We could see even from the upper B box the trashtalking that was going on. Yeo and Gaco were provoking Wesley. Scuffles on court almost broke lose. There was a point when Escalona (often cool and collected) lost his top and was ready to charge Yeo if he hadn't been stopped by the other team members. What was being said on court must have been that bad for Escalona to fume like that. I don't know what came over Yeo. Cardona must have taught him well. Gaco... grsh.

During one time out, the green crowd started shouting, "STD! STD!" What was that about? Were they so desperate to sink that low? Yeesh. We just answered with a "one big fight" instead.

At some point, guards and policemen were ushered inside the court. The committee must have felt something bad could possibly happen and rightfully so. It has become a war.


The last two minutes got worse. If La Salle just played it right, they could have won it. But I guess there is such a thing as karma. There were no attempts to hide jabs and elbows anymore. Referees called fouls one after another. With 50 seconds left, Ateneo had a lead of 7 points. I wasn't confident with a win yet as DLSU have bounced back on similar situations before. But since fouls were called on La Salle one after another, we won it by free throws. Larry sunk it all in.

When the buzzer sounded, somebody was smart enough to lead the Eagles straight to the dug-out immediately. The policemen started to corner the La Salle side who looked as if they were going to charge. A brawl broke lose when one of the La Sallites sitting on the patron seats charged Villanueva, Chia, Cruz and Tadeo who were seated near them. Chairs flew. Some cellphone clappers and mineral water bottles got thrown from the upper boxes, mostly from the green side with one or two from the blue. Whoever started that just put his school to shame! Anong klase iyon? Nothing of the sort happened when we lost the last time.

After the game, the Blue Eagles were caught praying the rosary.

Then some of the spectators proceeded to the Church of Gesu for a thanksgiving Mass. It was a solemn ending. Fr. Ben appropriately calls the win a moral victory. He also said he wanted Ateneo win the game more for the chance for LA Tenorio to redeem himself. True. True.

We won. And off we are to the "Holy War." Banal against Banal. This we all got to see.

Last night, I-Witness showed "Pinoy Jam: Musika Namin, Musika Natin" featuring the journey of Bayang Barrios from Manila to Mindanao. I was not able to see the first part of the documentary but I think I just watched at the right time. Grace Nono, Bob Aves, Mike Villegas and Popong Landero were also featured but it was mostly about Bayang Barrios trying to get in touch with her Manobo roots. Her journey lands her in Davao, then goes on to Bukidnon and ends up in her hometown (I forgot).

In Davao, Howie featured Taboan. I love that place! Free music and cheap beer. It's always a lucky day when Joey or Cynthia or Gary plays there. There are also other less popularly known Davao artists who play there. There are days when Kaliwat theater performs in one corner of Matina Town Square (where Taboan is). They would do dances from various provinces of Mindanao while the others play indigenous instruments.

"Aw, Bukidnon!" My reaction when they were on their way and the fog was starting to creep in. Wonderful, wonderful Bukidnon! They went to Lantapan to meet with Waway (a JVP friend!!) where this school for Talaandig culture and arts was located. Howie goes on the discourse how the elders of the Talaandigs were able to save their culture. Bayang is somewhat inggit, as her Manobo roots are not as preserved.

When they went to her hometown, the Manobo children are not as aware of their culture. There are only a few elders who are keeping the tradition alive. In the end, it seems Bayang is trying to find her way to preserve the legacy she belongs to.

It was beautiful. Maybe because I have this bias for Mindanao. Even if I just lived there for four years before I left, when I was in Angeles City, I have always tried to wear as much of Mindanao as I can. I would raid my mom's closet and use her malong and wear her beads. Now that I am older and have had lived there for a year... I love Mindanao more.

Last night reminded me of that. There is less fear of leaving Manila if I have to. I promised to myself if I do not get a job by the end of the year, I am going back there. Before, I was so scared of the idea because that would mean leaving my friends who have been with me through the years... But just like Bayang, sometimes it would do well to go back to your roots to get to know yourself. And that is something I need to do.

Listening to Joey Ayala's 16Lovesongs again. Well, not listening-listening just listening while doing other stuff. Add to my favorite list is Japayuki. Magaling lang ang pagkaka-arrange tapos ang smart ng pagkakalagay ng Japanese instruments or at the very least Japanese-sounding instruments.

What the hell?

Call me dumb but I just do not get the logic of the whole thing. Genuino must play a big role (money, perhaps) for the people of GMA 7 for them to do something as drastic as axing for one episode. Many of their other homegrown programs are as unbiased and incomplete as they claim for that episode. Honestly, I did not see it nor have I seen Probe Team for quite a while (very late na kasi) but I have always believed in the integrity of Che-Che Lazaro and their team. I really don't get it. Can somebody explain it to me? What am I missing here?

Stupid networks. I guess I made the decision not to get into one. Sheesh.

SOME CATCHING UP

1. September 23, 2003... my good friend Ganns and his wonderful wife, Caths are officially parents to Nathan James M. Deen. Welcome to the world to our second LHC baby. Ganns and Caths, I'm sure you'd make great dads.

2. September 25, 2003...
I was unusually dressed up for my date with Toni. We have been infected with the UAAP fever by our other friends so we had our first stop at the National Sports Grill to watch the Ateneo-La Salle game. I don't even want to talk about it. When one is wrong, one is wrong.

Anyway... I was glad to have asked for that date with her. There was just this day that I missed Toni a lot so I decided to e-mail her asking for a date. Honestly I was surprised that she could make it. Single people do make the mistake of thinking that their married friends can just enjoy their lives with their spouses when in truth they need to spend time with old friends too.

As always, dates with this woman are always full of realizations and insights. Just like our last date date in Starbucks Katipunan two years ago (I finally was able to return Stardust to her. Hehehe!). It's nice to see how far one has gone by looking at yourself through the eyes of a good friend who has known you for so long. And at the end of the night, you end up feeling beautiful...

3. September 26, 2003...
Let's not talk about my morning.
But in the evening, when I was just planning to spend the night playing Warcraft 3, Erik's powerful methods of persuasion made me get up on my butt and go to Katipunan to meet him for a gimmick. After traveling for almost two hours to Katipunan, we ended up deciding to go to Manila Peninsula for Pen Pal Polka (14 sinful scoops of ice cream!)which was just 15 minutes away from where I lived. Nonetheless, it was fun seeing him and Bok again.

Finally, I was able to get a copy of Joey Ayala's 16 Love Songs. My friends know how much I revere Joey Ayala. After months and months and months of waiting. I found out about the album last year during his gig in 70's Bistro. Back then, there was still no title for the album and the selection of songs wasn't complete yet. Supposedly, I was to join Rowie and Mike during the album launching but due to empty pockets, I couldn't go.

The album contains old favorites like Walang Hanggang Paalam and Ultimo Adios. Walang Hanggang Paalam as we know is a classic to Joey, as Kanlungan is to Noel Cabangon. Whenever I hear the song, it never fails to tug at my heart... Good-byes have taken so much part of my life that this song captures the emotion and the truth of fare wells.

Joey as usual writes with much poetry and depth, using imagery and capturing truths. Two of my other favorites in the album are Organik and Habang Natutulog. Organik is funny, sung by Joey singing with slight twang. Comparing love to... chemical-free food. The first time I heard this in Bistro just got me laughing the whole night. And it's catchy too as I kept singing (while making up lyrics to it) for a week or so. Habang Natutulog tells the story of a lover staring at his lady/her man while asleep. Especially when it came to the part where he claims the person asleep to everything... kabiyak, kaibigan, etc.

I remember back in the Spanish time, songs about the country were written in the form of love songs. Kundimans were a way to profess love for country. Joey's album does contain love songs... love for a person, love for our people, love for our country... The romance is not just found in the brilliant lyrics, but also in the soul of his voice and the beauty of the music.

Ang galing-galing talaga. Promise. Get your copies please. Let's support non-mainstream artists who have something to say and says it intelligently and heartfully (uh, is there such a word?).

In a rush right now.
Just want to say... Thanks, Toni gurl! :)

Another set of pictures.

By the way, I have been playing Warcraft III for the lack of anything better to do.

The last time I played an RPG was Diablo II and I forgot the title of that Forgotten Realm game in X-Box. Occasionally, I do treat myself to a game of Dead or Alive (of which I still do not know the character's special powers but manage to survive upto 14 wins anyway) and Dead or Alive Extreme Volleyball (of which appeals to male players with the fetish for perfect female anime anatomy and for female players who will try to collect all those interesting swimsuit designs... I personally avoid the thong suits and the much coveted Venus).

When I still had work, I had to gather enough will power to stop playing RPGs as it often kept me up all night and got me really tired the morning after. Not to mention, headaches and blurry vision. Now, I am back to playing upto eight hours a day (because when night comes it brother's turn to play the upgrade version of Frozen Throne).

Warcraft III is actually cool since you get to play all sides but I couldn't bring myself to play without cursing my own hero for being so damn evil. Unlike the old Orc vs. Human campaigns in Warcraft II, the third version makes you turn against your own kind. I just can't stand it at times! One time, I went "Sorreeeee Uther... Damn you, Arthas!" in the middle of a campaign.

I just started with the orc campaign, and man! I have to kill Trees of Life. Damn! It's just like killing the Ents in the Lord of the Rings. But well... I just hope at the end of the game something good comes out about all this emotional turmoil I am going through. Heeheehee!

By the way, my bro was tempting me with cheatcodes. I go, "what's the point in playing this if I cheat?" But I did help myself to one with "iseedeadpeople."

I just finished re-reading Neverwhere by Neil Gaiman last night. While stuck in the middle of traffic, I was reading the book with the faint light from car lights. Yeah, I know... bad for the eyes. But traffic can be soooo boring.

Anyway... right smack in the part where the Black Friars were about to divulge the secret of the key I realized something. Once people get a taste of adventure, they can never go back to their old routine. Richard Mayhew is somewhat the Bilbo Baggins of our time. Both of them were ordinary people... and uh, hobbit when adventure just came knockin at their doors or Door knocking into them. And without their liking it, they set off into a world totally unknown to them. As one exciting after another happens, they get to see the latent explorer, the latent warrior... seeking more.

Do I have a point? Not really. Just a realization. There are just some things you can't go back to. And that adventures are the best uppers you can ever have.

Now, off to my American Gods.

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Ang galing ko! I learned to write and read Korean in 30 minutes just from tips in the internet. Except I can't understand what I'm reading. Hehehe! But I already got a how to learn Korean book. Not a very good reference but at least it's a start. I've been trying to read the Korean Ginseng Tea box in our cupboard.

Annyong Haseyo!!!

Some pictures with my Korean friends.

Last Saturday, I got to play with that Time Zone game that goes around 360 degrees. I forgot the name. Woohoo! It was so much fun. There were a lot of times my butt wasn't on the seat anymore as the rest of my body were above my head. The more interesting thing about it, I never thought I could hit any targets with it. But I got 20 planes, in fairness. Then I was also able to land the thing... even if the plane went topsy-turvy. At least it didn't crash. :)

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DADDY DAY CARE...

is a hilarious movie! The kids were all so adorable and their antics were so cute. Also, Eddie Murphy wasn't overacting much in this one. I guess he knew that the fun of the movie wasn't in him but in the kids that he was with. My bro and I laughed the most when one of the kids talked to Steve Zahn in Kling'on. I may not be a true-blue Trekkie like my bro, but I recognize the "Live Long and Prosper" hand greeting when I see one. And a Star Trek uniform. Funny, funny!

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Saka na lang ang McDo post ko with the Koreans. But that was funny as well.

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Linkin Park finally topples the F4 in the MYX daily top ten. Yey!
I'm a fan of both but it would be very refreshint to see somebody else takes top spot. Go Linkin, go Linkin, go!!!
My bro just bought Hybrid Theory and Meteora! Yipee!
Now, I just have to find a way to get him to buy me the complete Meteor Garden vcd or dvd set. Hehehe! In my dreams! Hehehe!

FUNNY KOREAN ANECDOTES. :)

I'm still in my Korean track of mind. Just want to remember the funny things we had together.

* While we were in Pakil, Su Hyon, asks me: "Filipino women no wear make-up."
I answer, "some. Not all. Me no."
Su Hyon goes, "That is your face?" (I wanted to laugh because it sounded so funny but I knew what she meant)
I go: "Yes."
Su Hyon goes: "pretty."
If I were pale, I might have blushed. Heheheh!

But anyway, they do find me pretty for some reason. One of them said to me, "Yeppuda (beautiful)... big eyes." But big eyes according to Korean standards. And I was wondering how come they liked my eyes when it was all dark from lack of sleep.

You have to give it to them, though. They were really appreciative of everything. Performances are always received with warm applause and loud hoots, even if it was just mediocre or they hardly understood. The very fact that you did something for them, they appreciate fully. Lovely people, they are.

They wanted to call long-distance to Korea so they asked if I could buy them a fone card. But then all phone cards cost P100 which would just be two minutes long. I told Mr. Jo, one of the people who can speak English, that I could just buy another sim card and they can just use my phone. Which they agreed to.

Ho Goen (one of my favorites) then comes to me asking me to use my phone. Well, he pointed to my phone, then to himself and then said, "use." So I load it up. And he makes his call. Then another guy, Seung Joon, comes to me and tells me he will use the phone too. I check the balance and Ho Goen still had 200+ bucks in it. I had to explain that there were still credit to both of them. Argh! Ang hirap.

I pointed to my phone, to my sim. "Your money, inside." Pointed to Seung Joon, "his money, card. add." Ho Goen speaks in Korean. I look at him funny. He looks at me funny. We laugh. Then pause. Then laugh again. Mr. Lee, the choirmaster comes to us and tries to help out. I explain again, but he does not understand either. They think that the credit stays in their number. I go, "his money (points to Ho Geon) and his money (points to Seung Joon) together here (points to the sim)" Mr. Lee seemed to understand a bit. Then by a stroke of genius I start calculating the number of minutes left... 9. I go, "He (points to Ho Geon), still 9 minutes left here (points to the phone). Ho Geon goes... "aaaah!" Then he calls Seung Joon and they talk. Ho Geon goes to me, "he use 9 minutes." Whew!

After that, Ho Geon, Seung Joon and Suk Chul sit beside me and try to converse. We talk about how many siblings we have. Ho Geon points to Gi Han (the good-looking pastor in training) and hums "The Wedding March". October 11. We actually made conversation. Then they try to talk to me some more. I look at them funny. They look at me funny. Ho Geon looks at me, waves his hand in frustration, says "never mind," calls one of the guys and says, "picture."

Their motto, "when can't communicate, take picture." Hehehe!

Next story, AT MCDONALD'S... coming soon.

The great thing about this experience is how I came to realize that other countries are not about just about being places anymore. The Koreans have allowed me to see that there is not just a bigger world out there but that there are good people, too. I have so much to thank them for.

I received my first e-mail from Korea. Eun-Ju, one of the best vocalists of the group, wrote about their thanksgiving in her city. Happy! She was the one who left me her call card to give her a call. Next week, I will.

When she does her solo, the Filipino choirs would all go... wow! And compares her to Jaya or Lani Misalucha. Diva kung diva. She's really a nice gal. I'm glad she wrote.

I wish I could get my salary already so I could buy an English-Korean dictionary. Hay.

THE KOREA EXPERIENCE, PART 3

SATURDAY

Another rest day. But of course, my wards decide to make the most of their vacation and go to Villa Escudero. Again, it was my first time to go there.

The whole time we were on the bus, I was just asleep. Sleeping and sleeping and sleeping. Making up for lost time. When we got to Villa Escudero they were all in awe. The found the place beautiful, with the attendants in the traditional Filipino attire. The house/museum of the old Spanish era, the restaurant in traditional coconut and wood structure. Again, they paid for me.

First stop was the museum. It was mostly old statues of saints which they could not appreciate much because they are Baptist after all. They did enjoy the miniature figurines and were happy to see the Hanbok, the traditional Korean costume, displayed in one of the cases.

After the museum, they took pictures. These guys would take pictures of anything, I swear. I wonder how much film they used. Though most of them had a digital cam instead of the shoot and click one. They would sometimes drag me for a photo shoot. Though I was quite shy… I sometimes get the feeling that I’m one of the displays though I know they really want to have a photo with me.

We were off for lunch, but first we had to take the carabao ride. They were very delighted by it which made me happy. While riding the carabao cart, there were a couple of singers crooning love songs. They sang along to “O sole mio,” including my crush who was beside me. And a chorus ensued when the lady singer sang “Arirang.” But of course. A burst of clapping to “La Bamba.”

It was all so nice seeing them enjoy themselves.

A spectacular lunch awaited us in the middle of the man-made falls. A serving of roast chicken, liempo, atsara… and a lot more. It was a fun lunch, they were laughing and laughing and I couldn’t help but be happy with them.

Then we proceeded to the lake where some of them rowed on the raft. I decided to stay on the ground and content myself with my favorite twin popsies. I have been dubbed ice girl by their videographer as he often catches me chewing on ice. I also told him that ice drop is my comfort food.

A cultural show was still ongoing when they decided to go home. I thought we were going to get to the hotel early where I could at least get 30 minutes sleep more. But when I woke up we were on our way to Fort Santiago. Ngek! They really want to make the most of the day.

Most of the purchases they made were small stuff and dried mangoes. The whole time I was worried if we were going to make it to CCP on time for the Philippine Madrigals concert. Fortunately, they just did a quick change and ate fast. We made it just in time.

While watching the concert, I was seated beside Man Soo, who I teased looking like Jacky Chan. He barely knows English. But he is a funny guy. He keeps asking me the meaning of songs when I either look pensive or when I laugh. I had to simplify it as much as I can but somewhere along the way, some of the meaning got lost. When it came to the song that goes “I wish I was single again.” I had to tell him “single man, no marry.” He laughed. Oh well.

When we got to the hotel, they asked me to ask someone for a place where they could gather after the concert. I am just so happy that there were not much going on and that the assistant manager was kind enough to let us use the receiving room.
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SUNDAY

Last day of the festival.

While the other groups were resting in the morning, I had to wake up early to join them in their services in Ortigas. I was probably the only Filipino there inside the services. The other Filipinos were nannies taking care of the little kids. The services were in Korean so I can barely understand anything but it was pretty interesting. It was actually beautiful seeing PMC singing in Korean. While Mr. Lee was giving his testimony, some of the choir members were teary-eyed.

It must really have been a beautiful experience for them because even Mr. Lee’s voice cracked a bit. It was during their services that they sang with most heart. Even if I did not understand much, I was moved.

I was most happy seeing their faces during lunch when they had Korean food. Their faces were all alit and they ate a lot. They were all going “you ok?” to me as I am not able to use the chopsticks properly and there were no fork around. Hehehe! But I was all right. I was happy to see them enjoying their food. I was happy that they were people who understood them.

We left at 1:45 PM and got to CCP around 2:30 PM. Just in time for their 3 PM rehearsals. After their onstage rehearsals, they had some merienda then some more practice for the grand choir where all the groups would be singing together.

Show starts at 6 PM. I had some trouble getting tickets for the other members of the group. I even missed one as I did not know that the pianist would not be singing. Ulk. Thankfully, they were able to buy one more ticket.

They were pretty tired at the end of the concert. Some of the choir members did not join the grand choir anymore. But it was nice seeing all the confetti come down while the people were dancing to the Ati-Atihan.

After that, we were supposed to go to Folk Arts Theater for the party. There were a lot of mishaps along the way… the bus came in late. The bus went to the hotel instead of FAT so I just told them to drop their things. Then finally we got to FAT, wherein the food almost ran out on my poor Koreans. Hay.

Then we presented them with souvenir pads. And they clapped so loudly for me. Hehehe! And of course, the videographer was there to take a footage of me. Yick! I wonder how bad I looked on the video. Yuck!

Pinikpikan was tapped to play. My Koreans stayed seated but they enjoyed seeing me dance. Only two of them joined me and of course, my ten-year old ward Esther. After 30 minutes or so, Mr. Lee asked if they could go home already. I am only willing to oblige.
In the bus, on the way back to the hotel, they had a surprise thanks for me. They gave me a card and apologized for not being able to get me a gift. Instead there was cash in the card. Which I will use as a start up fund to go to Korea. Hehehe! I was deeply touched with Esther’s card.

When we got to the hotel, they had their sharing. I tried to stay as long as I could but I couldn’t understand anything. So I went in and out, in and out. For a few minutes, I went to the Austrian celebration at the videoke bar where the San Beda group were with them. That gave me a chance to dance again.

I got back to the sharing and they were already celebrating the 10th anniversary of Mr. Lee and Weoul Yu. Weoul Yu was crying because it was actually a surprise. After that, the members were to go to other members of the choir to share.

I sat there. People were telling me to go to sleep but I told them I wanted to stay. They couldn’t believe it. But I really did want to see as much of them as I could for the last time. Some of the members went to me. Told me their thanks, as much as they could thank me with the little English they have. One of them asked their guest from San Beda who was also Korean to translate for me. She told me I was very kind and very nice to them. I am loved. I will be missed. And they never fail to tell me “yeppuda” which means beautiful. Katz was not lying when she told us that when you are in Korea, they make you feel like you really are beautiful.

The highlight was when my crush when to me and told me that he will come back in the Philippines for another visit and that he promises to learn English. That we should communicate (oh how will I do that!!!?). And again, “yeppuda.” It felt really nice to be appreciated for something that you really just want to do for them.

Another one of them, someone I barely interacted with… I think his name is Seung Jun… didn’t speak much but he kept hugging me and hugging me and telling me thank you. He was actually cute and dressed cool. Hahaha! Too bad he couldn’t speak English.

At the beginning, it was just a job but as the days progressed, I really wanted to be sure that they were happy and comfortable.

I slept happy.

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MONDAY

Goodbye day. We were exchanging e-mail addresses.

I had to wear the shirt and the pony tail holder Eun Hee gave me, as per request. It was a bit on the wild side so I wore a cardigan over it. Jin gave me a pair of handcrafted earrings while Hyejin gave me a lavender pouch bag. Su Hyon gave me Korean rice and kim and junk food. Eun Ju gave me her bear clip and the smart buddy card she was not able to use and told me to use it to call her. Which I will. I just have to get over the barrier of having Korean operators talk to me.

We got ready to ride the bus at 11. Again I slept on the way to the airport. When we got to the airport, they circled around me and sang me their blessing song. While some were singing, some were hugging me. Some who were hugging me were crying which made me cry, while this video cam was on my face. Eek. While everyone was walking to the airport, Esther was hugging her mom tight and crying hard. It was just something like in the movies. I never thought it could happen to me. I hugged Esther tight and told her to be a good girl and take care of David, her younger brother.

Lois, the tour manager, hugged me too and told me that they will try and find a way to get me to the Daegu Festival. Grabe! Ang bait nila. None of them had to do that for me. I wish, I really wish that I could go next year. June 16-22, they said.

I will try my best to.

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It has been wonderful. I never would have thought I could enjoy it that much. Not that I am looking forward to doing something like that immediately. I still have to make up for lost sleep. But my heart may be tired but my heart is joyful.

THE KOREA EXPERIENCE, PART 2

TUESDAY. WEDNESDAY.

In Laguna. I don’t want to go into details as this was the most difficult of days for me. Had some major booboos. Learned from them though.

The choir did perform in the old churches of Laguna.

The Laguna group also prepared a welcoming ceremony for the guests. They seemed to have enjoyed it except it was too long. Plus all four of the drum and lyre bands had to their version of Spaghetti. Argh.

Fortunately, they enjoyed the dancing after. We were about to leave when the band played “I will survive.” Both UST and my choir stopped in their tracks to dance. PMC enjoyed the LA Walk.

Anyway, I discovered that there aren’t much lizards in Korea. They had a strong reaction upon seeing one on their room.

Wednesday was a pretty long day for everyone. Them and me. But they seemed to have fun. My stress level was pretty high as I ended up snapping on innocent people. Had a discussion with a fellow LO, too. But things got resolved eventually.

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THURSDAY

It was supposed to be rest day but since the tour manager stayed in the Philippines for three years, she had something ready for the group. We were to go to Pagsanjan falls. It was going to be my first time, too. The group was pretty excited but apparently some of them were not aware that they were going to get wet as they were dressed up prettily.

Anyway, we got to Pagsanjan at around 11 AM. They were kind enough to bring me along in the ride. The whole trip was pretty languid. I was expecting it to be something really wide. But well… it was languid. Back and forth.

I think they most enjoyed the raft trip under the falls. They were screaming like there was no tomorrow. Pretty funny. The boatmen filled the raft to about fifteen people. So when we were crossing the river, the water was up to our waist. The raging waters feel on our heads and the group was screaming like hell. I was just laughing and laughing since I’ve already had my share of a waterfalls dropping on me. At least this one, I was sitting on a raft.

But they seemed to really have enjoyed as Yo Han was shouting… “one more!” But of course not. Hehehe!

By the way, Pagsanjan must be Korean territory as we keep bumping into other Koreans taking the trip.

On the way back, some of them were singing our Visayan Folk Song, Rosas Pandan. They learned it for the festival. Galing because they were able to enunciate the words properly.

When we got home, some of them dressed up to watch the concert of UST and Austria. I joined them thinking that it would be an experience. The UST singers were good. Austria got me a bit bored so I left in the middle of it and waited for those who were watching.

After the concert, we got back to the hotel. I confirmed with the choirmaster their plans for a trip to Fort Santiago in the morning, something the tour manager arranged again. The choirmaster told me that there would not be any trip because it was their concert on Friday and they need their rest. This was 10:30 PM, the trip was going to be 9:00 AM. We had to call the tour manager so they can decide. After a few minutes, they decided not to go.

I had to call the logistics officer at 11 PM to tell her to cancel the bus that was going to fetch the group at 9 AM. Yargh! Stressed out!!!

For the last three days, my day ends between 2 and 3 in the morning.

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FRIDAY.

The night before they told me to rest in the morning and just get ready at 11:30 AM to bring them to CCP for lunch and rehearsals. I was hoping of sleeping in the morning but somebody texted me that Wes was going to be on Teysi. Igh. I usually stay awake when I wake up… so I just watched the damn show. Even if my body ached for sleep.

Anyway… we went to CCP for lunch then they got ready for rehearsals. The other group who was going to practice was stuck in Laguna. There were some problems with the bus.

I thought my day was going to be light when suddenly the tour manager asks for hamburgers for the group and a bus to take them to Fort Santiago between rehearsals. Argh!

The tour manager just took care of the hamburgers while she asked me to take care of the bus to Fort Santiago. Aaargh! I called the hotel and asked if they could just drop the group off there and then come back for it so as not to disrupt the previous schedule. Fortunately, the hotel relented after several minutes of me bothering them.

So when we got that arranged, I went back to the rehearsal hall to check on the group. Choirmaster did not seem to be happy. He was raising his voice and going, “ayeee!” I had a slight feeling that after all the hassle of trying to arrange with the hotel that trip would not push through.

The tour manager finally returned with the hamburgers. I told her to ask Mr. Lee if they were still going to the trip. And true to what I thought, not anymore. So I had to call the hotel, I had to call the driver to tell them to just come back for the group to fetch their costumes in the hotel.

The group rehearsed from 1-5:30 and 6:30-7:15. Awang-awa na ako sa kanila. They looked so tired. Their eyes were all droopy. After dinner, while the other group were having their concert they were still practicing. Ach. Poor kids.

By the way, during dinner time, I sat in the group of mostly boys. They asked me who I thought was handsome. Patay! In the same table was my crush. Patay. I couldn’t lie, so I pointed him. After that, Suk Chul was always teasing me to Jae.

Anyways, when it was their turn for the concert, I couldn’t help but be really proud though. Though they were only singing religious songs, they were very well-applauded. Really loud applause. You just have to give it to them, that they really were a very talented and gifted choir. When they went out of the stage, I wanted to cry of joy. I didn’t. I just hugged whoever wanted a hug.

After the concert, Mr. Lee told me that he wanted me to go to the Daegu International Choral Festival next year. Once I am there, they would be taking care of everything. Hotel, etc. June 16-22. Damn, I would love to. I just wish I would have enough money for that.

It was a pretty tiring day, with a lot of stress, but nonetheless… it was a great day!

I slept feeling proud of and happy for them.

to be continued pa rin...
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THE KOREA EXPERIENCE, PART 1

Hay! It has been two days since the Philippine International Choir Festival was over. I have just been sleeping in. Yesterday, my sister let me sleep in her room in Peninsula Manila. Great room! Much, much better than the rooms of Century Park Hotel.

Anyway, I have not told my story of the festival. Being a liaison officer was a totally new and exciting experience. Very tiring but definitely worth my while and stress.

Planning wise, CCP still has a lot of learning to do. Schedules were not clear to the last minute. Though changes were to be expected, there was no definite schedule in the first place which makes it difficult to coordinate with the group a liaison has to work with. There were too many people to talk to, each one with a separate schedule at hand.

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SUNDAY, 11 PM. I left for CCP to fetch the Koreans. Ms. Menchi and Liza (another liaison officer), thankfully, went with me as she knows the tour manager of the Pilgrim Mission Choir. PMC was the group I was going to take care of.

Once Norbie (the reliance officer) and I got our airport passes, we went inside the airport. Yaiks! Everyone coming in was Korean. Fortunately, a PAL officer pointed them out to us. Checking of passport took some time. The first person from the group that came out did not know how to speak English. Yaiks! This was going to be tough, I thought to myself.

Fortunately, the tour manager was the third to finish. She had an English name which made life easier for me. Then the choirmaster was next. He also knew how to speak English since he studied in America for a few years and his youngest was born there. Mr. Lee was as lanky as lanky could get and quite formal (all throughout he wore a suit).

The group suddenly built up. One of them reminded me of Ching-he of Meteor Garden and Tristan (Jae Il)combined. Another one dressed like Jope (Seung Jun). Another looked like Dino (Gi Han) of BMR. Still another, a Korean version of Jon Chua (Bwang Kook).

Once they were complete, we rode the bus and went to the hotel. They asked if I was a Mads singer. I wish. They clapped for Lisa, as choir members appreciate other choir members.

Check-in time. I gave out the IDs and the kits. When I was going to distribute the kits, around four or five boys came rushing to the front to get it from me. I was so amazed. They were really gentlemen.

I had to talk to the hotel manager to give them the receiving room in the morning for their prayer time. Since they were a religious group, part of their devotion was to have prayer every morning and evening.

Once they went to their rooms and I to mine, I thought my day was over. But no! The phone rings and Lois asks me to call the front desk as some of the rooms don’t have the extra bed and they need adaptors for their round-hole plugs. I call the desk, wait for their reply. My day ends 2:45 AM.

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MONDAY

I was planning to wake up 830, but one of the LOs call me at 7. Argh! I don’t want to go into details anymore. I just remember getting them lost in CCP. I brought them to the fourth floor when they were supposed to go to the first where lunch was.

Mr. Lee asked for a room to practice so Ms. Mench gave us the Little Theater which was a million miles away from the Main Theater. I had to make them enter another group’s dressing room as there were no other comfort room for them to use.

They still did not know the piece for the grand choir. Fortunately the San Beda Chorale members were there to help them out.

During the concert, my group was one of the most applauded groups with their piece, Come Sweet Death.

I got them lost again as one of the LOs told me that assembly was in the Little Theater. He forgot to include “entrance.” I brought them all the way there. When they were just supposed to go to the entrance. Argh! My poor Koreans.

When we got to the entrance, there were buses waiting. I was asking the other people where I can get them a ride. One of the staff told me to take any bus. So we took a bus. But the driver was an asshole. He refused to bring the group as they were not the assigned group. I told him that he could just bring them to Traders Hotel and come back where he was supposed to be. We had to discuss a long time, I ended up cursing the heavens (very rare! But as the days progressed, I became more capable of doing so.) Eventually, the driver relented grudgingly.

Once we were at the hotel, the other LOs were asking me kamusta na. When I am really pissed and asked that, I end up crying. So naiyak ako. Parang tanga. Super inis na kasi. At least, they finally got dinner and had their program.

Going home, I just asked the LO of Taiwan to join us so we could just have one trip. When in the hotel, they had a recap of their day. I gave them their schedule and reminded them to get ready by 7:30 AM.

I get to my room, 1 AM. Chika with room mates. Day ends 2 AM. Last thought: Putik, day one pa lang ito.

To be continued…

Oh, forgot to say...

SOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO
TIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRREEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEED!
SOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO
SSSSSSSSLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEPY!

Hay. It has been more than a week since I last posted. I just sent the Koreans home this lunch. There is just so much to write about the whole Philippine International Choir Festival experience. Nakakapagod. Nakakangarag. Nakakaloka. But at the end of it all, it was really beautiful and wonderful experience. When I brought the Koreans to the airport, the sang me their blessing song, which made me cry. The choirmaster's daughter who was ten, who I have gotten close with was crying hard. Which made me cry harder.

When I have more time I will write about it some more. I am just so overwhelmed by the experience. I miss them already. Hay. Someday, I hope I can go visit them in Korea.