What's your favorite disguise? [/meta]

posted by letter shredder @ 11:59 a.m. on 1/20/2006

"Great art is about conflict and pain and guilt and longing and love disguised as sex and sex disguised as love..."
-- Lester Bangs, Almost Famous

Thursday, December 29, 2005

Pleasant Vibes

posted by letter shredder at 12:17 PM

Since this year is about to end and another one is about to start, I'm expecting TV programs to be crammed with interviews of psychic and feng shui experts. These forecasters would again tell the whole nation if another People Power Revolution would rise, if the president would be replaced, who among the cabinet members would die, etc.

Of course, that isn't the most expected part. People would go gaga in front of their TV screens to find out who among the people in the entertainment industry would get married, get pregnant, get divorced (not specifically in that order, pregnancy may come first); who would get harrassed, violated and would face a lot of "storms" in life that would make him/her perfect for the upcoming telenovela titled after a song. Thus, his/her carreer would be amazingly great that he/she would be chosen to endorse the president because he/she survived despite the challenges that came his/her way.

If it weren't these topics, for sure, people would anticipate the good luck charms and the proper positioning their toilets, with respect to their refrigerators or ovens, should have. Of course, I'm exaggerating. But I've seen people redesign their homes to this extent. Their "vibes" should be clam and pleasant.

As to my workplace, I think none of my bosses is Chinese or into feng shui so I don't think I'd find my desk in front of the elevator car next year. But then again, Chinabank is just across our building. I would only find these forecastings if the canteen/cafeteria would be on the same floor. Harhar!

Happy New Year, everyone!

=====

Cleng and I might start the year with a bang! LITERALLY.

So we thought we might want our hair cut and have bangs. Mine slanted to the left, hers slanted to the right, or vice versa.

How we should be called?

Bang Gang or Gang Bang?

3 revealed their disguise

Friday, December 23, 2005

Bruce Almighty

posted by letter shredder at 2:20 PM

I've probably been nice this year coz four gifts have been handed to me as soon as I entered the office. I received four and some chocolates. Not bad.

I was really overwhelmed that Anna, Alvin and Terry gave me this:

Jagged Little Pill Acoustic CD

Speaking of being nice, I think I've been INCREDIBLY NICE. Coz I had an incredible present yesterday. I finally met HIM and was able to chat for a while:

Yes, I've met him -- Bruce Quebral.

I went to T3 to get my check. Met Alloy, Adan and Kirk (college friends) who were in the Summit Media office coz we haven't seen each other for quite a while already.

Then there HE was, mysterious and brooding. Kirk introduced us to each other. We shook hands, talked about common friends and laughed when Adan was teasing me who I was with when I watched King Kong.

Good thing I can't cartwheel. I was suppressing my grin while he was there. I'm too flushed like a high school girl. Well, my college crush is JUST a foot across me and laughing with me. Totally unexpected.

=====

I'de be gone for the holidays so I won't be updating much. I'm excited to see my cousins this weekend. Won't really have enough rest coz we have to go places to visit some families.

MERRY CHRISTMAS, EVERYONE!

CHEERS! ;)

2 revealed their disguise

Wednesday, December 21, 2005

Before I Forget Those Decembers

posted by letter shredder at 5:57 PM

This is "2046," a movie by Wong Kar-wai. This is one of my favorite movies and I remember (how I lived) my Decembers in this movie.

I've been blogging since September 2003 and I checked my entries in the previous Decembers. I realized that I have no entries for 2003 and only one for 2004.

I know why: in 2003, I was extremely happy; in 2004, I was extremely depressed.

I missed writing about...

...how fun it was to join the lantern parade...

... when we watched oblation runs...

... how I've arranged the trip to Tagaytay...

... when we watched the sunset together...

... when Almi chose me as the subject for Photojourn class (where they thought I'd be a good-looking guy)...

... and how we've talked and laughed over coffee at Starbucks.

Well, I won't really forget them. I just want to make up for those laughters I wasn't able to share with everyone else.

2 revealed their disguise

Tuesday, December 20, 2005

Breathe, It's Still Me

posted by letter shredder at 12:05 PM

I've got my friends alarmed about what happened last week. My best friend found out about it and later, high school friends were also asking how I am.

As how my friends occurred to me, they were extremely worried about two things: that my bag was stolen, and I am ranting about the lost of a make-up kit. Whenever I talk to people and tell them about the latter, they look at me intently as if to ask me, "Jaycee, is that you?"

I'm not so sursprised though, knowing my friends and knowing how I appear to them. I always wore sneakers and oversized shirts before. One time, I wore a floral top and my friends went screaming. Later, I was hearing, "Jaycee, I'm so proud of you." People know I dread times when I have to wait for some of my friends who make the restroom a lounge. And sometimes in silence, I'm shouting, "Leave my eyebrows alone."

Seriously, I never thought I'd be buying make-up myself. But I just did. And yes, I've changed. I've improved. I can't say I'm new and improved (because nothing new is improved and vice versa).

When I say I've changed, it doesn't mean I won't wear oversized shirts and just sneakers anymore wink wink. Only now, applying make-up doesn't just mean applying make-up. When I wear lipstick, I'm reminded that I'm in business. Being with people who are considered skin care and make-up consultants, I want to be one myself.

NOTE TO FRIENDS: I know this post may seem too surprising that you can't take it anymore. wink wink I know I've told you that I would want to become a band vocalist and go racing, and that the term "make-up" to me was as foreign as Timbuktu is. Now, I still want to sing for a band and race. It's just that, I'd be wearing make-up when I do so and more conscious of UVA and UVB.

At the same time, beware. I told you, it's still me. grin

I can still make you laugh and cry. This time, only more beautiful.

4 revealed their disguise

Monday, December 19, 2005

Development on the Missing Bag Incident

posted by letter shredder at 2:09 PM

Actually, I have not been updated on this yet. But last Friday afternoon, the head security officer talked to me and asked a lot of questions, including why I did not check my bag during lunch. I said, I didn't want to. He asked why I did not fix myself up. (Just what is he leading to?) I said, "I'm in front of a computer the whole day, why do I have to?"

He was alarmed that the person higher than the president (not Yao Ming, mind you) and is involved in the operations committee of the building found out about it already. Earlier, I read a reply from the operations manager (to the boss of all bosses, sent last Friday too) admitting the "lapse of security" and that they are conducting an ocular inspection in the area.

I'm not sure if they already did. And I have to admit that I am still very afraid to get out of the work area. I ask people to join me. I am somehow relieved that the guards on duty last Thursday and Friday aren't the ones present today. I cringe when I see those two.

The significant difference today: the guard station was cleaner, things were re-arranged so one would meet the guards first before entering the vicinity.

Things that did not change: the post is still left unguarded (for a reason I am not sure of).

Things I'm worried of: my things not replaced before Christmas (I really need the make-up and supplements), and the guards to be sacked. Of course, I want the guards to be taught a lesson for them to be more responsible. But I cannot disregard the fact that if their agency decides to sack them, their families would also be at stake. Whatever penalty the security agency has for them, that would be out of my control. The culprit should really be the one punished. The guards were also victims somehow, and that leaves me as the victim of the victims. If things get even worse, someone might just get back on me until the time that the culprit gets caught.

=====

As much as I want to disregard the idea that the culprit isn't one of my officemates, I cannot completely let go of it.

0 revealed their disguise

The Good, The Bad and The Ugly

posted by letter shredder at 11:42 AM

email from Tati

1.Good: Your wife is pregnant.
Bad: It's triplets.
Ugly: You had a vasectomy five years ago.

2.Good: Your wife's not talking to you.
Bad: She wants a divorce.
Ugly: She's a lawyer.

3.Good: Your son is finally maturing.
Bad: He's involved with the woman next door.
Ugly: So are you.

4.Good: Your son studies a lot in his room..
Bad: You find several porn movies hidden there.
Ugly: You're in them.

5.Good: Your hubby and you agree, no more kids.
Bad: You can't find your birth control pills.
Ugly: Your 15 year old daughter borrowed them.

6.Good: Your husband understands fashion.
Bad: He's a cross-dresser.
Ugly: He looks better than you.

7.Good: You give the "birds and bees" talk to your daughter.
Bad: She keeps interrupting.
Ugly: With corrections.

8.Good: The postman's early.
Bad: He's wearing fatigues and carrying a shotgun.
Ugly: You gave him nothing for Christmas.

9.Good: Your son is dating someone new.
Bad: It's another man.
Ugly: He's your best friend.

10.Good: Your daughter got a new job.
Bad: As a hooker.
Ugly: Your coworkers are her best clients.
Way ugly: She makes more money than you do.

0 revealed their disguise

Friday, December 16, 2005

(IN)SECURITY

posted by letter shredder at 10:02 AM

This is the letter that started my day.

----

MR. *. ****
President, S* Asia

Sir:

Good day!

I would like to report the incident that happened yesterday. My bag was missing and was found in the fire exit area. It was given to me earlier but not all my belongings are still in the bag.

Below is a copy of the letter I submitted to the ACS security officers at the 11th Floor of C C*.

=====

15 December 2005

TO WHOM IT MAY CONCERN:

This is to inform you that I was not able to claim my bag from the security at the office entrance during the dismissal period today.

My bag had the tag number 2004 and the bag's counter tag attached to the bag is also missing. I logged in at 8:31 AM and tried to claim the bag at around 6:40 PM.

My bag is a blue Giordano tote bag and it contains an SM shoebox where my slippers (Tribu) are in. It also contains business cards, make-up kit, pouch, receipt to claim my transcript and other valuables (vitamins, etc.).

I am requesting further actions that my bag be found with all the items in it.

Respectfully yours,
JAYCEE B. PEREZ
S*** Asia

=====

The following day, 16 December 2005, I logged in at 8:10 AM. One of the guards who were also assigned yesterday immediately approached me and asked me if I was already late for work. I told him I wasn't. He asked me if I know the training room. He instructed me to proceed to the security office at the 10th floor.

The other guard who was also assigned yesterday was there and another officer. They gave me my missing bag and told me that it was found in the fire exit (stairs area) at the 11th floor.

I immediately checked the bag and identified the items inside.

These are the items that have been left in my bag:
- wallet with business cards
- shoebox with slippers
- pink towel
- blue pouch with Rayban shades, some papers (receipt, payslip, bus ticket), medicine wrappers, ointment, moisturizer, used pink stick-on notes
- used Globe prepaid card

As of now, these are the items that I was able to identify missing:
- make-up kit set (lipstick, concealer, eye shadows, lip gloss, mirror)
- some items that I remember placing inside the blue pouch (rosary from Rome, sanitary napkins, nail cutter, supplement -- M, twissers)
- hair tie
- comb
- a piece of chopstick
- unused stick-on notes

=====

I am reporting this incident because the items missing and how my bag was found is very alarming. I am again requesting further actions to be taken to really find out what happened and who took the bag (the person/s has/have access to the 11th floor).

The items that are missing are very valuable to me especially the make-up set and the supplements.

This may be the first incident reported, but it may not mean it is the only incident that has ever occurred.

Thank you.

Respectfully yours,
JAYCEE B. PEREZ
S Asia

--*--

At first, I was really distingushing the concepts of "what is wrong" and "what is missing." Things aren't exactly wrong but MY BAG IS MISSING. Last night, when I realized what items could I possibly lose, I really cried hard. The make-up set I have almost costs more than half of my monthly salary and the supplements as well.

When I realized that the items included the rosary from Rome my mom gave to me, my tears drenched. It is not just a rosary; it was THE ROSARY MY MOM ENTRUSTED TO ME. It has Pope John Paul's picture on the cover.

Then I also thought of the vintage Rayban shades my father gave to me. People know how I love those shades. It is not just a vintage Rayban shades; it is THE ONLY WAY THAT I CAN SEE THROUGH MY FATHER'S EYES.

Whoever the culprit was/culprits were, what happened isn't really funny. I am not saying that it is right nor it is wrong, but if this act of stealing is what he/she/they are committed to, think twice.

I was again crying earlier because of my make-up set and the rosary. But I really intend to ask the security to replace them or at least pay the amount they cost. Some of them are not available here and would really make me worry about acquiring them from the US.

What made me really worried was the knowledge of what items were stolen and how they were stolen. Just imagine how can one possibly think of getting my pen, hair tie, unused stick-on notes, the chopstick for my hair, unused toothbrush, sanitary napkins? It is probably a she. But what could that person have against me?

A stalker? A fan?

----

It was payday yesterday and my officemate said she still saw the bag during lunch. Did that person overhear the conversation where I said I would withdraw cash for lunch? If that is the case, the person is someone commonly seen on the floor.

If the person purposely intended to get my make-up set, does she enter the same comfort room that me and my officemates do?

I am really scared because two days ago, the headset I use at work is also missing. I didn't really pay much attention to it coz I may have misplaced it. But if someone also took it? Why my things?

0 revealed their disguise

Wednesday, December 14, 2005

Beauty and the Beast at Jurassic Park

posted by letter shredder at 3:46 PM

Spontaneous plans

At 4:30 pm, yesterday...

Oman: You free? I have two invites for Kong's premiere at Rockwell.
Me: Tonight?
Oman: Yup.
Me: What time?
Oman: 7pm. So do you want to go?
Me: Yup. But I'm off at 6:30. So if you don't want to be late, better ask someone else.
Oman: We'll still make it. Where shall we meet?
Me: Fetch me here at the office and we'll just take the cab.

And so we met and we had a hard time finding an empty cab since it's a rush hour and my office is situated within the busy streets of Makati. It was already 7pm and haven't seen an empty one yet. I was thinking of plan B but we agreed that we'd still catch the movie even if we are late.

Mass starvation

We reached Rockwell and we were lucky that the movie has not yet started. We were able to have good sits too, reserved for media guests probably. I don't really like eating inside the movie house but since we were not able to eat dinner, popcorn and iced tea seemed to be the best combo ever.

Sleeping pill genre

I have to admit that I could have slept at the start of the film. The scenes were dragging and shots were lingering to emphasize emotions that are comprehendible. Even before the end, some parts seemed to be anticlimactic.

For me, the story started when the ship reached Skull Island. There were times that I really had to remind myself that I am watching a film. I really got scared of the tribesmen. And when I realized how Ann Darow was going to be offered to King Kong, I thought her limbs would break before she gets into the hands of the beast.

Barbie and the Beast

At first, when Kong held Ann, I thought the beast just wanted to play Barbie. She seemed to be like one while in its hand. Kong was just like any kid who'd do anything to protect a toy.

Super Kong

Since the movie was a remake of the classic film from the 1930s, expect a damsel in distress. When Ann was in the jungle and she and Kong had a misunderstanding (imagine), she had her own a-series-of-unfortunate-events and with just one scream, Super Kong was there, breaking the jaws of the tyrannosaurus rex.

Parts I consider to be the be(a)st

If you really enjoy watching men freak out, you'd enjoy the part where they had to avoid the dinosaurs. The actors did well, you'd see the panic attacks they seem to go through. In that case, any man could go through.

If Kong were human, he'd be a great guy. He'd do everything to protect Ann. And how many men these days could possibly appreciate sunrise and sunset? Probably a few.

Man vs. Beast

In some theories, humans are said to come from apes. Kong portrayed emotions similar to man. It even understood certain gestures taught by Ann and emotions portrayed by us; it also needed affection and attention.

What separates man from animals: THE FACILITY OF LANGUAGE.

********** for Kong 2005

1 revealed their disguise

You Were Meant For Me

posted by letter shredder at 10:26 AM

Music Video Codes by VideoCure.com

I'm not really a Jewel fan but I learned to appreciate this song last weekend. I was singing this the whole day yesterday, even during the time I was with Oman (coz he got tickets for the premiere of King Kong, might post something about that later).

You might want to sing it as well.

from www.azlyrics.com

I hear the clock, it's six a.m.
I feel so far from where I've been
I got my eggs and my pancakes too
I got my maple syrup, everything but you.
I break the yolks, make a smiley face
I kinda like it in my brand new place
I wipe the spots off the mirror
Don't leave the keys in the door
Never put wet towels on the floor anymore' cause
Dreams last for so long
Even after you're gone
I know you love me
And soon you will see
You were meant for me
And I was meant for you.

I called my momma, she was out for a walk
Consoled a cup of coffee but it didn't wanna talk
So I picked up a paper, it was more bad news
More hearts being broken or people being used
Put on my coat in the pouring rain
I saw a movie it just wasn't the same
'Cause it was happy and I was sad
It made me miss you oh so bad 'cause
Dreams last for so long
Even after you're gone
I know you love me
And soon you will see
You were meant for me
And I was meant for you.

I go about my business, I'm doin fine
Besides what would I say if I had you on the line
Same old story, not much to say
Hearts are broken, everyday.

I brush my teeth and put the cap back on
I know you hate it when I leave the light on
I pick a book up. Turn the sheets down.
Take a deep breath and a good look around
Put on my pjs and hop into bed
I'm half alive but I feel mostly dead
I try and tell myself it'll be all right
I just shouldn't think anymore tonight 'cause
Dreams last for so long
Even after you're gone
I know you love me
And soon I know you will see
You were meant for me
And I was meant for you

Yeah.... You were meant for me and I was meant for you.

=====

Dreams last for so long, even after you're gone...

3 revealed their disguise

Tuesday, December 13, 2005

WARNING: Explicit Content

posted by letter shredder at 12:16 PM

Do you still wonder why my gaydar works over time???

NOTE: Person in car-seat-cover costume is me. ;)

2 revealed their disguise

PINOY DICTIONARY

posted by letter shredder at 10:03 AM

from an email

Contemplate- not enough pinggan
Punctuation- pera para maka enrol
Ice Buko- Is my hair ok?
Tenacious- footwear for tennis
Calculator- tawagan kita mamaya
Devastation- sakayan ng bus
Protestant- tindahan ng Prutas
Statue- Ikaw ba yan?
Predicate- pakawalan mo ang pusa
Dedicate- pinatay ang pusa
Aspect- pantusok o pandurog ng yelo
Deduct- ang pato
Defeat- ang paa(ng pato?)
Detail- ang buntot(ng pato?)
Deposit- gripo (Call DIPLOMA if DEPOSIT is leaking.)
City- bago mag utso. The number that follows 6
Cattle- doon nakatira ang Hali at Leyna
Persuading- unang kasal
Depress- ang nagkasal sa persuading
Shampoo - bago maglabing-isa
Delivery- walang bayad (Kapag nagpunta kayo ng friend mo sa restaurant at siya ang nagbayad, DELIVERY.)
Profit- patunayan mo
Beehive- magpakatino ka.
CD ROM- tingnan mo ang kwarto
Debug- ang ipis
July- Nagsinungaling ka ba?
Demote- ang bibig

0 revealed their disguise

Friday, December 09, 2005

Humor From Great Minds

posted by letter shredder at 2:54 PM

Got this from an e-mail.

Sir Norman Wisdom: "As you get older three things happen. The first is your memory goes, and I can't remember the other two... "

Edgar Watson Howe: "One of the most difficult things in the world is to convince a woman that even a bargain costs money."

Doug Larson: "A true friend is one who overlooks your failures and tolerates your success!"

Eric Bolton: "A harmful truth is always better than... a useful lie!"

Erno Philips: "When I was a kid I used to pray every night for a new bike. Then I realized that The Lord doesn't work that way, so I stole one and asked him to forgive me."

Robert Paul: "I only go to work on days that don't end in a 'y'."

Phyllis Diller: "We spend the first twelve months of our children's lives teaching them to walk and talk and the next twelve telling them to sit down and shut up."

Victor Borge: "Laughter is the closest distance between two people."

W.C. Fields: "Start every day with a smile and get it over with."

Will Rogers: "Everything is funny as long as it is happening to somebody else."

Mickey Rooney: "Always get married early in the morning. That way, if it doesn't work out, you haven't wasted a whole day."

Tim Allen: "Women now have choices. They can be married, not married, have a job, not have a job, be married with children, unmarried with children.
Men have the same choice we've always had: work or prison."

Rita Rudner: "If you never want to see a man again, say, 'I love you, I want to marry you. I want to have children...' - they leave skid marks."

Woody Allen: "I'm not afraid to die. I just don't want to be there when it happens."

Erica Jong: "Advice is what we ask for when we already know the answer but wish we didn't."

Elbert Hubbard: "Don't take life too seriously, you'll never get out of it alive."

Wendell Johnson: "Always and never are two words you should always remember never to use."

Joey Adams: "In life, it's not who you know that's important, its how your wife found out."

Henry Youngman: "I've been in love with the same woman for forty-one years. If my wife finds out, she'll kill me."

Benny Hill: "Have you noticed that all the people in favor of birth control are already born?"

Eric Mendoza: "Nothing is Impossible in this world. The word Impossible itself says I'm Possible."

2 revealed their disguise

No Longer Western Union Agent

posted by letter shredder at 1:53 PM

Hope this face paint works tomorrow. My cousin, who's a make-up artist, would be helping me.

Wish me luck. I'm hosting the party.

=====

Disclaimer: I did not bribe anyone for this.

Dear Jaycee,

Here is your horoscope for Friday, December 9:

You have a wonderful talent -- something that's made you famous. It's a knack for making peace by saying nothing with your mouth and everything with your eyes at just the right moment. Prepare to use that talent today.

bats eyelids

2 revealed their disguise

Read: BLACKMAIL

posted by letter shredder at 9:19 AM

from Merriam-Webster OnLine

black-mail n. ('blak-"mAl)

Etymology:
A tribute anciently exacted on the Scottish border by freebooting chiefs for immunity from pillage.

Definition:
Extortion or coercion by threats especially of public exposure or criminal prosecution; the payment that is extorted

Perfect Example:

1 revealed their disguise

Wednesday, December 07, 2005

A Peaceful Life

posted by letter shredder at 4:02 PM

I guess everyone wants a happy, peaceful life, that one day we would be free from the stress caused by work, traffic, failed relationships, upsets, etc.

Ideally, we would want to have enough time to spend travelling and stay significant to the people in our life (i.e. family, friends, significant others).

Try to picture yourself in this video.

=====

Nice, right?

0 revealed their disguise

Finally Got This -- Hands Clean

posted by letter shredder at 1:31 PM

Alanis Morissette Lyrics
Alanis Morissette Music Video Codes
Music Video Codes by VideoCure.com

=====

"What part of our history is reinvented and under rug swept? What part of your memory is selective and tends to forget?"

sigh

0 revealed their disguise

Monday, December 05, 2005

Exception to the Rules (of Physics)

posted by letter shredder at 12:34 PM

I watched the coverage of the bowling event in the 23rd SEA Games. Philippines (represented by Markwin Tee) won over Singapore yesterday, adding another gold. This is the first time Philippines topped the SEA Games, despite the protests of several fronts questioning the fairness of the competition since Philippines is also this year's host.

It was a long time ago since I've bowled. I took a PE class in duckpin bowling and I must say I had a very unique experience for certain reasons:

1. I was in an all-women team. My teammates hardly notice I'm gay wink and good thing they change their minds when they see me. Usually, when people hear my name, they expect to see a guy.

2. My classmates have the rarest of rarest names. Bionic is an example, she may be an undercover superhero.

3. The bowling center in the UP Alumni Center resists all laws of Physics. Even if one is a complete genius in force, angles and projectiles (or whatever Physics there may be in bowling), he or she will not survive the rough wood tiles and oblique speroids handicapped duckpins available in the bowling center.

4. I was able to build a strong rapport with my teammates, because pins are manually replaced. We can talk about our past life, present life, and the life we want to have because we have to wait for the people at the back to replace the pins (unless we want their toes dead).

5. The bowling center is a great place for cosmic intervention. Despite the roughness (for the lack of a better term) and odds of having a bowling center which seems to be an obstacle course for a duckpin, people (accidentally) strike!

What I learned in bowling class (and in other sports I've tried), people should not only be physically fit to play the game. The complete being should be present to optimism and great energy to be effective. Players should be motivated well. For me, somehow, psyching myself works. But still, it is with great inspiration that an athlete could become a champ.

1 revealed their disguise

Saturday, December 03, 2005

Western Union Agent

posted by letter shredder at 12:59 PM

I've considered other options. And the best (wild) idea given to me, since we have a Western theme, was to come in a Western Union uniform.

So people, I better get going. I have to stalk these agents or ask their office if they would allow me use their uniform.

=====

Technorati Profile

0 revealed their disguise

Friday, December 02, 2005

Boots, Only in Boots

posted by letter shredder at 3:40 PM

I am in distress right now. The company's christmas party is just about a week away and we have not been formally met regarding whatever there may be. My boss said it would be of Western theme. It would be fun to come in a cowgirl getup but what would look extraordinary?

Shall I bring a horse?

Or be a Dallas Cowboy cheerleader? I've suggested it to my boss. And she said she's interested, and that we should expect a memo sacking us.

I've checked the internet but I cannot find anything over-the-top. And where do I get all these costume stuff in a short period of time?

People, please email me if you have better pics or better ideas.

2 revealed their disguise

Thursday, December 01, 2005

Childhood (Mis)Demeanor

posted by letter shredder at 8:54 AM

I promised dcs that I would post about my grade school life.
So here it is... Happy reading.

I was 6 when I first entered St. Francis School. Most of my cousins went there so it seems to follow that I also do. It was another town away from where we live. I can still remember our first task in class, to color a page in our work book. There was a mango tree and a carabao was sitting next to it. The first time my kinder teacher recognized me in class was when she noticed that I colored the mango fruits yellow or green. My other classmates colored theirs blue and some other shades, probably the ones that they first liked in their crayon set.

I had a good report card, I can say. During the first quarter honors deliberation, I was sixth in the whole kindergarten department. I never knew what honors meant then, I probably said I'd be seventh the next. All I know was that 7 > 6. Next quarter, I topped the class. My parents were so happy they treated me and my siblings to a fine dine restaurant. And the pressure to stay on top began there. I noticed that the person I replaced on top didn't like me. She probably pretended but she did something that really made me decide not to trust her. One time, she volunteered to copy the assignment for me because she said she was already done. Since I thought she was making friends, I let her. The next day, I had a wrong assignment. It was about following a series of shapes, and she copied or made a wrong series for me. For a while, I got confused. I did my best on my assignment and as a child, it was scary to have a different answer, to be wrong.

In my first grade, I topped the class consistently. I was my teacher's pet. She'd include me in every available contest. She even included me in the tongue twister contest where I had to read an equation and I don't even know how to read a division sign yet (the keyboard doesn't even have one). To stay on top of the class (and the whole first grade level), I had many sleepless nights. I'd have to review our past lessons and the upcoming lessons. I memorize books. And even at first grade, we had about 8-10 subjects. When quarter exams come, I really don't sleep anymore. I barely had time to play even with my siblings. I was not only maintaining first honor, I also had to maintain the achievement award (no absences, no lates, no missed home works, exmas are almost prefect if not). But being on top had its own perks. I was always welcomed by my classmates to join them play chinese garter. I was the special player who never becomes it. I was also the class president. And I had many medals and certificates. I didn't look like a nerd then and everyone in class wanted my attention. Since I was the one reporting the noisy and English violators, everyone was kind to me. grin

Then came second grade. It was when we received our first communion and when we were first baptized into cheerleading. Fifth graders taught us. I believed that my life was too boring that I chose to add some spice. One of the most dreaded students in the fifth grade then was Franco. He's the type who gets involved in brawls (he got kicked out when he was in high school). I can still remember that he ran after me because I called him gay. It was in second grade that I started playing a lot, even with the kids from the other classes. I remember Janice, we always played touch body-it with the boys. Despite the name, it was a wholesome game. People would throw small balls at you and once you get hit, you're it.

Third grade was fun because it was when I got to play cops and robbers with the guys. It was also when I got first introduced to basketball. Boys would ask me to play with them even during lunch, I was fairer then. They'd include me in the team when they go against the fourth graders. Then there came a time that girls would warn or ask me why I'm the only one in skirt who's playing with the boys. So there was a time doing so. We were so into Ghost Fighter then that I was Chun-li and my classmate Ryan was Ryu.

I also remember that in third grade, I began to feel unwanted. I had good grades and I think I was kind enough. How come other girls hated me then? Girls in the school bus always find my faults. And whenever we get our school card, they'd check how many 99s I have. There are times that I'd talk to my mom because some of my classmates won't play with me or they won't invite me to be with them. My classmate Honey Tess would do anything to let my other classmates move away from me. She even took my best friend away from me. Before the school year ended, most of my classmates and I had our breaks and lunch together. We deliberately brushed her off. My friends and I were feasting at the same time. What happened to her? She transefered to another school. We never saw her again in the next three years.

It was also in third grade where I got a fourth grader running after me. Jeremy liked my cousin and she and her classmates teased him. I also did. He was the elder brother of my kindergarten rival. I called him "mosquito."

The first time I cried when I was in fourth grade was when my classmate, who had an elder brother in sixth grade, bullied me in class. Because I was on top of the class when I was in third grade, girls from other classes hated me. Still, I became president. So I thought I had more friends. But there were rich brats who gang up on me for no particular reason. In fact, I envied them because they get to wear all the beautiful clothes and signatured accessories.

Another instance, there were these sixth graders who made me cry. My best friend and I visited her cousin who was a freshman then. That time, most girls in grade school who were high-school wannabe's talked about Chiristian, a freshie too. We were waiting for Ate Summer to come out of class and Christian was her classmate. The sixth graders found me and my friends there and accused me of having a crush on him too. I hated it. I was just 10. Later, I learned to ignore them. I enjoyed talking to some of the freshies. And I had another guy ranning after me -- Mark. I also called him gay. Worst cases were when he was the one going to my classroom to find me and kiss me, he said he would. I was too scared then. But as I am typing this, I am laughing like crazy. I joined the theater then. And I almost got the role of Annie. But I was too tall that I had to be one of the street kids. Well, if you try to think of it, Annie can never be taller than Ms. Hannigan.

It was also in fourth grade that I learned some guys had (in class and from other school) crush on me. I never thought about it. The one who teased me made a big deal out of it though.

Fifth grade made a difference in my life. It was when I had a crush in the high school department. It was then that I developed my strong suit -- being strong. It was then that I realized that I was good in writing. I almost became the school paper's editor. (No bragging here.) I talked to the adviser I can't do the job because I was also busy being in the Pupil Council. It was then that I had a male best friend, Archie. And on Valentines Day, my English teacher fetched my crush from high school and brought him in the class room. I was all flushed.

And like a tradition that I am running for myself, I teased another guy -- my classmate who sits behind me, Mark. Only this time, he did not come running after me. I was called by the guidance counselor. I told Mark he stinks but I never meant it. He got mad at me and when I thought that I was being really mean, I apologized. Next day came, after flag ceremony, I found him crying. And the guidance counselor found out about it. As expected, I was called in her office later that morning. And I know I had to cry for her to send me out of the room and that the incident be not reported to my parents. So I cried. But I really meant it when I apologized to Mark. I know we were still friends. Even when I transferred to another high school, he comes to the house to visit.

Sixth grade! I barely slept. Not because I was on top of the class. I wasn't anymore. I was elected president of the Pupil Council. Everybody in school knew me, I suppose. At 12, I was included in meetings with the supervisors. I had to beg that they implement or finish the projects that were promised to the PTA. I was also news editor. I had meetings left and right. I became more fulfilled with these activities, compared to being on top of the class. It was also in sixth grade that I started becoming attached to the results, to resent commitments. Aside from being president; news editor; part of the church choir, speech choir; I also went joined the women's volleyball team. I was part of the twelve players chosen, even the top six. We held practices every afternoon and on weekends for weeks until... a memo came from the municipality indicating that all players whose birthdate is earlier than March 31, 1984 cannot join the competition. I was born on the 13th. I cried for two consecutive days. And I hated to see my former teammates practice. Until now, I haven't played volleyball like I did before. I don't even mention it to people. I only say I play basketball.

Biggest challenge in sixth grade was when I ran for peace officer for the high school department. So before I even stepped into high school, I had a place in the high school department. I won, but I had to compete with my best friend. The fact that I won did not make me happy. Since she didn't win, her parents are finally transferring her to another school.

What I did? I joined her. I transferred to another school. I also felt the loss of not being the peace officer (even if it seems inappropriate for someone like me). I also wanted to run president for the high school department before I become a senior. But I made the right choice. I was with my best friend and I met a lot of new friends.

Even though science high school life was not as exciting as my grade school was, I had my own ways that made it fun.

=====

Cheers!

1 revealed their disguise