Last December 13, I was invited to the high school reunion of my former high school students and the original members of the Codez Band Bai, the keyboardist; Harold, the vocalist; Jinky, the drummer; Mike, the lead guitarist;  and Vanny, the bassist.  I never realized that it would be such a fun experience.  But more than having fun, I realized a lot of things in my being a teacher. 

Let me tell you a little story about this four guys who made an impact on me that night:  Fifiteen years ago, the four of them graduated from high school.  Back then, they put up a band and they actually were the ones who started that culture in their school.  As their teacher and student council adviser, I was with them all throughout, from their rehearsals to their performances.  Maybe I believed in their talents, but my going with them to every rehearsal was more of making sure that the were safe.   They were only high school boys then, so I knew my responsibility was tremendous. 

Fast forward to 15 years after:  In November, I received a message from Bai in one of my social netwok accounts that I am invited on December 13 for their performance.  I was a bit hesitant at first, but due to his insistence I chose to go.  Who wouldn’t agree after being told “we really want you to be around, and see your boys perform again.”  So there I went, and when I saw them, my heart leapt!  I realized how much I miss them.  I could not believe that all four of them are already such grown-ups!  I felt so elated to see that they have grown to be fine gentlemen.  What more!  Their music have also grown mature.  Though they did not change their repertoire, they way they performed that night was different from what they were 15 years ago!  Before they went up on stage, I could feel their how tensed they were.  They even told me, “Miss, whatever happens, you would still love us ha.” :-)  And of course, I assured them of my unwavering support.  They are still my students whom I have loved since fifteen years ago. 

Few minutes after their performance, they brought me home (read: 1am).  I never wanted to go home yet, but I sensed that they wanted to have their “boys’ night out”.  So I was brought home indeed, and that night I couldn’t sleep.  I found myself looking for the album which has pictures of the first time they performed.  I got myself tired of looking at those pictures and finally laid down smiling till I fall asleep.

The following morning, I recalled the experience and I was so overwhelmed.  I thought my being a teacher is now complete.  Indeed, being remembered and loved by former students is one of the most priceless gifts.  No amount of words can fully describe how I am feeling up to this moment. 

Thank you very much Bai, Harold, Jinky, Mike and Vanny.  I will forever treasure you. You may view more photos here.

The Codez Band Reunion.  December 13, 2008.

 I went on a half-day to work the following day, and that night we had our Christmas Party.  When I got home, I was surpised to see this envelope on my side table:

This envelope contains the letter of my nine-year-old niece for me.  She intended to send this letter when I was in HK. She was just discouraged by her Kuya, so she did not go on sending this thru snail mail.  Instead, she only waited till I come home. 

 What is touching about this gesture is the content of this envelope that goes: 

This moment in life is so priceless.  I feel so elated, and I am so proud of my niece.  She has always been like that to me.  She’s a sweet young girl, indeed!

Jomelle, the author of the letter.

I was not able to write a single entry for the whole month of November.  Why? November is my busiest month for so many reasons. 

1. At work, it is the budget season.  Speaking of budget, I am poor at that, not to mention the fact that I am so poor with numbers.  Dealing with numbers is my petpeeve!  I am just so grateful that I am done with my budget defense.
2. Personally, I am busy going here and there for the so many November activities this year.
3. Most of all, I had the tendency to feel “low” in November of this year.  I am missing my favorite person on Earth who was born during this month.   Yes.  My father was born on the 6th of November. 

Now, I am back

. 

My youngest brother, Neil.  He is the look-alike of our father.  July 2008.

I was in Subic last Thursday, October 16 to Saturday, October 18, 2008.  I attended a three-day conference organized by the speech communication organization of the Philippines.  Before the conference formally started, I tried to explore the area since the hotel where I stayed was right in front of the bay.  I took some pictures, and went back to the hotel a few minutes before the opening ceremony. 

When I was at the hotel, I sat in one of the corner sofas, which was cozy and comfortable.  Sitting there, I brought out the wallet that contains my two cell phones. I thought of texting my Admin Assistant for the things which I failed to do before I left.  Because the place was near the smoking area, I immediately stood up when I smelt of cigarette smoke oblivious of my wallet, that had my other phone, placed on the sofa. 

I hurriedly walked my way towards the seminar hall while texting.  After using my other phone, I found out that my black wallet was missing. I ran back to the placed where I sat, but the precious black wallet was no longer there.

I immediately reported the incident to the information, who turned me over to the security officer.  Immediately, the security officer ordered that all exits be closed, and that they would do the “search operation” for my lost cell phone.  I was instructed to narrate the chronology of events on paper for their report.  Afterwards, I was told that they could not assure me that they would be able to give me back my cell phone. 

With that, I started texting friends for the hotline of the my lost phone provider so that I can have my number blocked.  I was worried because it was on postpaid plan. While I was sitting on the seminar venue, my mind was busy thinking of my lost phone.  I could not concentrate because I was busy texting my friends asking for the hotline number.  After a while I saw the security officer again motioning for me to come to him.  I did, and there I was presented the black wallet wiht my phone inside!  I could not believe it!  I have lost cell phones twice, but this time it’s returned to me :-) The security officer told me one of the employees turned over the wallet to him.  What an honest employee they have!  I wanted to meet the person who found my wallet, but I was not allowed.  I wonder why.  I guess it was their policy; I was given that hunch.

With this heartwarming incident, I would like to thank Legenda Hotel and its management. If you happen to visit Subic Bay Freeport Zone, check in at the Legenda Hotel, Waterfront Road. It’s seldom to find honest people like the ones in Legenda.  Aside from honesty, they are also accommodating.  Speak of customer service. Legenda has it!  It truly lives to its name as the legendary Legenda. 

The hotel front view.  Subic Bay Freeport Zone.  October 16, 2008.

Here’s what I’ve written:   

This has been my fourth month in belly dance class.  People have been noticing certain changes in me - from my protruding tummy to a bit controlled one and from my being cranky to a more pleasant one.  The latter is a comment coming from my administrative assistant, no less, being the person that I get to have a close encounter with every day in the workplace.

With these positive comments comes the question, “where do you study belly dancing?”  And I enthusiastically reply, “At the Peak Performance Dance Studio and Fitness Center.”  So let me tell you what I love about Peak. 

Besides its range of physical fitness exercises, Peak Performance has the homey atmosphere.  To say that it has the most accommodating and friendly staff is an understatement.  I guess the staff at Peak has got the attitude of Ms. Jill, the owner, who herself is very pleasant and friendly.  Apparently, she treats every client like a family.  One can never feel being out-of-place even though he/she is a beginner in any fitness class at Peak. 

Unlike other fitness center, Peak Performance does not require its clients of membership fee. Instead, clients are given the option to pay per visit, or they may opt to get the “peak pass” which is offered in a discounted price as compared to the pay-per-visit fee. I dare say that Ms. Jill and company see to it that you get your money’s worth every session since it’s always full of fun!

Having been thru a number of fitness classes, at 42, I could say that I finally found one that fits me and my personality.  And belly dance it is!  I love its discipline — the fluid movements, the muscle isolation, the grace, and the story that goes with every dance step that Ms. Jill teaches me.  -  Badeth Cabico, October 10, 2008

Taken by Aileen Siroy during Ariane’s birhtday.  Tamayo’s Chamber, Intramuros.  August 8, 2008.