Catching up with Friends

I was sick the first week I got home. Dad said it was my pumpin' adrenalin crashed down and now my body was trying to rest....well, beg for rest. I figured that was the case. 

Crooks and Copps and the craziness that goes with that

Of course, my visit wouldn't be complete if I didn't catch up with my long time high-school friends.  The Crooks and Copps were formed back 1991's. Crooks was for us girls and Copps were for the boys. Back then it wasn't co-ed. Girls and Boys weren't mixed in one room. Socializing with the opposite sex only happened outside the classroom. 

Mylin lived close to our house, and of course, that didn't stop her and John (her husband and an old friend of mine) to pass by late at night. The usual. Instead of me getting annoyed, I couldn't help but smile and of course know in my heart that I missed them. of course they were my first visitor, besides Jing, who would always be updated of my where abouts. 

I called for a girls dinner at the house, just wanting for a moment with them, just like the good old days. I was glad that Love, in the last minute, joined us for dinner along with her husband Gerry, a former classmate of mine and good friend as well. 

The girls bought me a welcome home cake. I didn't expect it, and found it really sweet. Mom cooked a few Filipino dishes and us girls just caught up while the kids played in the lounge area. I finally saw Jeez's son, Basti... after so many years. Jeez, another long time good friend of mine that goes way back College days. 

It was hilarious when we went out and tried hiding from the CCTV, just like the old days when they'd try to get me to go with them on late night activities. Crazy but I missed them a lot.

TEJ

TEJ stands for Thomasian Engineer Journal. And that was my family when I was in Uni days, back when I wasn't really a fun of studying...rather, I found solace in the confines of the organization, which we would usually call our TEJ Family.

It was so nice to catch up with Arjay and Kit, and I also had the chance to meet Kit's cousin Sooey who was such a lovely and talented girl.We hang out at Glorietta...the good ol' Glorietta... it was nostalgic going back to the area. It held so many memories back to the Accenture days, when I was still working in Makati area.

We shared a lot of laughs and philosophical topics. Travel was of course part of the sharing and updates. The girls also loved traveling and exploration. I was telling them that the next time I visit the Philippines, it would be great if they can tag along.

The Dudettes

Next stop was catching up at Ortigas. The Dudettes. To be precise, the SVI Dudettes :) Maeth, Cezy, Joyce

and Anne (who was absent that time because she was onshore for an assignment).

The usual meetup place has always been Starbucks podium. No other place to be and meetup. It again brought back so many memories.... SVI or Software Ventures International, was the first company I worked with. That jump started my career as a Programmer. And during the training sessions, that was when I met the girls. Of course Cezy and Annie I already knew back in College Days at UST. 

It was great updating each other. I slowly got an idea of what was the latest, of course including the latest juicy gossip. It would have been great if Anne was there, I could imagine the giggles and laughter. I updated them with my latest trip and them as well did some trips past years I've been away. It was good to see them and just chat and laugh about old stuff.

Ex-Accenture 

The next catchup was with Reg and Mitch. Now, Reg and I goes way back Accenture days when we were with one of the projects where staying till late at night was always part of the daily routine. There were nights when we'd usually have to stay till 1 am, and we'd just usually laugh about stuff knowing that deadlines can be inevitable but having good times was the most important lot of all. It was great seeing her, all blooming and of course now, a Manager with Accenture.  

Mitch I met also during my last stint in Accenture, when I resigned and was wrapping up for my move to Singapore. We didn't get to chat that much, if I recall right, but my memories of Mitch were far beyond Accenture days. We got to hang out when I visited Brussels. And that was when we had the chance to really talk and explore the city together. Mitch has been of great company and help to me, something I'd always treasure and appreciate.

We had dinner at Shangri-La. Its been a while since I've been to that mall. It made me reminisce back in the days when I'd usually be on second shift when I was working for SVI. Those marked my first few years of being a programmer. Of course, I got to be updated with all of the latest goss and also of the latest love updates. We just giggled through the night which was fun.

Catching up with the Garcias

I just realized I didn't have a photo. But I guess it didn't matter. The memories always leaves me with a lasting impression.

Keith has been a friend way back highschool days. And Kikay, his better half, has been part of the family, the barkada. The kids Kin and Kian were so lovely, so huggable and so sweet. It was my first time to actually see them in person. Moment that I've laid my eyes on them were just via skype, when Keith would have me go on video calls so the kids would recognize my voice.

So it's been tradition now that I'd visit the family in the morning, and have breakfast. so cute. And I've agreed that I'd do this again, the next time I visit. :)

My Farewell Dinner

Faster than I said my hellow, I had to organize a farewell dinner with the Crooks, Copps and Freaks. It was great seeing the bunch, most especially those who I've rarely seen through the years even when I was still back in the Philippines.I was smiling while I watched the parents look after their kids. Yes, we have reached that stage. Thing have changed. But one thing's for sure, the friendship still remains...

of Jumping and Realizations

allow me to digress for a while. 

What is wrong with Jumping? What is wrong with moving? What is wrong in living a life of a Nomad?

What is wrong if I've been traveling this world alone?

I slowly realized a few things while I was on the road. 

Why the urge to move is so strong, that staying longer has never been an option. 

Fear. Fear of Attachment. Fear of Hurt. Fear of Expectations. But deep inside yearning that there's that special someone who would ask me to stay. Ironic? Yeah, tell me about it. It's hard when you're a walking hopeless romantic Nomad with shell casings all over.

through the 8 months, staying longer than 2 weeks seemed to be a far-fetched idea. The moment I felt I was getting attached to a place or the people around me, alarm bells just went off and Moving on becomes the next best step to escapism. 

Yes. I admit it. I'm an escapist. Because it is in the confines of limitless freedom when traveling, where time doesn't mean a thing, and survival reigns over your veins that matters....where to sleep, what to eat...where to next. There was no time to contemplate on emotions...and even if I felt lonely, it was fleeting because I had to go through the cycle of Hi's and goodbyes. 

Yes Hi's and goodbyes. Sad, but true. I did gain new friends...that's was good. I realized....I was sheltering myself..... because "hurt" was the one thing I didn't want to have with me during the trip. Where expectations heightened, therefore disappointment leaves me distraught. And oh yes, for so many times did that happen to me. Until I learned to let go.

Through the months, I meet some interesting people.... some I thought would have the consistency and continuity, but of course....yet again...disappointment kills the joy. 

There is liberation for me when I'm on the Road. The freedom of being an unknown, going towards the unknown..... and maybe nowhere would be a somewhere in the long run... a place that would make me stop..........

Family

It was great to be back at our house in Project 8. I was there 5 years ago, for New Year's Eve. 

I had an overlap with Ate Jojo and John, who was there for a 2-week vacation. It was great to see the Dad and Mom, all chirpy and happy, obviously no traces of stress due to our absence. However, we all knew they missed us dearly. 

Nothing much has changed with the house, except for the cameras... lol. Crazy cameras abound the different corners of the house. Can't blame Dad of his paranoia. A few years back a burglar was brave and skillful enough to go up the third floor, enter my room and cause chaos throwing stuff around trying to find a treasure of gold. Unfortunately for him, Mom woke up early and went upstairs. They never did catch the burglar, but that was enough for Dad to add more surveillance to the property. Apparently, theft and crime has increased the past years we haven't been in Manila. Now, it's been crazy. Not that I'm saying it hasn't been crazy back then. 

Of course, it goes without saying that food and feasting, not to mention sleeping right after, has been the routine for the days that we were there. Gaining weight exponentially didn't seem to be a problem at all. Mom was always on the go with buying stuff and before we knew it, there were trays of food and meriendas served to the third floor. Some things never change. But that was Home. 

Family, no matter what, no matter who are, will always be there for you. This has been proven through the years with mine. There's no such thing as a perfect family anyway. In any relationship, it goes without saying that Acceptance is the key, and what goes with that is Love to sugar coat it with caring, because that's what naturally happens. 

We had some karaoke nights in and out of the house. But majority of the times, singing before and after dinner was the fave time slot of Dad. He'd just smile and quickly steal a few songs before we had our meal. Him and John would usually have a blast and even compare scores. Mom, Ate Jojo and I would just laugh. Good Times. 

It was also great seeing the bunch, Ate Beth, Ate Rose, Ate Cindy and Ate Wendy, with the addition of Kuya Charlie and Tata. The girls were the original bunch who helped Mom with the sewing business. It was so cute seeing them together, as if nothing changed, except for our ages. But still, it was part of "going home", having them there. 

There were times when we would teach Tata for her homework. Dad and Mom has been sending her to school. She's been really shy, but with a little bit of prodding, she could get out of her shell and be more outgoing. 

I had a few moments with my parents at times. When they'd ask me what direction I'm planning to take after I've completed this trip. Well, obviously from my point of view, everything was a little bit hazy still. I was applying for jobs, but I was still waiting for the right one. Rejections were coming so fast, more because of visa sponsorship in Europe. But it all just told me one thing...it wasn't meant to be "yet" maybe? 

I knew they wished me well, reminding me that I wasn't getting any younger. I slowly got used to the topic that I need to settle down, find me a man, get a house, have babies and just....Settle Down. Had it been in my control, maybe that would have happened...but you see...things like these only happen at the right time and place. As for me, I might have not stepped into the zone yet. Again, out of my control. 

Homeward Bound

The last part of the journey of this Nomad was supposed to end in my home town, the Philippines. Later on you'll understand why I used the term "supposed to".

It's been 5 years since I last visited the Philippines. I know, it's been a while. Mom and Dad would usually come over to New Zealand to spend the Christmas holidays with us. The only time that I was alone was back when I was still living in Sydney. 

It was mixed feelings for me when I got on the plane. I was looking forward to seeing my family. After so many months on the road, the emotion of just being surrounded by people I knew seemed to call out more than ever. It was great meeting so many people around the world, but nothing can beat the loving comfortable feeling of family and friends.

After almost 8 months on the road... I finally landed in Manila.

Touchdown... it was time to revisit my roots.... my hometown.....

I knew this visit was going to be different....

Singapore

It was 7 years ago when I last saw Singapore. It was a strange feeling when we landed at Changi airport. I lived in Singapore for 8 months before I decided to move to New Zealand. Ever since then, I've never set foot until October 2013. 

One of the things I've been really impressed with was the convenience of the transportation system in Singapore. I guess for a small and advanced country, you would expect nothing short of that. 

I initially stayed in a hostel, curious of how it was to be a backpacker in Singapore. I met a guy from France who was kind enough to lend me his umbrella. Other than that, I didn't get to chat with anyone else since I've been in and out of the place catching up with friends. 

I met up with Diovie, a long time friend back in the days when I was living in Singapore. Also an ex-accenture, we met through common friends and just clicked. A few years back she visited me in New Zealand. Us girls went on a road trip and explored a few areas of the North Island. It was an unforgettable adventure. And despite our distance, we've always managed to keep in touch. As they say distance shouldn't be a hindrance. She showed me around, pointing out the new buildings and tourist spots. It was amazing how Singapore could change since the past 7 years. The place has been an ex-spat destination and parties/pubs seemed to have increased. It was great catching up with her, getting updated with the latest buzz in each others lives and just chatting and laughing away. She took me to the rooftop bars that gave us splendid views of Marina Bay and surroundings. 

I also had the chance to catch up with Jay, another ex-accenture who I met through common friends whilst living in Singapore. Also into diving and photography, we shared a lot of common interests and started chatting towards the end of my work stint in Singapore. We've always kept in touch ever since.

I eventually moved to Foy's place and finally got the chance to catch up with her. It was so nice to see her settled and cuddling her baby. Foy has been one of my closest friends who I met when I lived in Singapore. Since then the friendship flourished despite the distance. Then after a few years she visited me in New Zealand. That was the inspiration of my song "Joyride. Beth, Foy and I went on a road trip in the North island of New Zealand. And that was one of the best trips I've ever been on. Oh yeah!

It was really nice to have a lot of moments with Foy, just talking in the lounge and getting updated with each other's lives. I was so happy seeing her in that state. Years ago I knew she wanted to have a family of her own, and at that moment when we were sitting on the couch, I saw how fulfilled she was.. holding on to her baby. <sigh> How time flies.

The main reason why I passed by Singapore was to attend my God child's 1st Birthday. Sherry and Ramil had their first baby a few months ago. His name... Lucas. The time I heard about the good news of the addition to the family.... I felt so happy for them. A dream come true. A wish granted. A Prayer answered.

It was a Sunday event and it was sort of a reunion seeing the people who I knew back in the days and got used to hanging out back in the Singapore days. The event was at a Japanese Restaurant was a buffet lunch. I got to see Joy a few seconds before she had to leave for work. Her 2 kids were lovely most especially Jessica, the eldest one. Mary Ann was also there with her family. She was my previous housemate back in the days when Gab and I lived in Singapore. Apo, Rex Ken and Ryan were the other familiar faces that I saw. They were with the new group of Citibank programmers/team. It was great seeing everyone and how warm I was still received despite the years.

I had a short opportunity to catch up with Sherry and Ramil, as well as Baby Lucas, after the lunch. Malvin and Foy dropped us at the Escalante house and I stayed for a while to witness the gift opening and take some photos. It was really nice hanging out with them and watching them, complete as a family. Lucas was so active and excited about his gifts. So cute.

I only had 5 days in Singapore, and I knew there wasn't enough time to catch up with everyone. But it was good that I still had the chance to meet up with Paulette at the airport. Now, Paulette was one of my classmates back in high school. I can't even remember when was the last time I saw her. I took up Engineering and she took up Fine Arts, both in the same building. It must have been back in college days when I last saw her for sure.

We had a meal before I got on my flight. She still had her sense of humour, sarcastic jokes and funny life story to tell me for all the years that I haven't seen her. We just laughed all afternoon until I almost missed my flight. Hilarious! We even took the time to have coffee before I quickly ran through immigration and security. Crazy!

The visit was short but sweet. I had an inkling of trying to get back to Singapore and work there, the proximity to the Philippines was tempting. But the opportunity didn't present itself. So it was a no.