The whole house was jumping up and down, screaming left and right. Just to let you know, my sister just passed at the recent Pharmacist Licensure Board Exam. All of us are too overwhelmed by the news. It came first as a phone call from one of my ate's friends from her soccer team. She said that they actually went there at PRC (ever since I heard this acronym, I haven't asked what these letters stand for. So stop asking.) to check it out. Since it was pouring cow and horse piss for hours already, they (the people responsible for my sis' burden over the past few months) were unable to post it outside their building that's why lots of examinees were queued up--- swarming the immediate vicinity, patiently waiting for the inevitable. So, it was the security guard who stood and played martyr for the meantime. They (ate's friends) approached the guard, told him the name, and went off. They instantly called ate, who was a nervous wreck the whole time, told her to brace herself, and then broke the news. Unfortunately, I wasn't home to witness all of this but my mom told me that even before the news could sink in my sis' head, she was already wailing. I understand her great joy.
To confirm this bit of information, my mom insisted on searching it on the internet. So, we resorted to our ever-reliable computer, logged on, and clicked away. After wading through different dizzying websites, yet some of them, despite the colors and eye-candies, offered nothing, we found the results. The next thing I remember was seeing mom's eyes misty, and hearing the shallow breathing of my ate. And oh, plus the nonstop merriment that followed.

* I give her my warmest congratulations, and sincerest good luck for the life ahead of her. At least now she can sleep more soundly.

Male Bonding at the Royal Tire Supply
How else could you better understand your father aside from accompanying him even for hours at the hardware store, or sitting beside him while watching the Formula 1 Racing on cable? Of course, show interest and care for his other worthy possession, the family car. For him, this four-wheeled vehicle is like a gem that completes his existence. Often times, he thinks that it is one of the few reasons why people work, earn and save. He considers cars as the extension of his manhood --- no, am not putting an analogy between cars and dicks. What I am suggesting is the fascinating maxim of male species regarding cars, trucks, and other supermachines: the flashy it is, the bigger the almighty ego. For many, including me, one way to a woman's heart is through her whims. It is never changing rule that makes some girls fall weak, enamored, or even salivate. Girls want to be treated like primadonnas, the apple of all eyes, the princess of a thousand suitors, the infinite star of the night, the supermodel for all eternity. (Don't bite yet. Admit it or not, I'm positive that there are fleeting moments in your life that you fancy of becoming a supermodel who flips her confidently while strutting amongst a huge throng of beings with extra appendages between their legs.)
Anyway, I am happy that my father and I had a great time together discussing one particular topic while we were at the Royal Tire Supply having the tires done and changed of course. The threads are getting frayed off and the entire surface's wearing down in case you're wondering. I had the chance to survey an array of magwheels carefully displayed on steel racks mounted on the walls. Good thing I don't own a car yet or else, I would be insisting my mom to shell out bucks for a set of bronze mags that I have been dreaming to get my hands on.
For someone who never frequents places like this and never get himself acquainted with the infos regarding car parts, questions immediately flooded my head. Fortunately, my dad did not get agitated by my flimsy queries. He was able to withstand even questions which an average person could categorize below the imbecilic level.
As usual, I arrived late (tardiness is one crazy habit I'm having a hard time dealing with. You might want to know). By the way, I dropped by at the Philippine Star office to pick up my (drumroll please) pay check, er, my first ever pay check (cheers, cheers, cheers) After Aling Becks handed it to me, I stared at it for a few moments and relished the feel of my labor of love before shoving it in my backpack.
Today is a heck of a happy day for me.

Our dog, who happened to be pregnant (that's what we thought), died a few hours ago. She was found by my mom slumped dead in front of the gate leading to our backyard. She laid there in the grubby and smelly ground with her togue stuck out. We could not surmise the cause of her death yet but am still hoping to know about it by the end of the day.
I felt so sullen for a couple of minutes while I held the flashlight to light the spot on the ground where my dad was making her grave.
I wanted to give her flowers but all I did was to whisper a sincere 'goodbye'.
I knew that was enough for the meanwhile.
I offer her a moment of silence.

For 6-30-2002. Unlike the usual mornings when I get up with unexplainable bravado, this morning, I woke up disoriented. It was because of my older sister who kept banging on my door for at least ten times thinking that knocking won't do any better to wake me up. Apparently, I only had 3 hours of sleep. Thanks to the wonders of blogger and email that stalled me from dozing off early. (Somebody stop me before I totally turn my back against it!)

***

Today is the day I communed with my faith once again. My sis woke me up and left me disgruntled for a couple of minutes because we had to be at the ehem, church as early as 8:30 (am not a morning person you know). Not only that. Right after the mass, we immediately drove off to Tagaytay to pay a short visit to the holy congregation of the Pink Sisters (am not kidding, that's the name of the place. I swear) The place was absolutely serene and very much inviting to people who seek spiritual regeneration, and relaxation at the same time. Although large throngs of devout could easily crowd the place, you would still consider the place an ideal place of worship because of the clean, green and natural feel of the atmosphere. Sigh.