PEOPLE OF MY YEAR 2012

                Yey! Better late than never! Tada! I’m here to boast the list of people of people who made the year 2012 worthwhile and amazing. So without further ado, here are the best of the best of all the people that I’d been cherishing moments with for the past 12 months.

SHERYL “Birdie” PEDROSO (My ATE)

                I remember the first time I met Ate Birdie. She went to the office asking about KuyaIsko (a Voice Alumnus). We answered her questions very formally. I thought she’s just a classmate of KuyaIsko or just another Damean who thought the office was the VOX’s or Sports Facilities’. When I think of that moment, until now, I can’t help but smile. She left and returned after a second and finally introduced herself as the former Editor-in-Chief of the Voice Publication. I was in awe when I heard that! I think it took a lot of guts to do it.  And even though it felt odd talking to her and letting her in to the office, we somehow, immediately, shared a common thing which gave us something to talk about for the 30-minute break that we had. She just got back from Manila to continue her studies. She has nowhere to go since she seems to be a new student again. From then on, Ate Birdie became part of the publication again.

                To tell you honestly, I got conscious talking to her. She used to be a call center agent so she has that English accent and is fluent in speaking the language. Plus, don’t forget the fact that she is a very outspoken and intelligent person. She speaks what she has in mind in a way that it would be delivered civilly. But I thought her judgment would still hurt. So I was afraid that any moment, she’ll slap her opinion into my face if I say the wrong words or spit out the wrong grammar. Even during the time that I’m typing this post, I’m feeling uneasy about my grammar. Haha! But whatever, I know Ate Birdie isn’t as harsh as what I thought she is. J

                Eversince I took the EIC position of the publication, Ate Birdie was there to ask me what’s happening. She always says YES to favors that I ask. She helps in formulating the pub’s plans and goals and that is what I appreciate most about her. Even though she already graduated from that student pub responsibility, you can still see and feel her dedication as a journalist. She was even the one who provoked us to speak our minds and not to let ourselves be constrained by what the school would only want us to write. She injected that FREEDOM OF SPEECH that we are privileged of as student journalists. Oh my! How I wish she’s our moderator, life could have been easier for me, for us!

                If you can just sit for an hour with her, I tell you, you’ll learn a lot of sensible things. She would tell you about her experiences, love story, life story, career, favorites, dreams and outlooks in life. She’s a person with depth. She has deeper reasons of everything.  I actually consider her as someone I look up to when it comes to sharing her views and to her determination on achieving what she wants in life.

                I’m really blessed to have and for meeting her. If not because of her help, I won’t survive the pressures that I faced in the pub during the last semester. I pray to have her for many more years. I love you Ate Birds!

THE VOICE FAMILY / THE VOICE PUBLICATION (My Sweetest Escape)

                Is it a boon or bane? If you’re going to ask me about holding the highest position of the publication, aside from the moderator, of course, I’d definitely answer BOON. When I accepted the position, I honestly have not slept for a week because of the EXCITEMENT, WORRIES, PLANS that were on my mind even before, when I was still dreaming of getting the position, and the GOALS that I want to achieve to improve the student publication under my administration. I’ve thought of so many projects that I want to happen to uplift the image of the student publication and the name of the organization itself.

                When the first semester (last June) started, I admit that I adjusted 180 degrees from my usual stressful and busy life as a former accountancy student. Due to the very few units that I only have to take, my class schedule had been pretty idle which gave me more time to think of the “failure” and “what-if’s” that I experienced last summer. It wasn’t easy, trust me. It wasn’t easy seeing the people you used to be classmates with for the past three years attending their usual nerve-wrecking subjects. It wasn’t easy admitting that you can never go back from the time that you could have done better if not only because of the circumstances and discouragements. And it’s not that easy pretending that everything’s fine after all.

                But… thanks to the Voice Publication. It made me busy. It made me forget the time for stressing out myself about the past. I knew then that sitting as the EIC wouldn’t be easy too for me but I thought, since it’s my passion, I would have the chance to prove myself on something that I love doing. So there, I took the challenge. I tried to change the environment. From the usual no-commitment-at-all organization, I tried turning it back again to an organization with dedicated staff. It was hard at first. I can’t blame others if they can’t do their part very well because of their priorities.  But I wanted them badly to stay for the organization. In my vision, I know that we can change the way students see the organization, that it’s not just some lame club.

                I believe the new set of Voice people is all ready to lead next school year. This semester has been great for us. Our relationship gets tighter every time we do activities together. I hope this continues though.

FEBIEJANE ALINSUNURIN (Summer Accomplice)

                This girl has been my partner on our quest for the company for our on-the-job training. We went to ABS-CBN, GMA, Killerbee, Wild FM, risk our virginities at some FM station located in Pioneer, and finally settled at Lorenzo Accounting, Auditing, Realty and Law offices with Leonel and Jefferson.

                When I found out that miFebie (that’s what I call her) can be my companion for the entire summer, I somehow felt that pressure of keeping up with her. We’ve been classmates for two and a half years then but we never had the chance to talk for hours or eat together. She’s one of the top accountancy students in our batch and my head’s up to her because of her humble brilliance. miFebie has this default look, stare, smirk and aura which intimidates strangers, including me. If you only know her by name, you would say that she’s SUPLADA, MAYABANG, and MALDITA. I know because I’d been there. But when the OJT started, I came to realize one thing, I WAS WRONG. I was completely wrong when I thought she was MAYABANG. She’s completely the opposite! She’s a genius but she wouldn’t make you feel that she’s one and you’re not. She’s more PALAK than me; more diligent than I am and she admits her weaknesses like she doesn’t care if everyone’s gonna laugh at her for that.

                The Lorenzo days are still very fresh on my mind. I remember the night when I was not in myself. I was computing and computing and still I cannot get the same totals. I was just keying in to the calculator the wrong figures. I almost cried because of the dumbness and exhaustion that I felt. But lucky and blessed was me because miFebie was there to save the day! She recalculated all the figures and got the balance in just few tries. That’s what I call, our TANDEM. She compensated my weakness in accounting. And I was glad to help her in computer stuffs. We collide, eh?

                Our summer was way dramatic and fun compared to our classmates’. Whenever I think of the lunch breaks, time manipulations, afternoon sneak outs to grab our snacks, hot working environment, business attires, my caught-in-the-act sleeping, our daily notebook, our one of a kind superiors, Atty. Lorenzo’s meaningful stories and advices, our bribes to the employees, and miFebie’s horrible yet laugh-trip-to-the-max personal stories, I become really nostalgic. She made my summer UNFORGETTABLE. Oh my gosh! Am I falling for her? Bwaaahhhahaha! Kidding.

                You have no idea how much I learned to love this girl. Her simplicity, her modesty, her natural comedienne persona, her frankness, her thoughtfulness and diligence are just few of her characteristics that made people love her more. And just this summer, I was the addition to the list of people who was inspired and who loves Febyang. I know in my heart that someday, miFebie’s going to be successful and that she would stay as the FebiejaneAlinsunurin we all have loved and admired.

                I LALALALALAB YOOOOUUUU miFEBIE!

               

MEOWRKS (Kaye, Dana, Vergie, Jane and Gladys)

                No pressure. No demands. Go with the flow.

                This is what I like about these girls. Since they let me in to the group, I never felt that “you-don’t-belong” feeling. Each of them has different personalities yet they still get along with each other. We seldom get completed but the absence of one does not start any argument or tampuhan. Because of this group, I realize that if someone wants a friendship to last, UNDERSTANDING is the KEY PART to achieve it.

KAYE PERATERO

                Kaye’s like Dana. She’s always not in sight. But despite her really busy schedule, she sees to it that she could make time for us. She’d rather cancel what’s already planned to be with us when we call her. Though sometimes we bully her when she’s around, I love the fact that she doesn’t care. She laughs with us instead. She might look so serious but I tell you, she also has that bubbly and funny side that we love. And oh! She has a future as a chef! If not because of her, we wouldn’t have something to eat on the night of my birthday.  I, however, regret that we only had a few bonding moments together. But my hope’s still up for our date. I’m soooo looking forward to that! I LOVE YOU BIBI KAYE!

DANA VIC DY

                I never expected Dana to cause my tears… of joy! Hahah! And those tears still come back whenever I remember that one perfect incident during our retreat! Let me tell you, I, Vergie and Dana were at the mess hall for our dinner. “ Guys! Angsaraplaginito?!,” Dana said referring to the fried Tilapia. I realized then that it might be her first time to eat such viand. I and Vergie were glad for her until one second; she’s cramming and was calling our attention for help. NATINIK SIYA SA DILA!!!!And she wants me to get it straight from her tongue. And because I was an evil friend, instead of helping her, I burst out from laughter. My tears and sweat were already falling. But hey, I tried keeping myself calm. I just can’t! It’s my first time to see someone getting so nervous about being in such situation. And knowing Dana, she might have thought that it’s her last day on earth! Vergie’s not innocent during that time at all. She also laughed hard! Really hard!

                Hahaist… That’s one happy memory I had with Dana. I never thought she has that side that could make us laugh. Her innocence about some normal things makes her cute and funny without her giving efforts. Sometimes she gets curious of why did we laugh at something she said, and when she starts to ask, we laugh harder. Hahaha!

                LEDE LOVES YOU BIBI DANA!

VERGIE LOU LARA

                Just because of the Eng 12 subject, I and Vergie got close. Scrupulously, I was afraid of her when I first came in to the group. Yeah, like me, Vergie also has this intimidating aura that drives strangers away. But I found out that Vergie’s one of the funniest person you could ever be with! She’s the most fashionista among the group and I admire her ability to turn simple clothes to pretty ones. Maybe her way of carrying those clothes also adds factor to her style.

                Well aside from the style, I discovered that she’s a very caring person, a mature thinker. She’s not that serious but I could tell that she sees things more maturely than I am, than Jane’s, than Gladys’s. However, I was also surprise to find out that Vergie has a crazy side. She makes fun of us, of herself and of others. When she’s in the mood to laugh, you’ll be infected as well. If she’s in the mood for a bully, you’ll have to extend the length of your patience because she’ll do whatever it takes to annoy you. Haha!

For the last semester, Vergie was my companion and my confidant. It was a good thing that I have her throughout the adjusting and shifting phase of my life. I didn’t miss my everyday pals, Jane and Gladys, so much because of her. She taught me good things without her knowing that she did. I think this is the first time that I’m gonna tell this, her EYES are her assets. ;)

                I LOVE YOU YAYA VERGIE!!!!

CRISTY JANE CORPUZ

                I could not forgive myself if I wouldn’t include her as a person of my year. Why? Well… if you have read my People of my Year 2011, you will remember some of the description I said out of sarcasm for this creature.

Well, with regard to her DEFAULT LOOK, it’s still there. Haha! But hey, I could say that I can only see it less often this year. To tell you, Jane’s been pulling my conscience because of the things that I’ve said. She told me that she’s just misunderstood. I was happy because she reacted. I appreciate that she appreciated and noted my comments.

                That was a year ago. For another 366 days that I’ve lived with Jane in sight, I can testify how much CHANGE Jane had injected into her system. If I’m not mistaken, that’s been her motto since 2012 started. Sometimes I ask myself if I did the right thing of sharing what I think of her because she might have accepted it negatively. But I believe not. Jane’s level of opposition decreased. No wonder why Jane’s gained more friends this year. This year, I discovered how loving of a friend Jane is. She doesn’t care if all her allowance will be spent just to treat us for a celebration.  She’ll do what it takes to do the favors you ask her. I love it when I see her laughing or smiling. It refreshes my day. ;)

I apologize, though, if I misunderstood her for what she is. But you know what? I look up to her for her open-mindedness about other people’s criticisms about her.

                Jane’s one of the good people that I will never forget until I die! I declare that!

               

              I LOVE SHYOOU BIBI JANE!

G|LADY|S MENDOZA

                I WOULD NOT DENY THAT, SO FAR, I’D BEEN SPENDING MOST OF MY PRECIOUS TIME WITH THIS UNPREDICTABLE, ABNORMAL CREATURE FOR THE PAST YEAR. Well, why could I not be? We live few blocks away from each other; I benefit from their free air-conditioned room and internet connection; they have the sweetest bitch and pupps ever; PLUS, I get to enjoy the foods on their table. This past sem break, I’d been staying in their house almost every day! (MAKAPAL MUKA KO EH! ) She and her sister even call me their AMPON. And… I liked that term and the amenities I get from the Mendoza home!

                Ironically, I was the one who laughed at Jane for being such a fan of Gladys when she makes kwento about her before. But now, look at me. As much I hate to admit it, I found a BEST & TRUE FRIEND and a SISTER in her. I think I’d never shared this before. Gladys was the one who broke in to our house and brought a lot of foods. It was the day when I found out about my Advanced Accounting grade. Gladys knew I was sobbing the whole day though I didn’t tell her. When I found out that she’s outside, I turned off the lights – to shoo her away because I know that she’s afraid of the dark – and ran to the room to hide my swelling eyes! Hahaha! She went in hugged me from my back (ka-sweet!) and tried to uncover my face to look at my eyes (ai! Bad pala!). She was strong enough to pull the pillow. Lucky me that I have held my tears longer so she wouldn’t see and laugh about it…

                Now I know what Jane felt when Gladys visited to bring foods to comfort her. I never thought Gladys would also do that for me. I don’t care if she mocked my eyebags to make me laugh. I knew all along that she spent her money for all those ice creams and stuff, but she didn’t mind. That’s the way she shows us how far she would go to make her friends feel her presence and comfort. And because of that, I promised myself that I would be there for her and for my other beloved friends whenever and as much as I can.

Gladys is absolutely not that emoteratype who would cry with you when you tell her your sad story. In contrast, she’s the type of that friend who will effortlessly make you laugh and will make you stop crying and feeling bad. No wonder why she easily gets along with different groups of people with different personalities from each other.

                Thanks to Gladys ‘coz I don’t have to torture myself to boredom. You know how much happiness you give me whenever I get the chance to bully you! Haha!

                I LOVE YOUUUUU TODO-TODO YAYA/ BEATS/ BEBE GLADYS!

               

               My 2012 journey was the craziest of all roller coaster rides. I suffered with my really sick health, I blamed it for my lack of diligence on studying; I failed from being a BSA student, I sobbed to death; I picked up all my shattered courage to stand up and face everyone and everything again; I  prepared myself for sympathies and criticisms; I made one of the most important and hardest decision of my life; I prepared myself for adjustments; I felt regrets; I felt reliefs; I apologized; I forgave; I met new friends; I said hello to old friends; I learned from my mistakes; I got confuse; I found love; I found peace; I earned happiness despite everything that’s happened. I also realized how important it is to open-up your feelings to worthy people like the people of my year. It’s a once in a lifetime chance to share moments with such good ones and a lifetime achievement to know them and to learn from them. They and my other friends, relatives, and experiences are my blessings from God. I know I’m not a religious person, but I guess, if God don’t love me for that, He wouldn’t bring this happiness. I pray for another worth-remembering and extravagant 2013, not just for me, but for all the people I love and care for. J

I’M EXCITED TO MEET THE PEOPLE OF MY YEAR 2013! YEHEY!