STAMPED

‎Nine days before Christmas, I did something I haven't done in a long time -- send real greeting cards via air mail. It wasn't something that I planned. The idea just came out of nowhere.

I was tasked by my principal to accompany our student writers for a campus journalism competition. Right after the contest proper, we all headed to the mall for lunch. We agreed to meet up after a few hours. I dropped by a bookstore to search for books that I could read for the holidays. I couldn't find any that caught my interest until I saw the greeting cards section. I scanned a few and before I knew it, I had at least five on hand. I, then, searched for a cozy spot in the food court where I could write a short note for the people who will be receiving my cards. After I sealed the envelope, I was ready to go to ... (drum roll, please!)... the POST OFFICE! As I was about to leave, I ran into my students who were on their way back to the venue. I told them that I just might come a little late because I had to mail a few Christmas cards. To my horror, they replied, "Huh, Ma'am, uso pa ba yan? Wala na po atang post office ngayon." Then, it hit me, these days, no one really goes out of his way to send cards or letters via mail. Okay, so I'm too old school. Fine!

You might not agree with me but nothing really comes close to a handwritten letter. It is much more personal than an email or e-card that reaches the receiver in a matter of seconds. A handwritten letter has a heartwarming way of making you feel special because the sender took some time and effort to let you know that he cares...

POSTSCRIPT: I could not believe when the lady behind the window asked for Php55.00 for each! The last time I sent a card, I was charged Php18. Was it really that long ago??

My "Pay-It-Forward" Moment

I used to think that most teens of this generation are apathetic and indifferent. I have just been proven wrong...

Earlier, one student's random act of kindness warmed my heart in more ways than one. Just when I needed someone to help me clean up others' mess, he appeared right on cue. He could have opted to leave as everybody else did but he didn't. I asked him why he was still around and he replied that he was waiting for his father to come pick him up. I reckon, a tiny voice in his head must have told him that someone in the classroom was on the brink of getting buried under a rubble of trash.

It's true then -- the real test of character is when someone does something good when no one is around. May your tribe increase, kid!

Ask Me Not!

There are three annoying questions that I wish I would never have to answer again:

1. How much do you earn?
2. How old are you?
3. When are you getting married?

I will explain in detail why I find these questions insulting and disrespectful.

The first question has no other purpose but to gauge a person's worth. I have been asked this question many times and even now, I purposely evade it for the simple reason that it just doesn't deserve an answer. Whether one is earning too much or too little, it doesn't sound right when he becomes too vocal about his salary. Yes it's true that most of us are judged by the number of zeros we have in our paycheck. However, we seem to forget that one's income has nothing to do with the quality of life that one has. A paycheck should not dictate one's character. It should never be mistaken as an indicator of one's worth. Because ultimately, a paycheck is only a piece of paper. What matters is how well you spend every single cent that you earn.

The second question is always a touchy subject. Back in my 20s, I would eagerly give an immediate reply because there was nothing to be ashamed of. Being 20-something IS a badge of honor and generally, people would always want what they do not have. I often heard people say that I have to make the most of my youth because it passes by so quickly. One moment it's there, the next it has gone out of the window. Now that I'm in my early 30s, my view of the world has changed. And along with it is how I view aging. I detest answering this question because it gives way to many implications. One, I have not built a house for myself. Two, I am not yet married. Three, I have not given birth yet. Yes, I lie about my age. But it's not because I am ashamed of it. I would say I am still in the stage of denial. Allow me to accept it first with all my heart. It will come but not now.

The final question is in a league of its own. First, it becomes a simple annoyance, then it progresses into an insult, a mockery and then eventually, a crime. I don't find this simple query amusing. Behind its innocent guise is a wicked figure. I have personally tried to answer it the best way I could but when it gets too intrusive, I totally lose my temper. I don't want to appear rude to anyone but some people are plain insensitive and they just need to be made aware how far they could go. I often wonder if they would foot the bill for the wedding because they seem more excited than I am. The worst part is, it doesn't end there. When I give an answer that doesn't satisfy them at all, they start lecturing about how risky it would be if I conceive at a later age. As if I didn't know that! My argument is, why can't they just let me be? My decision to marry now or later won't even have a direct effect on them anyway. Some marry early for a reason. While others marry at a later age, also, for a reason. In the end, I will make a decision based on my beliefs and convictions, and not because I gave in to the pressure of the people around me who think they know better.

Finally, I let it all out. Whew, that was a relief!

My Tribute to Hogwarts

I watched the last installment of HP with a heavy heart. It seemed as though I was saying goodbye to people, or more aptly characters, I have known for years.

I take my hat off to Snape, my favorite character. Way before I read Book 7, I knew you weren't who you portrayed yourself to be. My instincts proved me right. Your character is indeed a contradiction and I loved what you stood up for --- ultimate sacrifice. You opted to be depicted as a villain but in reality, you had a genuine heart for people you cared most about. For that alone, you are a hero.

Many thanks J.K. Rowling, for transporting me back to my childhood. For a time, Hogwarts was my virtual "refuge" whenever I felt like getting away from this crazy real world. As a young adult who is constantly plagued by apathy and cynicism, I found comfort in your magical world because you have made me believe in the triumph of good over evil. But more importantly, you have taught me that the best magic there is, is the magic of love.

What's Your Story?

I love watching people in their unguarded moments. Earlier,while having quick merienda at a fastfood joint, I couldn't help but stare at two interesting characters. One was a young mother sitting next to her son. The boy was eating his pasta with gusto unmindful of his mother who was shedding tears while texting on her phone. When I caught her wiping her tears, she looked away. I knew she was going through something really painful. At a nearby table was an old man who was devouring a plateful of fresh lumpia by his lonesome. I was wondering if he had any children he could share his meal with. Truly, EACH HAS A STORY TO TELL. What's yours?

Nostalgia

June 26 (Manila time): It is Day 7 of relentless downpour! When you have too much of something, you just want to scream and say, "I've had enough!" I am breaking my silence -- I've had enough of the rain! My whole week had been unproductive. I guess that's what happens when the first day of the working week falls on a holiday and coupled with heavy rainfall. The succeeding days were worse as announcements of classes being suspended were made. The week just went by with little opportunities for growth.

However,there is something in the rain that brings nostalgia. Poignant memories of the distant past come to life when it rains. Certain emotions resonate when memories of it are triggered. To me, the one that triggered these memories is the rain. Creepy!

My Top 5 List

(Indulge me, I am bored!)

Signs that you're no longer a bagets:
1. You can't watch a Kimerald movie anymore. Di na bagay sa edad! :)
2. You keep in secrecy your eternal admiration for Sharon and Gabby.
3. Your idea of a cool guy is MacGyver.
4. Your favorite teenage song is I Get Lost In Your Eyes by Debbie Gibson.
5. You still enjoy reruns of Batibot, John en Marsha, Flying House, Superbook and Baywatch!
** Guilty beyond reasonable doubt!

What does summer mean to me?

1.I don't need to get up at 5:30 in the morning.
2.I don't need to rush to work to have my finger scanned at exactly 7:30.
3.I can finally catch up on my reading -- my "patay oras" activity.
4.I can devour bowls of ice cream without any tinge of guilt.
5.I can respond to invites in the affirmative.
Summer should be all year round! :)

Dear 2011, be kind to me..

It's a brand new year --- another year to map out what I want to accomplish for 2011. I don't even know where to begin. All I know is, I am very optimistic and hopeful that this year will bring new and better changes in my life.

1. I will visit a new destination this year -- explore whatever this world has to offer.

2. I will show up in parties and gatherings that I have been invited to.

3. I will shop less but earn more in order to give more.

4. I will try to finish my academic subjects in the Graduate School so I can finally receive my long overdue diploma.

5. I will not entertain negative thoughts.

6. I will not overanalyze as it usually triggers my paranoia.

7. I will master the art of accepting reality no matter how harsh it may seem. (Nega ulit!)

8. I will try to reach out to people I have wronged in the past with the hope that better friendships will be nurtured.

9. I will be more forgiving of others.

10. I will be a better version of myself.