#laagnitantong

The message came with a buzz in my pocket: “Flight Borromeo. Tonight. Reunion.” K never failed to gather us, even after all these years. I hesitated, then gave in. Curiosity always wins. The bar was dim, neon lights flickering against bottles lined on the shelves. I spotted familiar faces through the haze. Mel, Len, K, Jo, and Ric— freshly back from California, green card in hand. We greeted each other with cheek kisses, laughter, and the awkward warmth of old classmates reunited. At first, the talk was light, almost rehearsed. Dreams of America. The promise of migration. But soon, the secrets began to spill. Ric leaned back, sighing. "California isn’t what you think. I struggled. Jobs, rent, loneliness… it’s not the dream they sell you." Mel shook her head. "I was scammed by a fake agency once. Lost everything. Now I’ll take any chance, even if it’s hopeless." Jo chuckled, raising his glass. "Not me. I’m staying here. Toyota taught me — ‘Push yourse...

I used to read about it in every articles I got the chance to scan. Since then, it drew in me a dream to one day set my foot on its ground. And now, here I am in Siem Reap, Cambodia to witness the glamour and intricacy of old world's wonder, the Angkor wat and other temples! From now on, I can tell eveyone "I was there!" like the usual t-shirt printing declares. August 27 to 30 is a four-day long holiday in the Philippines. I expected that early this year so I booked a trip to Ho Chi Minh City in Vietnam via the Cebupacificair when it offered a promo fare. Saigon is my point of entry and exit as I cross the border to Cambodia. August 26 came and despite the tiring business (work-related) in the Philippines, I flew to Ho Chi Minh (Saigon) that evening and arrived in the city around 3 o'clock dawn. I initially thought of taking the bus in crossing the border to Siem Reap, but it will took me 13 hours which trip would put my August 27 to waste. Thus I opted to book a f...

I was packed for my first two months in my new office. With these two-month series of activities, I can say that I have indeed a new terms of reference (TOR). The series of trainings I involved facilitating are the following: 1. Training of MFAs on Community Procurement and Financial Management System for KC-AF in Regions X and Caraga on August 7 to 13 at Paras Beach Resort in Mambajao, Camiguin 2. Training of MFAs on Community Procurement and Financial Management System for KC-MCC in Regions CAR and IV-B on August 22 to 26 at Regalia Tower Suites in Cubao, Quezon City 3. Training of MFAs on Community Procurement and Financial Management System for KC-MCC in Regions V, VI and VII on September 5 to 10 at Bohol Plaza Resort in Panglao Island, Bohol 4. Training of MFAs on Community Procurement and Financial Management System for KC-MCC in Region VIII on September 12 to 17 at Ormoc Villa Hotel in Ormoc City Despite the hectic schedules, I still was able to insert a part-time...

I was hired to be a Lecturer on Good Moral and Right Conduct of a Public Employee by the Bureau of Agricultural Research (BAR) of the Department of Agriculture (DA). This was referred to me by Ganni Zorra, a friend from Fabs 30&40s community who also worked in the same department, only under the Philippine Coconut Authority (PCA). I called them DA-BAR which name sounded perfectly like the trendy rhum patronized by youngsters, The Bar. I opened their day with a not-so-serious lecture --- meaning informal that I oftentimes made them laugh at several punchlines. In totality, I believed they enjoyed the whole 3 hours listening to me and participating in all activities I asked them to do with me. My presentation lasted until 2:30pm afterwhich they busied themselves for the fun games and other competitions. And the fun began at 6pm with the 80s dance show and ended at around midnight with the coronation of the Hot Momma 2011. Ganni and I joined the host division in the preparation ...