My Erpats’ Angioplasty and Pacemaker Operation

I’m back! Pasensya na dahil maraming mga bagay-bagay ang naganap. Marami lang akong iniligtas na inaapi… at marami rin akong inapi. Charot.

Last February 23 (Thursday), my dad was admitted to Our Lady of Perpetual Help Medical Center in Las Piñas City for his angiogram, angioplasty, and pacemaker operation. Prior to that, he had medical checkups to Dr. Ma. Rosario Sevilla M.D., his cardiologist (Uhm, she’s not related to us. Galing no? Kaapelyido pa namin and kapangalan ng isang ate ko), at Asian Medical Center and Hospital in Alabang. He was adviced by his doctor to undergo those procedures after he was found having an irregular heartbeat.

Mahirap talaga pag ang tao ay tumatanda. Aside from battling sagging skin and gray hair, there are more serious health conditions we have to monitor and prevent. Diabetic ang tatay ko. Maraming complications ang sakit na diabetes; it even doubles the risks of cardiovascular diseases. He also used to smoke 15 years ago so he developed Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (chronic bronchitis + emphysema) as he gets older. Last year, my dad was also hospitalized because of pneumonia.

This year, he underwent series of ECG and it was found out that he was suffering from cardiomyopathy or the disease of heart muscle. It results to arrhythmia wherein there’s an irregular electrical signals to his heart, thus, resulting to irregular heartbeats. Since ECG is limited only to detect irregularities on patient’s heart electrical activity, the doctor could only guess that there was a possible arteriosclerosis. She advised my father to have angiogram to detect any obstruction in his blood vessels.

My dad was also told that he might need to undergo angioplasty and pacemaker operation after angiogram. The entire operation is less invasive compared to bypass surgery and it will take almost a week for him to recover. Angioplasty is done to widen the narrowed blood vessel while pacemaker, a device larger than 5-peso coin, is placed to regulate the heart beat.

Ok. Sorry for high falutin scientific terms. I’m trying my best to make you understand the procedures. Parang impeachment trial, may terms na mahirap or imposible i-translate sa ating wika. Anyway…

My family discussed this overnight since we had to decide as soon as possible. Considering that the operation is too expensive, we considered a lot of factors (ie. cost of procedure, hospital & medical fees, distance of hospital from our home). We were eyeing for Philippine General Hospital in Manila but it’s too far. Finally we settled at ‘Perps’ since it’s less expensive than Asian Med (Eh parang hotel kung makasingil dun) and closer to where we leave. Also we are referred to Dr. Eric Oliver Sison who will be performing the operation.

We were scheduled to bring him early morning of February 23. As soon as we brought him to his room, a finance staff assisted my older sister and  sister-in-law and explained the payment procedures, while I helped my dad change into his hospital gown. By 8 am, he was brought in the operating room for angiogram, first angioplasty, and pacemaker implantation. In just an hour, it was done. Ambilis nga eh. Then he was returned to our room, looking groggy due to sedatives.

The unit area where we were staying (the cardiovascular intensive unit section) is strict: only 2 people are allowed to stay and only 2 visitors are permitted according to time schedule. Ugali pa naman ng family ko na kapag may naoospital, parang buong baranggay ang bumibisita. So we had to take turns. 2 would enter the area while most of us wait at the holding area.

I had to take care of him the entire day everyday since I was the only one who had ample free time. My ate would accompany me on mornings while my younger sister during evenings. Mom would visit in the afternoon during her break since she needs to handle her business. I took a day-off on Saturday since I had a scheduled photoshoot for Mr. & Ms. APC 2012 pageant, and returned the night of the following day.

I got the chance to have time for my tatay (that’s what we usually call him) even in that worse scenario. Being the panganay of the second family, I felt responsible and at the same time lucky. I know we are way too different since we have a wide age gap (he’s 76 and I’m 25) but on that moment, everything is settled. I may misunderstand  him but he needs me. I’m not like those children who are showy about their love and care to their parents (saying ‘I love you’ or hugging/kissing) but giving time when he needs is my humble way of my responsibility and gratitude for him. That was also my way of repaying what he sacrificed for me even if he is strict like a military personnel.

It feels great when you take good care of your parents. Though it was challenging at first, the experience was rewarding. Other than being familiar with health-related stuff/being informed about diseases and prevention, I gained trust and confidence from my father. He finally realizes my potentials and aspirations in life.

He was discharged on February 27 (Monday). Right now he is doing great. He is finally recovering. Biniro pa siya na since maginhawa na ang pakiramdam niya, baka masundan pa ang bunso namin sa pamilya. His wound from the surgery is healing.

I would like to thank those who prayed for him. I was very anxious before the operation kaya I couldn’t stop tweeting about my feelings at that time. Salamat sa mga suporta at dasal ninyo. Syempre, thanks to God for his successful operation.

I am also grateful to my siblings. In times of trials, we remain intact and supportive. That’s what the advantage of having 10 brothers and sisters. Gulat ka, no?

About the bill… wag niyo na tanungin kung magkano inabot. Masakit pag-usapan. Hehe.

So other than the heart-warming experience, what did I learn? Health is a serious issue. Good thing I don’t smoke and I don’t usually drink alcohol. Siguro dahil nakita ko ang complications from my father. A lot of factor should also be considered for a healthy living: proper nutrition and food intake, enough sleep and hydration, exercise, and healthy lifestyle. In that way, we can lessen the risk of the diseases.

Yun nga lang pag ikaw ang naging tagabantay. Aside from forcing to watch what your dad likes to watch (in case, the Impeachment Trail of CJ Corona) or mamemorize mo na ang bawat kanto ng kwarto na tinutuluyan mo , you are prone to eating a lot particularly those from nearby fastfood chains. Andaming malalapit na kainan sa ospital… Mcdo, KFC, Shakey’s, Sinigang Express, Goodah… etc. I was craving for McDonalds but after few days, sumuko ako. Napurga ako sa trans fats.

Love your parents. Love your family. Love yourself. Love your health.

Hot like Mexico, rejoice!

PS. BY THE WAY, hindi ko makakalimutan yung isang nurse na nag-assist sa erpats ko. Natipuhan ko naman. Simpleng maganda siya. Hindi nakakaintimidate pero ewan bakit natorpe ako. I remember when my kuya handed me enough money to buy food for those who were staying for the night, he told me to buy also for the nurse staff. Eh nagkataon na duty niya. So I decided to buy Shakey’s. I bought an extra regular sized pizza for them. Sana pala binilhan ko siya just for herself. Nung inabot ko yung pizza for them, hindi ako makatingin sa kanya. Muntanga lang. Haha!

Dennis Reyes: The Man Who Always Smiles

Hindi ako makapaniwala. Ambilis ng mga pangyayari. Nagbukas ako ng Facebook ko kaninang 4 PM at isang nakakalungkot na balita ang aking nalaman. Wala na si Sir Dennis…

Hindi ko mapigilang lumuha at maging matamlay. At magulat. Hindi ko inaakala na isang iglap ay nawala na ang isa sa pinakamamahal na propesor sa APC.

Hindi ko naging professor si Sir Dennis Reyes kailanman dahil ako ay isang AB Multimedia Arts student (he’s the program director of SoCSIT).Nakilala ko lamang siya ng bahagya hanggang sa nagkaroon ako ng pagkakataon na makausap at makatrabaho siya.

Di ko inaasahan na ang aking unang sabak sa career ng photography ay sa CSIT (wala pang School of CSIT nun) mula sa paanyaya ni Joyce Gutierrez at ng kanyang JPCS officers. That was 2007; CSIT Week 2007. First-ever project ko nun ay ang Mr. CSIT 2007. Kinuha akong photographer ng pageant promotion. Pero may isa pang hiling si Joyce nun na kung maaari ay kuhanan ko rin ang mga officers pati ang advisers nila na si Sir Dennis at Ms. Rhea Valbuena. Mas kinabahan ako dahil mga professors from ibang course ay pipicturan ko.

And the rest was a grateful history. Naging suki ako sa mga CSIT pageants at sumunod na rin ang mga oportunidad sa ibang courses. But the best part was working with people and being acknowledged by them. At naramdaman ko yun kay Sir Dennis. Biruin niyo ginawaran ako bilang ‘honorary CSIT member’? I’m so blessed and honored. Kaya everytime na pinag-uusapan kung paano ako nagsimula bilang photographer, hindi ko kinakalimutan kung saan ako nagsimula at sino ang mga taong tumulong sa akin.

Di ko man naging professor siya pero alam kong mapalad ako na makilala siya. Alam kong may kapansin-pansin sa kanya: ang pagngiti. At kahit hindi mo man siya kilala ng lubusan, basta’t makasalubong mo siya sa corridors o elevator ng APC, ngumiti lang at bumati sa’yo ay paniguradong gaganda ang takbo ng iyong araw. Gumagaan ang pakiramdam kapag ngumingiti siya sa iyo. Nakakawala ng bad vibes.

Pinatunayan ni Sir Dennis na hindi hadlang ang katayuan ng isang nilalang sa pakikipagkapwa tao. Kahit hindi ka niya naging estudyante o nagmula ka sa ibang course, basta binati mo siya ng ‘Good Morning, Sir’ ay masusuklian ka ng  pagbati. Minsan, siya na mismo ang bumabati sa iyo. Wala nang sasarap pa sa pagbati sa iyo ng ‘magandang araw’.

He is a man of dedication, professionalism, and hardwork. Hands on siya magtrabaho. Even to student activities, as much as he can talagang aattend siya ng events/programs para manuod at sumuporta. He is not a boss but a leader who inspires. At hindi natin dapat kalimutan na malaki rin ang nagawa at nagampanan ni Sir Dennis para sa school particularly sa IT education. Being one of the 4 Center of Excellence in IT won’t be possible without him.

3 bagay ang makikilala mo kay Sir Dennis: ang kanyang Herbie na Volkswagen na laging nakaparada sa parking lot ng school; ang kanyang mga ngiti; at ang kanyang kabaitan.

People’s admiration is a guarantee of Sir Dennis Reyes’ heart of gold. His willingness, sincerity, and kindness made him lovable. Wala akong naririnig na negative about him. Kaya hindi ako nagtataka kung bakit ganoon ang pagmamahal at paghanga sa kanya. Mapagmahal siya sa kanyang pamilya at sa kanyang trabaho kaya nasusuklian siya ng mas higit pa sa kanyang ibinibigay. At kahit marami ang pumupuri sa kanya, he stays humble.

Natuwa ako kasi yung drawing ko ginawa mong profile picture mo sa Facebook tapos kinulayan mo pa. But so sad at the same time dahil ito ang huling profile picture mo…

His life becomes an inspiration. His legacy will continue. His infectious smile will forever linger. A great servant of God. Thank you for everything, Sir Dennis Reyes. Sobrang nagpapasalamat po ako sa inyo. You were able to touch everyone’s lives and I’m very fortunate to be one of them.

Teacher… mentor… adviser… colleague… friend… father… inspiration… The Man Who Always Smiles… you will always be remembered and loved.

*All photos are from his Facebook account.

Hot like Mexico, rejoice!

The Missing Alice

For behind the scenes, go here.

“The Missing Alice”

Photography by Raecen Dimacali

Styled by April Japzon

Make up by Muriel Vega Perez & Gia Lalu

Hair by Boggy Diaz

Models
Marii Apelo
Rubie Ganzon
Jasmine Baker
Miel Nkanta
Toney Sevilla

Art Direction by April Japzon

Shoot Assistants
Alexis Ferrer
Ethan Zoreta
Lei Solas

Special thanks to Dancing Machine Philippines Studio & Cinerent

Salamat sa mga nakasama ko Sa uulitin

Hot like Mexico, rejoice!

The Missing Alice, behind the scenes

Sa wakas, pwede ko na i-post ito. Nabigyan na ako ng go-signal.

Last July 31, a month ago, naging bahagi ako ng napakasaya at napakaglamorosong fashion pictorial ng aking bagong friend na si April Japzon. Ito ay kanyang Finals project para sa kanyang Styling class under veteran supermodel Ms. Marina Benipayo (correct if I’m wrong, April) since nag-aaral siya sa School of Fashion and Arts.

Inimbitahan niya ako sa project niya ilang buwan na ang nakalipas. Willing ako tumulong since gusto ko rin makita at maging kabahagi ng pictorial (dahil isa akong training fashion photographer). Pero di ko inaasahang gagawin niya akong extra model. Nagulat ako pero hindi ako nagdalawang isip. Umoo kaagad ako. Binigyan niya ako ng ideas kung ano ang mangyayari at ano ang dapat dalhin. Mas lalo ako naexcite na magsusuot ang mga models ng designer clothes, at ako ay mapalad na makakasuot ng creation ni Mr. Gerry Katigbak. I was in cloud 9.

Pinaghandaan ko talaga ng husto ang pictorial. At dahil marami ang makakakita, ayoko rin mapahiya. Plus, pangarap ko maging model. Sa awa naman ng Maykapal, hindi ako masyado binisita ng mga pimples at naging malusog para sa pictorial. Nanghiram pa ako ng boots. At nanindigan ako sa turo ni Tyra Banks. Kaya nagpractice ako ng tinatawag na ‘smize’ habang nakaharap sa salamin.

Sa baba ay makikita niyo ang video ng behind the scenes ng pictorial namin.

At hindi ko pinalampas ang pagkakataong kumuha ng pictures. Alam kong hindi ko pa maaaring ilathala ang mga photos hangga’t wala pang pahintulot. Pwede kong ilabas after ng project presentation niya.

Pansamantalang binulabog ni Miss Hairstylist na si Boggy Diaz (left) ang malapugad na kinky hair ng aking apo na si Miel (right) para sa pictorial. No wonder na hanggang titig na lang si Tweety Bird.

Lights courtesy of Cinerent (kung nais niyo pong alamin ang contact details, hindi po ako ang tamang taong mapapagtanungan). Ansaya at sarap ng feeling pag nakakakita ka ng mga ilaw at ng mismong production set, lalo na pag kabilang ka sa models. Kung nasanay ako bilang isang photographer, this time isa ako sa kukuhanan. Don’t worry, hindi ako naging primo ballerina. Naging ballerina lang naman ako.

Ito ang makeup baggage ni Muriel Vega Perez (kaanu-ano niya si Vega ng Street Fighter?).  Kung tutuusin, hindi lang kit or baggage. Masasabi kong isang mobile makeup room ang dala niya. Pag bukas nito, animo’y may lumitaw na parlor sa harapan mo. Kumpletong-kumpleto. May ilaw pa. Sa susunod, may dressing room na kasama. Sayang wala akong litrato na kasama siya. Super kwela at nakakatawa si Muriel. Kung hindi ako nagkakamali, isa siyang registered nurse pero sumasideline siya as makeup artist din. At hindi basta-bastang makeup artist si Muriel: nakapagtrabaho at nafeature na siya sa mga magazine and production pictorials. (Tama na ang bola haha.)

Ito ang mga damit na susuotin para sa project ni April. Take note: designer clothes. Di basta-basta na damit. Nagmula ang mga damit kina Alodia Cecilia Sales, Pablo Cabahug, Chris Diaz, at sa mga sikat na sina THE Mama Renee Salud, Veejay Floresca (of the finalists of Project Runway Philippines, season 1. Ang ganda ng creations niya, pramis.) and si Puey Quiñones. Ang sinuot kong damit ay gawa naman ni Gerry Katigbak, isa rin sa mga hinahangaang fashion designers dito sa Pilipinas. Kaya halong excitement at kaba ang naramdaman ko dahil magsusuot ako ng isang designer menswear. Masaya dahil first-time at kinakabahan kung mabibigyan ko ng hustisya ang damit. Mahirap makulong. Joke.

Si Miel habang kinukuhanan ng picture ni Master Raecen Dimacali (both of them are my schoolmates). Parehong bilib ako sa kanila. Magaling magmodel at magproject si Miel. Top Model material. Si Raecen naman magaling kumuha ng litrato. Top Photographer material. Ako?

Ako at si Miel habang nagpapahinga. In fairness ang ganda ng lip color niya. Anong name? Chicken Curry Yellow? Sino manufacturer? Si Aling Maybelline ba? Ako naman ay gumamit ng sebo mula sa LM… Lucky Me Supreme La Paz Batchoy. Di lang makintab, may lasa pa.

Accesories courtesy of Mickey See. Yes, see the accessories by Mickey See. Wow, it rhymes. Andaya, bakit wala akong accessories? Sana kahit pwet ng baso pinasuot sa akin. Joke.

Shoot was done at Dancing Machine Philippines Studio near Uniwide Parañaque. Isa siyang ballet and dance school na nagtatago sa isang subdivision sa Parañaque. Noong una, nahirapan akong hanapin yung lokasyon ng pictorial at muntik na akong lapain ng asong tumatahol (natural, alanganing tumitilaok) sa kapitbahay. Aside from ballet paintings sa studio, nakita ko tong ballerina figurine na mukhang santo. Kulang na lang suotan ng damit at kabitan ng halo at aras. Medyo nakakatakot yung itsura ng figurine. Baka mamaya gumalaw.

Blocking (positioning and testing kung maganda ang itsura sa picture) by Raecen with Jasmine (seating, left) and Rubie (standing, right). Or baka may nakita silang ipis.

It was Rubie’s time to shine. Galing ah. Suot ni Rubie ang kulay Ruby na damit. Gawin itong tongue twister. Repeat until fade. Teka, pwede rin siyang si Rubi, ang bidang kontrabida.

Oh ha, oh ha. May label pa talaga ang damit ko. At natuwa ako dahil tama ang spelling ng palayaw ko. Hindi ako kumitil ng buhay, sa wakas. Dapat ay kukuhanan kami ng picture sa pintuan (hence, ‘door scene’) ngunit nagbago ang plano. Buti na lang hindi natuloy. Mahirap kuhanan ang mukhang pinto sa pinto. (Nilait na naman ang sarili.)

Pakiramdam ko humawak ako ng pilak (hindi talaga ginto, no?) nung nasa kamay ko na yung damit na susuotin ko. Dahil proud ako, kinuhanan ko yung label ng damit. Sana balang araw, afford ko na bumili ng mga damit na katulad niyan. Mas maganda kung magdonate kayo sa akin. Yung totoo, evacuee?

Astig tong coat-of-arms/insignia/whatever-you-may-call-it. Reminds me of Bench. And gusto ko yung texture ng damit. Bagay sa mga mamalimig na klima tulad ng opisinang wagas na wagas ang airconditioning.

Sa wakas, may makeup na ako courtesy of Muriel. Medyo naiinsecure ako habang minemakeupan niya ako kasi baka iniisip niya, nagmamake-up ba siya ng mukha o ng mukha ng buwan. May craters eh. (Nilait ang sarili.) Pero ang galing. Nawala ang mga marka. Hindi na ako mukhang buwan. Mukha na akong Jupiter. Salamat Muriel, RN.

At eto na nga. At dahil may pagka “Alice in Wonderland” ang tema ng shoot, ibinigay sa akin ni April ang karakter na White Rabbit. Ewan ko ba kung dahil ipinanganak ako sa Year of the Rabbit o mukha akong kuneho. Gayupaman, hindi naman literal na Alice in Wonderland. Isang inspiration lamang at isang fashion interpretation ang pictorial. Kaya wala akong tenga ng isang kuneho at naniniwala ang stylist na kaya ko i-feel ang personality ni White Rabbit. Kengkoy. Makulit. Muntanga minsan. Pero lovable.

Syempre di mawawala ang paborito kong pose: ang papogi pose. Di ko na pala kelangan ng rabbit ears. May rabbit nose naman ako. Leche, ang ganda talaga ng coat.

At kung inyong mapapansin at mapupuna, white stocking lang ang suot ko sa pambaba. Nakabrief lang ako sa pang-ilalim. Kung nakatayo, mukha namang palda kaya walang bahala. Pag nakaupo na ako, yun lang. Felix Bakat na. Ika nga ni Muriel… “Santolan Station, Santolan Station”. Pero cool nga eh, mukha akong aabay sa Royal Wedding. Kulang na lang ng unan, singsing, at aras, ringbearer na ako. And by the way, nais ko pong pasalamatan si ginoong Mech Serva sa brown boots na aking sinuot. Sarap mag boots. Pakiramdam ko isa akong cowboy na macho dancer. Salamat, Mech. I love you pare. Haha.

Change attire si Marii. Siya ang pinakastar at pinakakawawa(?) dahil sa dami ng wardrobe layouts.

Parang graceful flamingo na sasayaw ng Swan Lake. Galing ni Marii. Napakagraceful at effortless ng poses niya. And may pagkahawig siya kay Ina Raymundo.

Habang nagpapahinga at hinahanda ang susunod ni eksena. Mga bandang hapon na yan.

Antagal daw mamili ng damit si Marii kaya naimbyerna si saleslady. Joke. Ito ang shot ng model with the stylist para sa layout ng project. Syempre, di magpapatalo si soon-to-be Liz Uy. (Uy April, kunin mo akong Vince Uy ah. Ginawa mo na kasing Marc Nicdao si Raecen eh.)

Sinisigurado nila April, Raecen, at Ethan kung nakakuha sila ng magandang shot. At teka. Ethan, pose ba yan o makati ba pwet mo?

My anak, Lei, and Miel. Hands down to Lei’s support. Siya ang tagadocument ng mga nangyayaring kababalaghan sa pictorial. Siya ang tumulong at kumontak sa akin nung ako ay naliligaw sa kalsada habang papunta sa location.

Si April at Raecen with his totem-face expression. Bow ako sa inyong dalawa.

At syempre… hindi mawawala ang asaran at harutan sa likod ng pictorial. Meet the EaPril loveteam. Parang binisayang April lang. Mukhang mag-asawa: yung tipong kailangang magtanim ng palay si Eathan para lang sa wedding gown ni April. Kasalukuyang nilalanggam ako habang tinatype ito. Bigyan niyo ak ng Baygon. Gagawin kong pabango.

Ang finale. Namangha ako sa ganda ni Marii at sa damit niya na mala-wedding gown (uy, walang malisya sa paghanga ko ah). Bongga yung gown na tipong pwedeng ipantapat sa wedding dress ni Kate Middleton. Mahaba ang train, tipong aabot ng EDSA at pwedeng sumakay ang mga abay. Di ko lang nakuhanan ng picture na nasa ilalim si April.

Too bad wala akong picture habang kinukuhanan ako. Pero imagine kung gaano ako kainspired at masaya habang naging bahagi ako ng photoshoot. Salamat talaga, April. Salamat din sa mga nakasalamuha ko. Sa uulitin.

Ilalagay ko sa ibang blog entry ang finished product dahil ayokong magreklamo kayo sa tagal ng pagload at haba ng blog entry na ito. Here’s the link of the photos! ^_^

Hot like Mexico, rejoice!

Origin of Symmetry exhibit

Nakalimutan ko itong i-post. Natabunan ng trabaho, busy schedules, at mga labahing damit.

Despite my busy schedule, I try my best to relax and unwind. And isa sa mga gusto kong gawin ay gumala: specifically, pumunta ng art exhibits.

Last July 20, I went to The Origin of Symmetry solo art exhibit by Mr Wesley Valenzuela at Art Informal in Greenhills, San Juan. I hadn’t met him personally and I barely knew him except he was one of the artists of most controversial Kulo exhibit (remember Mideo Cruz?). Kaya it would be my opportunity to meet him in person.

Tinapos ko muna yung trabaho ko and then I left the office at around 5:30 PM. Hindi ako sumakay ng MRT dahil natatakot ako sa rush hour (tipong siksikan at tulakan) so I just took a bus ride. Syempre, aircon bus. Pero ganun din ang sinapit ko: natagalan sa pagsakay at nung nakasakay na, inabot ako ng traffic. Bumaba ako sa bandang SM Megamall dahil inip na inip ako sa loob ng bus and I was having second thoughts kung tutuloy pa ako.

I decided to stroll around the mall hanggang sa nakita ko si Art, one of ABMA sophomore student/friend. Ewan ko kung nakita niya ako pero imposible dahil nagkaharapan kami sa escalator though we were riding in opposite directions. Ako naman tong tanga, hindi ko man lang naisipan na tanungin siya kung pupunta siya sa exhibit para may kasabay na rin ako.

Hanggang sa may tumawag na rin sa akin. I thought it was Inch pero si JC pala, Akala ko kasi number ni Inch yung tinetext ko habang papunta. Naglakad ako to POEA-Ortigas hanggang Megamall. Nauwi sa instant cardio excerise.

Actually, it was my first time to go to Greenhills area. Para akong promdi, kulang na lang mag ‘ala-eh’ ako. The entire neighborhood of Greenhills is posh. Nahiya ang kutis ko. I was talking to JC while he was giving me the direction and finally I found Art Informal. Para siyang typical na bahay until you enter the house/gallery.

And then I saw familiar faces of some ABMA 100 students. Pumunta ako sa kanila kaagad and then told my struggle while getting there. Finally, I was able to see and meet Sir Wesley in person. Hindi ko kasi siya naging professor pero I can tell he is a great teacher as well as an artist.

Finally, meeting my ABMA100 friends. Hindi ako makapagsalita niyan dahil hinihingal pa rin ako.

Akala ko namalikmata ako. SI LOURD DE VERA TALAGA! Inch and I were too shy at first pero kinapalan na namin ang mukha namin. Mabait naman si Sir Lourd.

Finally, Me and the Lourd!

There were dogs walking inside the gallery. Para sa akin, hindi sila aso. Grabe, parang mga kapre version ng dogs. Nakakatakot (since I’m scared of dogs due to past traumatic experience) pero I tried to have a picture with one. Mabait naman.

Of course, I had to check the art pieces. Kaya nga ako pumunta eh, aside from supposedly free food which was unfortunately wala na. Joke.

His artworks spoke about the union between different elements and creating balance or, as the exhibit name suggests, symmetry. For example, there were figurine of seemed-to-be Buddha with the head of Darth Vader and even the exhibit setup itself: distinctive and dynamic obras against the calm all-white gallery walls.

I want some of these figurines! Astig!

Sir Wesley with his students (I was the one who took this shot).

Kulitan as usual. Ang asim ng ngiti ni JC .

Can you spot the original Asian?

We were making fun of Dex’s tattered shirt aka the spider’s web shirt. Talagang nag-effort na magdamit ng ganyan si Dex. Ano sa susunod, pants na gawa sa balahibo ng tarantula?

With Sir Kirby Roxas, also one of APC professors.

Finally, a picture with them. Mukha akong prof.

And since most of them needed to go home (mga bata nga naman), we left the place at around 9 or 10. Nilakad namin ang buong Greenhills (again, manghang-mangha ako na parang promdi) and had an initial plan before going home. Pero hindi natuloy dahil most of the shops were closed na. Naiwang mga bukas na lang ay mamahalin.

Most of them already decided to leave so ang naiwan ay ako, Inch, and Dex. I was urging them para kumain dahil hindi ako kumain before going to the exhibit. Sinamahan na lang nila ako sa 7-11, ang dakilang life saver para sa mga gutom + nagtitipid.

And oh! I almost forgot! While all of us were still at Greenhills sidewalk and deciding who were going home or not, a man in his 30s approached us and begged for help since ‘her mother’ was stabbed to death and needs monetary assistance. He even told us that it was reported in the news. Syempre, naantig ang puso namin at sabay nag-abot ng contribution. Guess what, it was a modus operandi.

Photos courtesy of Inch Arboleda, Kaye Martinez, and Kevin Compañero.

Hot like Mexico, rejoice!