The word Goodbye

Last Saturday was another day which reminded us of our temporal nature. One of our sisters at Singles For Christ has to go to to Canada in order to fulfil a challenge in life and hopefully land a better one. I created a simple little article at SFC HK Website that I personally maintain.

Looking back to where I was four years ago, it was in a situation where I thought I would be leaving Hong Kong for good yet somehow I managed to stay as people around me marveled on how I did it. Of course it was never me who did it. It was Him. More often than not I think of it as personal achievement. Something that goes along the line that I remained in Hong Kong for a certain reason. Maybe for a couple of years maybe very soon. That is why saying goodbye is handy to me, no matter how painful it is. When you leave people in the house miss you as much as you miss them, miss the times together and all the things that evolve between you and them.

I have seen friends go from where I am now: Onin, Jay, Leo, Raymond, Sheila, Mae, Sel, Benjie, Girlie, Narnie, Shasha, Nyoman, Melissa, Jun, Barbie and still others whom I met through an acquaintance and left before enabling me to know them more. I had my share of laughters with them and with their absence comes the question "who can fill their void?". I used to hear Mass with a group of boys and girls at St Joseph's Church in Central on Saturday nights followed by noisy dinner at Jollibee nearby. Now if ever I hear Mass there, I am on my own, now that Karen, my considered best friend here, has lived farther away.

When I left UIC I had to bear missing my colleagues (which the creation of our Yahoogroups somewhat eased a bit) whom I started my career with for about three years. I had to bear the laid back lifestyle. I had to give up my slot for chatting at Chat Nuke. For the sake of the so-called challenge. Eventually I settled somewhere North where I met my best ever set of officemates and reunited with childhood friend Rizza, who went to the same grade school, high school and university with me. I was happy there but still I had to leave for it was desired by my heart that I go elsewhere and prove I can survive no matter how isolated I would become. I left Chui, Roy, Shelley, Rizza, Candice, Edward and moved further North. I totally gave up the art of playing Starcraft as I embarked on a more challenging piece of work not with a team but on my own. After all, the pay was almost twice I used to get and the office is a spanking high floor at Citibank Tower in Makati's bustling commercial district. I felt I was at the top of the world.

But again, just like a nomad in constant motion and no permanent address, I moved out and got to where I wanted to be. I never tried Jollijeep yet. I missed walking along Jupiter and Nicanor Garcia on Bel Air on my way from home to office and vice versa. I missed hanging out with my buddies Gary, Raul, Peter, Jeannette and my officemates and my relatives in San Andres Bukid as well. It's sad but I had to leave for one opportunity waiting.

Only to realize that I would be redundant in my first job after ten months and fail to score business success in the second. In short I lost my job not once but twice here in Hong Kong. I was like clinging for my dear life just to stay here and work -- and got rewarded. As my friend Jong here would say, I am always in a cliffhanger situation. If I fail to cling firmly it would be my turn to say goodbye. But I have had enough of it and would prefer to take a break, and so I was spared.

Friends come and friends go as we have noticed as we walked across the immense wilderness above the Earth. Some friends are there for a while, and others stick for a long term commitment. Some of my childhood friends remain in strong bind with me even if Joanne used to cry for some of my nasty jokes. While physically apart sets tone and challenges the behaviour of friendship it is where we value them more that we could ever think when they're just a grasp away. Who knows when will I meet up Benjie again who used to be with us here in Hong Kong but now settled in Singapore. Or will I ever meet my college pen pals Shaoi, Michell and Cathy in the future. I don't know.

As Leo, Onin and Raymond first left the flat we used to stay, so is Zandro who got married and Jun who is now in Japan. Even Tintin and Benjie have gone away. I am always left out. And so every moment someone leaves Hong Kong for good, there is a little piece of needle that pinches my heart whether it was Narnie or Girlie or Nyoman or Jun or Shasha or Melissa. I don't know when is the next time I get to meet these people again. And with almost certainty we won't be together, say in one table, sharing thoughts once again. How sad but I realized that the feeling I had was probably the same as what Sir Joel of Zurich felt, the guys at Philweb felt or the old folks at UIC Computer Center felt, when I decided to utter the word Goodbye.

One thing I realized while typing this is that I should treasure each moment I am with my friends. If Russ asks for gimmik, I might agree 25% more. So as Dodo or Jay or Zandro to have a household meeting. Maybe Gino or Mike to meet up Friendster friends. Or Karen's invitation to play squash. Or Rowina's favor to play arcade games in Wan Chai. Or Charlene's treat at Pacific Coffee at Festival Walk. The possibility is almost endless. Live life with friends and life is worth living just before we say Goodbye.

Tax time

It's time of the year when someone has to save money not for himself but for the coffers of the government. Last week I got my tax bill and expect half of my December salary be spent in its payment. And since I have been struggling to get the right address to have my communications sent to me for some reasons the tax may have returned to the IRD office after mailing it to 163 and finding out I was not there. In short I am penalized 5% for not paying on the 4th of January due date. What a headache.

Somehow I don't mind paying tax here. It only shows I have income and not jobless in Hong Kong. Also, Hong Kong handles tax much much more efficiently than the Philippines. And I can easily see where taxpayers money go: roads, public facilities and efficient government service.

Talking about public facilities I have been a frequent visitor in one of them, the Hong Kong Central Library. I go there to read South China Morning Post, National Geographic, write letters (I like the atmosphere apart from ocassional phone rings or raucous patrons), borrow computer books or audio compact discs. This time I borrowed U2 and Christopher Cross albums. Since it's a 17-minute walk from the office and it closes at 21.30 there is little reason for me not to make it. Like staying in office until 11pm as I used to do.

Good and Bad Internet

Bad Internet

I suppose about half of the information posted in the Internet is either a hoax, inaccurate or misleading. Take for example the site of POEA. While people generally view sites as dotcoms, many are not. The official homepage of Philippine Overseas Employment Administration is www.poea.gov.ph yet a direct phishing site www.poea.com is masquerading as one legitmate website. While it does not show the meaning of the acronym POEA, it is obviously trying to emulate the official one.

One would be victim of this scam allegedly prepared $74 for processing her employment to United Arab Emirates. Beware, not all information posted in the Internet are true and even domain names can be deceiving.

Good Internet
I got the chance to look at my younger photos at mintal_barkadas Yahoogroups and it was deeply touching in the sense that it brought back the years passed as our kids neighborhood grew up together. Joanne, Fe, Irmina, Lourdes, Rodel, Cecile, John, Dante, Bimbo, Myra, Lutzie, Warlito, Elisa, Ana Liza, Jergen, Rommel, Rizza. We went to each other's house, celebrating birthdays together, Christmas parties, outings; it was fun to be together.

Photos reminded me I was frail and thin before often with army-cut recommended by my grandma. Got some photos on weird dresses just like 80s bands with strange hairstyles. But it did not matter: Jergen was at ease with Bata Batuta and Zoids; Seven Sexy Ladies were indeed sexy; Quadro De Alas evolved from the original Comedian Brothers. Such languages we felt we were the only ones who would understand.

Gathering again last Christmas in Jack's Ridge it was never boring to hear our stories from the past. After all who would believe Fe was dancing "Lumayo Ka Man Sa Akin" of all her demure personality? Or how many times Dante figured into a fistfight or Rodel's villain appearance often annoyed the girls.

Lourdes has married, Aldrin, Warlito, John, An An and Cecile too. Soon it will be Moking and Rizza's turn. And one by one, we began to drift apart in the sea of responsibility -- something that we need to do once we settle down -- but some things never easily go away: our photos from the past. Rusty and discolored due to test of time, they remain living evidence of our bonding. And thanks to the Internet, I get to see them and start daydreaming.

Ranking my music

I keep on borrowing compact discs at HK Central Library in Causeway Bay. These are audio CDs many of which are from popular artists. I wonder how many people have actually copied them into their own mp3 collection or burned a separate disc itself. Here, people are fond of listening to music while mobile. Though CD walkman is now a rarity because people prefer light and compact devices as possible, gadgets that come in various shapes and sizes are aplenty. Some listen to their mobile phones, mp3 players, md players while in the bus, MTR or basically anywhere.

It inspired me to dig my collection of CDs and give my rating as to which are my best buys and which are not. Pirated CDs not included.

10. Talk On Corners (The Corrs). The Corrs have been my favorite even before they became popular. The melody of then-unheard of violin and bodhran combination plus the versatile Corrs sisters is truly making this album worth keeping. I prefer to listen to this while doing my web design hobbies.

9. The Best of Gin Blossoms (Gin Blossoms). During my college days in the 90s, punk rock was at its peak. Some were raucous, some were worth banging my head, some were simply noisy with shrieks of neutered cats howlingand some were simply "uplifting". A few of the bands I adore during this period is this band whose songs Hey Jealousy, Found Out About You were outstanding.

8. Version 2.0 (Garbage). What I like in this album is the electronica-driven music powered by synth by the creative Butch Vig. I like When I Grow Up, You Look So Fine, The Trick is to Keep Breathing, but my favorite is Dumb which I often imagine my ex-crush dancing to this tune. Wish I brought it with me back from my vacation in Davao last Christmas.

7. Barbie's Cradle (Barbie's Cradle). This is perhaps my only OPM copy bought ever (I could always think of buying True Faith as well). It's because it captures what I want in music, vibrant, full of energy and melancholic as well. Kudos to Barbie Almalbis. I like all the songs here.

6. Best of Johnny Hates Jazz (Johnny Hates Jazz). Most of the songs are reminiscent of my high school days where life is very much simpler. But it also dates back to my days when I was working in Makati for a short period of time. Shattered Dreams and Different Seasons are the ones I like the most. I wish that I could turn back the clock...

5. Singles Collection Vol 1 (Utada Hikaru). I was in my usual CD listening spree in HMV Central when I tried listening to audio previews at the Japanese section. I was intrigued by the popularity of Hikaru ever since I came to Hong Kong (HK people love Japanese and Korean music besides Cantopop and Mandarin songs) and grabbed one copy. I never regret over this risk. My picks are Moving On Without You, Wait & See, Letters and Automatic. This song had me release a nasty comment: J-pop lords it over Cantonese music.

4. Crossover Gold (Various Artists). Bought at a bargain price of about 25 HKD in Davao's Odyssey music shop, this is probably my best valued piece. A relaxing combination from one of my favorite radio stations brings me feel-good experience while at work. Tracks from Kalapana, Pauline Wilson, Clair Marlo and Eric Tagg are among the best.

3. Out of the Vein (Third Eye Blind). Coming out of my senti mood and wanting to freak out, this is one best one to play next to Pantera's Far Beyond Driven and Cowboys from Hell (may Dimebag rest in peace). I liked their first album (self titled debut) because it had more popular hits. But looking at the tracks, though not familiar to those who don't own an album, they deserve some air time.

2. Coil (Toad The Wet Sprocket). This is the album of the band just before they split up and ventured into unsuccessful careers. Compared to earlier compilations, this is more upbeat (Rings, Whatever I Fear) and balanced (Dam Will Break, All Things in Time). I have been a TWS fan longer than being a Phoenix Suns follower and it's difficult for me to lose taste in their type of music.

1. Dulcinea (Toad The Wet Sprocket). This is the one that got me hooked. My most favorite rock song of all time is here (Something's Always Wrong). Glenn Phillips voice is just awesome. Though one of my hatest song is also here (guess what is it, is it a song at all?), what surrounds it makes it beautiful. A memorable one too, being the second ever tape (as in cassette tape) I bought (after Celine Dion's Unison) during our class tour to Baguio and Manila.

Disclaimer:
* Automatic for the People and Out Of Time (REM) could not be included because both were a gift from Lara and Goo Goo Dolls's Dizzy Up The Girl is from Cathy. GGD's Ego, Opinion, Art and Commerce comes slightly behind number 10.

Wishlist:
* New Order's International

Here Come the Suns

This could be the year I have been waiting for. My Phoenix Suns is scorching the opposition in a frenetic pace. At the time of writing, Phoenix is at 28-4 win-loss record, it's best franchise start. Only three teams in the past had better records after 32 games, the most recent was the 1996 Chicago Bulls who went on to set an NBA record of 72 wins and 10 losses for the entire season. Those three teams eventually won the championship.

Whether the Suns end up in the same championshop experience remains to be seen. But it reminds me of 1993 when Phoenix barged into the NBA Finals where it lost to Michael Jordan, Scottie Pippen and John Paxson (now Chicago Bulls General Manager) who threw the title-clinching three pointer. That was the year when Charles Barkley came to town after a trade for Jeff Hornacek, Andrew Lang and Tim Perry to Philadelphia. Ably supporting Barkley were Kevin Johnson, Dan Majerle and Danny Ainge under the tutelage of coach Paul Westpahl.

I know Phoenix inflicted one of the losses in Chicago's incredible 72-10 record.

While years passed by, players came and went through without a better chance of making to the Finals again. Jason Kidd, Tom Gugliotta, Danny Manning, Wayman Tisdale (now a musician!), Oliver Miller, Cedric Ceballos, Michael Finley, A.C. Green, Robert Horry, Sam Cassell, Rex Chapman, Cliff Robinson, Antonio McDyess, George McCloud, Rodney Rogers, Tony Delk, Anfernee Hardaway and Stephon Marbury wore Suns uniforms in a season or another but making not much success.

This season's lineup may break that spell. With Amare Stoudemire, Shawn Marion, Joe Johnson, new recruit Quentin Richardson and returning Steve Nash averaging more than 13 points each, the Suns lead the league in points scored and second in field goal percentage. Nash is leading the assists department while Stoudemire is fourth in scoring, Marion is fifth in rebounding (the shortest and lightest in top 20 rebounders), Johnson is fifth in 3-point percentage. The starting lineup scores 84% of team points which may become a problem once one of them falls into injury. While the bench is not something I can boast, it has a solid point guard backup in Leandro Barbosa (JJ also does the point). Casey Jacobsen can shoot the three and Steve Hunter can defend opposing big men.

While Amare was reluctant to be called a center and insists he is a natural four, his newly-found position made mismatches: he is second to Shaquille O'neal (league-wide) in total dunks made so far in the season, attributed to his distinct speed advantage over defense men in the paint. In his third year as a prep-to-pro talent, his stats exceed those of Kobe Bryant, Moses Malone and Kevin Garnett on their third year in the league.

Steve Nash was drafted by Phoenix half a decade ago and returns to be the quarterback of NBA's youngest team and is often singled out to be the reason for the team's turnaround.

One proof I was monitoring the team through the years:
http://www.basketballdraft.com/inside_game/jack_mccallum/news/2001/12/14/nba_mailbag/
Hopefully they'll continue to entertain the league while piling up wins and hopefully an NBA title by June 2005!

Reader of the band

Despite the distance now from the Church where I am assigned a Mass reader, I was able to make it, if not barely. I have been a lector since I was in high school, even the President of our Lectors Club in my HCM days.

During those days I have to practice at least two times before I do the Mass reading. Now, I barely do it. Thanks to Dinah's Daily Gospel Christmas gift I was able to read the first reading. So when my turn came it was a breeze, but I almost forgot to read the Responsorial Psalm on the next page!

Among the personalities who are Our Lady of Mount Carmel Church regular church goers are former actress Nanette Medved and Starworld anchor Mark Niu. The church is not that big; Immaculate Conception Parish in Mintal is bigger. But with a multiracial audience of which only 12% are familiar to me, it is sometimes scary.

Just like any typical Catholic Church (or even Iglesia ni Cristo or Jesus - The Name Above Every Name sector) Filipinos are workers in the background -- Mass readers, alms collectors, choirmembers, commentators, offerers, etc. Our Lady of Mount Carmel is no different.

I was walking around Wan Chai today and reminisced those days I used to live here. I still want to come back here simply because of the convenience factor: decent eating places along with Mang Ambo and Cinta J Filipino restaurants, 298 and Wanchai Computer Centre, access to MTR's Island Line, bus to the office, walking distance to Causeway Bay and Admiralty and so on. I am okay with South Horizons but the problem of waking up too early, the bus's conspicuously far stop from the office not to mention my relatively expensive rent is way too much. This place is haven for families who want to have enough space for children (I can't imagine that in Wan Chai's crowded streets from 8AM until 11PM). But I am single and often out of home during weekends. Maybe when I am married and have children I would consider this place.

To be fair with South Horizons, its decent housing is a distinct advantage over Wan Chai (anywhere but Star Crest near to the Church is no match). My sunset view from my very own room is romantic. Ample space for daydreaming is available! Park n Shop Superstore is very convenient. And if I want cheaper goods, a market is just a little farther away.

Over Jun's dinner the other night (Mike, Gino, Linda, Karen, Leo and Mia were also there), we were joking that if a tsunami would strike Hong Kong from the South China Sea (knock on wood) It will be me who will drown first; South Horizon is located at an island called Ap Lei Chau in the South of Hong Kong island. I live on first floor and the sea is only about 30 meters away. Knock on wood again.

Year of the bloggers

2004 has been a year of the bloggers with the consensus Word of the Year: blog.

Now I wake up and all I could do after waking up at quarter to 10 is do the blogging; it is my first official business in 2005. Temperatures here dropped to below 10C overnight and the coldest day of the year's winter may be today.

New year brings us to a fresh start with new resolutions, new or reorganized plans. I don't have mine because I keep on listing down my 'to dos' on a weekly basis. I just want to keep it that way.

And with New Year ushered by Filipinos in a completely different way, the outcome was easily expected. Metro Manila, whose leaders allow use of pyrotechnics, has once again seen stray bullets, fires and injuries. Down South, Davao celebrates New Year quietly. Firecracker damage is something that can be eliminated, not just minimized.

I listened to Madam Auring predictions over a Manila radio station through a live Internet feed. I think her predictions are arbitrary and spontaneous. I may be wrong and she might get things work right the way she forecasted it but somehow she is also human, and the things I heard from those she talked to and tried to predict their lives for 2005 can't seem to reconcile.

2004 was a year to remember for me. Early that year I lost my job but in the second quarter I found another lease of life to stay in Hong Kong. There was that terrible ear infection. There were trips to Beijing, Singapore, Thailand and Malaysia. The usual late hours of work at the office. Leaving Wan Chai after 2 1/2 years. Reunited with family and friends for Christmas after several months and birthday for the first time in the 21st century in Davao City.