Wednesday
Evening
March 23,1988 A Day In Life
Hello! I really should've written here yesterday but I was very depressed on something even though I was walking in cloud nine because of something great that happened to me!
So I'll start that very significant day from the morning. Of course, there was our practice for the graduation rites 1988. It so happened that Desiree and I were chatting near the stairway of the Third Year building when Brendon just came by and went to see me right away .. he was asking for my photo, Brian was asking for it, naks! Eh the problem was I have no recent photo, so I didn't reply. Then some schoolmates who saw us talking just teased us, made fun of him...Desiree felt embarrassed so the two of us went back to our classroom. A few minutes later, Brendon was there again and loudly asked, "When will you give me a photo? Tomorrow?" I just said, "Yes." How furious I had been, but I kept to myself, because I had lots of explanations needed and questions to be answered by him. But all I can say whenever I see him, "You're always making fun of me!"
Before our graduation rites practice in the morning was to end, I heard some schoolmates of mine say that Mr. Algebra has the NCEE result for Top Ten students. Later, I saw him and Mr. Petilla smiling at me and I think they were talking about me too. I was worried. "Maybe I failed the NCEE exams and they remember me getting that Letter of Recommendation for college. What a shame!" I thought to myself.
Before I went home, I went to Lanie's house first. I needed to confide in her about this latest news especially about the NCEE results. And she tried to assure me, even saying, "Maybe you are one of the Top Ten, that's why they were smiling at you." I looked sadder and quietly replied, "Hey friend, I never dream of that happening, you know me, if I'll fail I would runaway forever!" We just laughed.
On that afternoon, Naning and I went to school and agreed to meet each other after dismissal time because we were going to visit Ate Mimie at the hospital who just gave birth (will write about that later) As we walked toward the school gates, someone from Aguinaldo class told me I was ONE OF THE TOP TEN! WHAT!!!!! I told her: "Please don't play a joke on me, don't make me cry..." She grabbed my hand excitedly and led me inside the school campus. "No,really, let's see..." As soon as I entered the school, heads were turned in my direction especially the faculty - even Ms Jane who was smiling ear-to-ear [it just means now, she is really a special teacher to me. As if this is my statement for her that I wasn't the stupid student she thought I was] and most especially, Mrs Tamondong who was excited and encouraging me to take up a Medicine course instead. All I heard was "congrats" "congrats" "blowout!" I was so happy, so very happy like I was walking high in the sky(walking on cloud nine) that I haven't noticed Brendon was there too (And I forgot to tell you about my observation of him yesterday, he was so sad, trying to joke around but his sad eyes are really obvious) He glanced my way again today and reminded me about the photo, I just nodded. Then our graduation practice started. After the practice, most of the students went their own way roaming about the school campus or going home. Brendon I've seen by the library, later at the Faculty department later at our Bonifacio classroom. I was at the Triangle shed all that time, some friends and schoolmates congratulated me, making small talk. Then I saw him, me thinking he was going out already as he was speaking to Tricks, I tried to use mental telepathy to make him return but it didn't work out. So I just acted on impulse, got up and walked to the gate pretending I was going already - which meant I went past Brendon and Tricks. Then Tricks saw me and congratulated me, then Brendon (who didn't ever congratulate me!) told me HIS BROD really wants to have my photo and that HIS BROD always asks him about me. If I were really some crazy lady, maybe I would've laughed out loud so hard. "O tsige" was all I replied.
After school hours, Naning and I went to Dagupan. I was so sad because something unexpected and tearful happened... yes, Ate Mimie gave birth already but even though I haven't seen her baby at that moment, I could sense something was wrong. She sounded weak as she answered us where her baby is. The baby is at the nursery room when Naning and I went to see. But tsk, tsk, tsk... the baby was not well and we could see his life is 50-50 because his head is jerking as the nurse (Ate Mimie's sister) is treating him. Uncle Pepe was there too and looked so depressed. Really sad. Then Naning and I went back to Ate Mimie's hospital room to chat with her. We were told not to tell her anything but act normal as if everything is alright. Naning and I were just there describing how the baby looks like and I fell so sorry for her as she has never seen the baby because she is on dextrose. Ate Mimie told us to get a ride with her parents on the way home later because it was getting late. A few minutes later, here comes Ate Mimie's parents, Tatang and Nanang (as they are fondly called). They looked worried and in a hurry. They saw us there and called for Naning to buy snacks outside. Naning took a long while to come back, maybe 15 minutes, then came back carrying bottles of Coke. She told me right away, whispering: "The baby died... but we shouldn't tell Ate Mimie." OH NO! I cried. What a loss for them, the baby was cute, even big for a newborn, how come? Doctor said the baby had cysts in his lungs. An angel to look over us...
Well, dear diary, I'm sad to say that I have to continue my report about the significant events that happened TODAY because it's past 11 already and I feel tired... So 'til tomorrow night.
I Love Brian. I Love Brendon.
Love,
Richred <3
NEXT
March 23,1988 - A Day In Life
March 18, 1988 - A Day In Life
Evening
March 18, 1988
Hi! Sorry for not reporting the news yesterday because I was so-so-so heartbroken and at the same time overwhelmed of something that should've made me glad yesterday.
I went to school yesterday at past 7, yes it was late but then classes are getting irregular these days. Not much students going there now, except those like us who plan to go somewhere after school, simply meeting up with our friends there. As soon as I arrived, I sat down at the Triangle shed together with Amy, Virginia, Imelda, Vangie and others while we were waiting for something (?) I've been there for half an hour already when one by one the students were leaving. Then Brendon entered the school gates but my heart did now beat wildly this time (GOOD!)
After a while, Amy and I were talking, then she asked,"Do you know someone named Brian?"
Me: (suddenly surprised, and stood up) "Ha? Why, what about him?" Now there, I was really interested and got hurt..
Amy: "Isn't Brian, Ms Jane's BF?"
Me: "That's not true, I heard they are cousins-"
Amy:(didn't let me finish) "No, because Vangie told me so!"
Me: (kind of piqued already) "Hmm, so who told that to Vangie?"
Amy: "Michael"
Me: "How come?!" (still really not believing)
Amy: "Michael is Vangie's bestfriend. Vangie told me Ms Jane's BF is Brian, didn't you tell me something about Brian?"
Me: "No, I didn't." [I don't remember confiding those kinds of things to anyone, not even Amy by bestfriend/seatmate, until I was sure] Then I remembered, it was Daryl...ayyy!
And after that Amy and I just talked about other things, but despite that, I felt bad really close to crying, but I cannot let it show. TSE!!! STOP! STOP! STOP! I tell myself whenever I remember everything Brendon has said.
And this other news, I should've written yesterday too but then it would remind me of the Brendon, Brian,Dean brothers because this guy's name is Brian also.
DIRECTLY TO THE POINT: I saw Brian Amor again! (from 1985, cute eyes, college boy from Lyceum) Desiree, Sandra and I were riding a commuter jeepney on our way to Elisa's Cinema when I saw this guy riding in another jeepney as we stopped in traffic. He smiled. then he's gone.. but wait.. that's not all, something else shocking happened...[trust me, I was overreacting!] .. He was with his friend and they got off the jeepney and transferred to the one we were riding in! How overwhelming!
Brian:"Hello.."
Me: "Hi!" (keep smiling, keep shining!)
Brian: "Where are you going?"
Me: (Sorry, God, I lied) "Just there, my friend's house"
Brian:" Uh.. what is your name again?"
Me:"Ha...eh..." (Bad, he forgot my name, aha...!) "Richred"
Desiree: "Let's go down now.." That's at the Luzon Colleges still. But Desiree was anxious for me already. [my friends were all the conservative kind, they don't want boys chasing us]
Me:(to Desiree) "Ok, sige" (to Brian) "Eh, we're stopping here now"
Brian: "Okay, we'll stop here too." Yaiiks
As were were walking, going toward Elisa's Cinema, I whispered to Desiree and Sandra, "Buenas, Desiree! Why is this happening?" Desiree smiled, a knowing smile. They went walking ahead of me, and as I walked as slow as I can but I'm thinking why and what for?
Then Brian called me again, "Where are you in Mangaldan?"
Me: (I didn't lie this time) "Just the private school near the Catholic church, just ask my schoolmates" [haha, was I so popular then? haha I don't think so. Just that my name is foreign-sounding]
Brian: (still not getting it clear) "What room number?"
Me: (Ohmygosh, making sure to find me!) "Just tell my name and ask for me"
Brian: "What's your last name?"
Me: "Buelchmann"
Brian: "I beg your pardon?"
Me: (Haay, my blood is beginning to boil, smile) "Buelchmann .. ah, basta.. I knew you know it already before"
Brian: "Okay, see you, nice meeting you..."
Me: (so glad he's going now) I quickly walked to keep pace with Desiree and Sandra as we were near the cinema already. We hurriedly walked to the Elisa's Cinema entrance. And as we were paying for our movie tickets, out of the corner of my eye I saw Brian and his friend 30 meters away approaching, so after paying for our tickets we ran inside the movie theater to avoid then and the three of us were giggling like crazy...!
Hmm, I think I don't like Brian now, because he's not-so handsome anymore unlike before he was so like Robby Rosa when he's dressed up [read: so 80's] Now he's just plain Brian Amor! And he acts to presko that day as if he can find me and is still welcome in my life. Tsooo late, my darling, because I'll be leaving for Manila soon and no one can stop me! Nevah!!! [ I was trying to sound like Maricel Soriano in 'Taray and Teroy']
Richred <3
P.S. I still like Brian (Brendon's brod) very much!
next next
Loving Bullies In My 80s High School
Common characteristics of these guys... they are smart, with winsome personalities, good family background ( I didn't know that then) and transferees from other private schools. Their pics here were posted as such, to protect their identity. Sayang naman if they will run for public office in the future or if they will take the bar exam.
Though we've made peace after graduation - and 8 months after graduation, I just want to write about this. Subtitled: "The crybaby me"
I'm not sure what I was back then or how my classmates saw me. But definitely I had low morale. Not just because of my own twisted thinking but also because of the embarrassing criticisms and name-calling I got when we were in III year. Some said I was smart - but I thought I was stupid; some said I was pretty - but I thought I was bland and uninteresting; I had no talent- just good in my English subjects and just striving to please our teachers, ... Some female schoolmates hated me and female teachers too (yes, the ladies mostly) Pero I did not do anything against anybody. I simply stayed out of anybody-who-dislikes-me's way.
Why was I being treated that way? My theory - I was always praised for being "white" or "tisay" but behind that reputation my classmates thought I was just a GI baby (l.c. from a foreigner and a pinay) But no.... my parents were decent folks, even myself didn't know it because I did not listen to the stories about them ( hang on to my blog and you'll know more about that soon)
Yet the lowest point of my day would be when I would answer in class discussions this way : Click here minus the wrong grammar. I get a horrific mental block when a teacher calls on me during recitations. Yes, of course,I'm always prepared for graded recitations when announced, otherwise... it's a dizazter.
Marty is a funny guy, always alert (hyper?), top of the class and actively participating in class discussions. His bff and chatmate was Daryl. Both of them were always nasty to me. Sometimes I was their "friend" when they need something hehe, sometimes I was their "enemy" and sometimes they just ignore me..... one of my most horrifying moments with Marty is that in every major exam we took he would try to answer his test paper on his own, leaving out the difficult ones (enumeration, essay type) then 15 minutes to the time, he would KICK my chair and ask for my answers. And I would "share" it in my lowest voice possible. Daryl would follow or would ask me to raise my test paper within his view.
Eh one time, our adviser - a good-natured lady nearing her retirement year - just warned " No murmuring, or else" I had respect for her hence, I kept quiet and went about doing my own business. But as usual, Marty had to ask. So I gave my answers as quietly as possible - I said:"Manchuria" .. It was History exam that time... Marty: "What?" .... Me:"Manchuria" ...... Marty: "Can't hear you, speak louder...." Me:"Ahem, Manchuria." .... Marty: "HA?" .... Me: (yelling)"MANCHURIA! I think I'll use a microphone to share my answers to the whole class?!" I was annoyed for his pestering. ha! okay. But after class exam, same old story. PEACE, Marty, ha!
Daryl- Ah, two unforgettable incidents. I often found him before holding a butterfly knife(balisong), sometimes playing with it. So that thought stuck in my mind. One time, as I vaguely recall, he pressed the pointed object on my back, just for practice. Well, just pretended to be scared. But there was this one time he pressed a sharp object on my back again while saying, give me your day's allowance (or whatever) I got really scared, we were in class that moment, I did not move for fear that the sharp edge would pierce my back or hurt me. I said okay and was about to hand over what he asked for. Then he laughed and showed me what "sharp" object he used - it was just the sharp edge of a ballpen cover!!! I got so angry and cried.
Next, in our religion class, we were having an unannounced recitation. It was my turn so I stood up. As always, I had difficulty answering the question because my mind went blank even if I knew the answer. I was still not satisfied with my answer and was disturbed over it. So I sat down for a while when --HORRORS! my butt landed on the floor! The whole class laughed, so it seemed, most of the guys - maybe even my "crush" laughed out loud! I was so embarrassed then, just imagine I was wearing a skirt uniform and I landed on the floor like a klutz! Whatever happened after that was no comfort to my wounded reputation. Our teacher reprimanded Daryl and he answered back respectfully but still snickering at me - he wasn't the argumentative type, bless him.
Personally, and the fact that I know this Rel.Ed. teacher, she should've done something more... fellow bloggers, what do you think? .... Me, don't ask me what went through my mind at that time. It's unthinkable.
And adding insult to injury (that time)- he said "sorry". That was a right thing to do, but I don't accept apologies at the "crime scene" and not infront of an audience. I needed much more comforting than that. What was ideal that time, could've been...
"Sorry, Christine, I'm so sorry, I'm truly sorry... and I won't do it ever again" Just not that simple sorry, hehehe.
But it's no worries now because Marty and Daryl are okay with mealready, and they are still so funny always saying sorry for everything... kaya heto I'm posting this tuloy just to let them know everything is okay. Actually, I should be the guilty party kase may mga utang pa ako kay Daryl...
lagot. PEACE Daryl, you're tops! Mai-advertise nga ang kabutihan nito... ah, yes truly he's a law-abiding citizen and works for somebody important. that's enough, too much clues here!
Jessie naman, I could hardly recall him bullying me. He was so quiet and decent but when we were in III year he was always calling me names ( that were really below-the-belt and so untrue). In fairness, he seemed mild-mannered. But just this recent STHS reunion, wow, he admitted he made so many "booby traps". He even asked me if I still remember the day when I was just entered our classroom and as I opened the door a shoe fell on my head. Says he was the mastermind. He knew I was coming through and lodged the shoe by the door ( hmm, like Tom and Jerry cartoons eh?) Oh, well, I've got selective amnesia,I guess, so when he told me that, I was clueless. But since he admitted doing so.... ahem, he's included in my book
Peace Jessie!Every highschool reunion I meet most of my classmates that I sorely miss. And I've had fun reminiscing what happened in our 80's high school... such bittersweet memories... the funny,the sad (we made our adviser cry), the horrendous, the jokes, the exams that wracked our brains, the teachers who were patient with us, all the fun we had.
Narrated by yours truly....... ;)
February 23,1988 - A Day In Life
February 23,1988
Tuesday
Evening
Hi! Hello! Hay, maybe it will be one week of blackout here and it's so frustrating because I have to review as hard as I can for the coming semi-finals. [I myself am surprised! why did I have to review so hard back then? ah yes, for the stellar grades when I get to college :)]
But I've got something to say that's a semi-good news for me to tell you... I ranked top number 11 in the exam given by the EARN Computer school! Yes,the list was posted on the bulletin board today. I'm considered a half-scholar and so is Shy Boy. [Yes, the ranking meant a great deal to me because there were plenty of us in that batch... not only that, I was just in the B section of the class of 1988] What about the guy who said "Chicken feed!" oh, he's maybe a hundred plus away from most of our class in ranking, including Shyboy and me.
I want to say something important on what happened yesterday morning at the English class. Miss Muyargas came to class kind of sad,mad, whatever. Unannounced quiz, we were given 5 minutes to review. And me who was just quietly observing her, I mean I was staring at her because I wondered why. I was pretending to look at my notebook reviewing, but I kept on looking up at her seated at her table. She caught my stare and I thought she would snub me because of her moodiness, thank goodness she smiled a friendly smile and I smiled back. And just went back to my notebook again, it's not us she was mad at after all, maybe something else. [Miss Muyargas was our English teacher in fourth year, I have high respect for her because of what she was in class. There were other stories about her that went around the campus, that I didn't know then, only got to know when we all graduated.] Ok, so the next was our quiz. After that, she made an angry speech about some people in our class who destroyed her 'reputation' (and here are my guesses: Ninoy, Tricks, Brendon, Sam, Benedick, Ritz and the other guys) and she plans to sue them in court. But then oops, she asked for an open forum and in that open forum she asked me "Christine, what will you do about it if it was you they were talking about this way?" She asked me if she was right in bringing them to court, asked for my opinion in public!
And as usual, I was so s.t.u.p.i.d.- "N-no.."(Why not?)..
"...b-b-because maybe you can still talk to them about the issue.." (Talk about the issue?)..
"Yes.." I sat back again at my desk. I was left just quiet again because I really didn't know that to say! [truth, in my life I never eaves-dropped on adult matters including these kinds.. therefore I have no knowledge to contribute in the matter]
I answered without really thinking through. Because I am concerned for Brendon, what if he was involved in this? Ha-ha, so for all that I was shamed again for being s.t.u.p.i.d. Almost everyone answered, "Yes, bring them to court to clarify the issue"
Now, I'm sad at myself, how can I even go to college if I'm like this not knowing what goes on in the world!! Dear God, please help me with this, where I am always afraid to ask because I think people will make fun of me.
*** And here's about Mr. Brendon [always the trending topic of my diary that time] since yesterday I've been seeing him with Sheila and there looked really happy together, sometimes serious in their conversation (maybe talking about being sorry about their fight months ago). And with what I have been observing I decided to try to avoid looking at him - really to avoid!! But here's what happened at Physics time, we were given a few minutes to have extension review then here came the Mabini section students (the last section of our batch, hey my hubby came from that one) borrowing Advance Algebra books. Rusty was asking to borrow my book but I was kind of lazy to get it in my bag that's why I said I don't wanna. I ignored him, pretending to review seriously. Then here comes Brendon, from the back of the room and I recognized his voice but I didn't tremble anymore, or I treid not to. At the same time Rusty was still prodding me to borrow my book and now Brendon too. They were both so makulit to borrow and I did not answer. One thing I did, because my angel told me to, was to look at Brendon right in the eyes with that sad look coz maybe seeing him this close may never happen again. And do I did for 3 seconds with him looking at me too, of course. Now that's also for the pain he caused me today. Then I guess he came to his senses, asked Rusty "You're also borrowing?" and of course Rusty answered yes. So Brendon left our aisle to borrow from another classmate. What else do I do but finally lend Rusty my blessed Algebra book.
Ahh, my mind goes bonkers over this Brendon! He just approaches when he needs something,hmp! Better if he's going to introduce me to his brod (whoever that will be as long as he's cute,huh!)
Okay good night, dear diary! I love PX! Haha, there, caught me now... anyway, I really love him!!!
endlessly in love,
Richred
February 20,1988 - A Day In Life
[Yes, I'm back! And just like this February 20,1988 entry below I've been offline for ages. Sorry dear friends and readers, I was extremely busy assisting my aunt and her hubby from California during their month-long stay here in the Philippines. So the 1988 string of diary entries continues...]
Saturday
Afternoon
February 20, 1988
Oh no, it's been a week since, isn't it? And I have not reported the latest events in here but anyway, I'll tell you what events sound significant to me...
Last Sunday (February 14, 1988) I had a boring celebration of Valentine's Day, I mean - my heart felt so bored, because I've got no love to give and no love to receive :) What we did here, together with my cousin Ate Edith and her sister-in-law Ate Mimie, was to shop and window-shop at Harrison Plaza and also to buy tickets for Pops Fernandez and Martin Nievera's POPS AND MARTIN's concert "Twosome"(1988) at the Folk Arts Theater.
Much later we watched a movie "Misis Mo, Misis Ko" starring Jackielou Blanco and Ricky Davao. Then that evening, we watched POPS AND MARTIN's concert. Oh, did I say while we were stuck in traffic going to the Folk Arts Theater, that the teen star Isabel Granada's car was just next to the taxi we took? Oh yes, she's so pretty ( with long curly lashes and light brown hair) and charming and even nice to us fans! She smiled and waved back to us! Her mom is a charmer too. [Isabel Granada is really my personal favorite over the years, I've watched a few of her movies from Seiko Films, and her presence oftentimes I see in my dreams that I wondered if I would have a pretty daughter like her someday]
to go back to our province when she gives birth to their eldest. We went home by noon.
Then by 3PM, we went to St. Scholastica's College - St.Scho - to get an entrance exam form. I saw some "sosyal" [that means bourgeoisie] ladies and I'm now beginning to dread that school. It would be so boring for me! [why I said that, is because I felt the ladies were way too high class or maybe I didn't like their uniform which was then cut like an SM saleslady's uniform] So we hopped on next to St. Paul College Manila (SPCM) It's another exclusive school for girls like St. Scho. I loved the ladies uniforms, they look very professional. But uh-oh I felt bad again coz a lady there stared at me so I stared back, and frowned at her. "Who's she?" I mumbled myself. Ate Mimie said what attitude these ladies are showing are all pretense.
Oh what a day to go around Manila and to see most people being snobbish! Hmmp!
The following day, Tuesday (February16,1988) I went back to Pangasinan with Ate Mimie's cousin Melissa. We took the Pantranco Bus early at dawn and arrived home at exactly 12:00 noon. I didn't have the strength to go to school that afternoon so I just stayed home.
Wednesday (February 17, 1988) I went back to school. I'm beginning to hate Brendon. Why? Coz he's beginning to talk with Sheila again and I think they're getting back to each other again. (SO???) Oh, and about my friend in school, Gigi according to Dess, she attempted to commit suicide by slicing her pulse [yes, that was my term] but just then her old rich man suitor visited and her problems were eased. [Gigi was my one of my bestfriends at STHS. She resembled Janice De Belen- one of the beautiful teen actresses during the 80's. Gigi was still my good friend until she passed away in 1993. She, her sister and her mom were my spiritual friends who shared their faith in Christ with me]
On Thursday (February 18, 1988), our class had a very memorable religious recollection at the MAZM in Mangaldan and the event really stabbed my heart [oh please] I began to realize I was mistaken for some things and that I should think things over in the coming days. That afternoon, we all went back to submit out "DEAR JESUS" letter. Whom have I seen? oh , yes... Brendon (ehek!) and Sheila seated beside each other, still writing their letters to submit. Now I don't want him no more.
Yesterday (February 19,1988) - Nothing so special happened except the JS Prom. Let's just get straight to the JS Prom topic, ok? [Truth is, I have much to say about how I painstakingly prepared for the JS Prom. Thinking in my mind that this will be the best night so far. I fussed much about my hair and make-up. My JS 80s prom dress looked alright. I chose this 80s prom dress because it looked like the dress Brooke Shields wore at the party scene in the 80s movie "Endless Love" I thought then the dress was so hip! haha. But then I think I overdid it by matching the attire with flashy red dangling earrings, sequin waist belt, and red shoes with silk lace like the ones ballerinas wear. I paired the shoes with white stockings, but of course! Looking back in retrospect, I must've been a strong headed girl for going on with it and not listening to my superiors' advice. Waah! That was me, a fashion victim! And I'm still searching for a photo of me at the JS Prom in 1988 among my high school batchmates, just for laughs!]
So that was it, when I arrived that evening, Dess led me to the Bonifacio classroom as we waited with the rest. Then someone gave me a rose, it was just my nephew Bacon (younger by 3 years) who was supposed to be my escort [or watchman should be the proper term].Later we all went to the STHS quad for the JS Prom proper. A moment later, as I was seated, someone behind me handed me three red roses.. it was Sam ( one of my decent classmates at Bonifacio section; he was almost my partner at the Rigodon De Honor Dance) I was just polite to him that evening and said, "Thanks." He must've summoned up the courage to talk to me some more, asked me if I the chair beside me was already taken and if he could sit beside me. I said, "Sure" He asked me if I had an escort - I stammered: "Y-y-yes, b-but he left for a while" coz at that time Bacon went to the town plaza. [ I didn't tell him that my escort wasn't really my partner, but my nephew-bodyguard so I didn't get into mischief. I pretended to have an awesome escort out there] Ok, so maybe, Sam expected me to speak to him but when I didn't say anything more, he left. [typical teenage snobbish behavior or what we call in our local dialect "suplada" ]
I kept looking at the JS Prom invitation and what was written at the back like First Dance, Favorite Partner, etc. and that time I had no name to list there to :)) I happened to see Sam far back and I think he frowned at me (or was that my imagination?) But he smiled at me later when I looked at him again. Ooops, don't get me wrong, dear diary, he's not my Valentino, I'm just being nice......
But there's still more.... when the Candlelight Ceremony started, we all queued up. It so happened that Honey (one who had a crush on Dean - that's Brendon's brod) was infront of me. We both went to our places at formation which looked not the way it was practiced. We happened to be at the Junior's group, where Dean was!! He wasn't Honey nor I's partner though. But still, he said "Hi!" to Honey and I felt....uh-oh sad. But it was such a nice and wonderful moment just to see Dean closer. And it was real stupid of me to look or stare at Dean so I just turned away, pretended to be interested in looking at other people and be amused at their corny moments.. oh, sick, sick, sick, sick!
There's something more, after the Candlelight Ceremony when we got back to our seats, there was a guy just behind us who looked handsome, kind of rugged. He resembled a mix of familiar faces. Everytime I glanced back at Dess or Sarah, I catch him staring at me. But he didn't matter to me, coz I only can see his face from the crowd and besides, I just found him semi-handsome ( I told Dess that he kind of looks like Ricky Davao) But not until I saw his face closer and the shirt that he was wearing, did I recognize him! I shot a quick glance at him. Hmm, he looks like my "brod" Dean and isn't the shirt that he's wearing now the one Brendon wore on the Cultural Presentation Night? Oh, yes, he must be my brod-in-law (Again!!!) Lanie was speaking the truth, Brendon's brothers are all good-looking that ladies get cross-eyed not knowing whom to look at first if they are all together! [lol] That same guy glanced at me and I glanced back. And because he's my _ _ _, I smiled and he smiled too. oops, he might think I have a crush on him just because I smiled. Anyways, whatever happens then so be it. Then he came closer, just took a seat at a vacant chair nearby. We just kept on smiling at each other in between pauses at the JS Prom dance. But it was too impossible that we would speak to each other because Kuya Johnny (our older bodyguard) and Bacon were there! If only I wasn't shy, I would ask him for starters : "Are you Brendon's brother?" It would have been awesome!! Whew! Goodnight!!! luv,luv,luv ... Red
February 13,1988 - A Day In Life
Saturday 021388 Alive In Manila!
Afternoon
Dear Diary,
Hi and Hello! yes, now we are here in Manila and things came unexpectedly! Is there a proverb like that? Expect the unexpected as long as it's the best! So much fun!
But wait, here's something that I can't tell if it's sad or what... yesterday... morning, I saw Brendon kidding around with Sheila while the guys in class were looking at the 'censored' Valentine card. Our classmates at group 4 and 5 laughed at them.I said to myself: "No chance, kiddo, surely they will be back together again" Wasn't it just months ago when Brendon used to often frown at her, but look now - he's back to joking with her and Sheila's going gaga over him. Ahh, I don't know if I should cry or what, ah.... basta, I felt so angry seeing them together! [add a crying face here for me ;'( that's what I meant that time] And maybe that afternoon, they were really back together. I ain't sure coz I skipped classes again because it's Friday afternoon, I went to the movies at Rodela Cinema to watch "Stupid Cupid" with Matt.
Now here is something I must confess to you, dear diary. It was very very bad of me, but hey.. Before I went home that noon, I went back inside our classroom when all the students left. I searched for the 'censored' Valentine card but I couldn't find it, at first. But something pushed me to open the attendance record at the teacher's desk and... (would you believe?).. the 'censored' Valentine card I was looking for was right there clipped inside the attendance record book!! I hurriedly took it and shoved it inside my folder.. and went out as if nothing happened. Tsk,tsk,tsk! Sorry, my dear talented classmate Benny, sorry for your artistic talent in creating the 'censored' card. hmm, what can I say!!! [I still feel bad about taking the Valentine card. But on hindsight, maybe I saved the whole class from making our Physics teacher, Mr. Soco, furious. I mean, what reaction from a prim and proper, no-nonsense teacher would they expect? So, up to this day, no one knows I took this 'censored' Valentine card]
Here in Manila, this afternoon.. Ate Mimie, Melissa and I took a public jeepney to Harrison Plaza to watch some stars on a Valentines fans day. Who was there? Wow!!!! Lea Salonga (I love her!!), Sheryl Cruz (Yahoo! I really admire!) Jestoni Alarcon (yes, really!) Dennis Da Silva ( loveteam partner of Ruffa, they say he looks like Ricky Martin), Ruffa Gutierrez (she's so cute and pretty!) and Romnick Sarmenta!!!! (Yeheyyy! Romnick, I love you!) [I so wish that we had a camera back then to take some photos, now so sorry. But maybe someone out there reminiscing with me can provide one. I'd be grateful!]
PX, I love you.... [that was really written, I wonder why.. when he was out of touch this season.]
still, Red
Acknowledgements to Pinas Dekada 80 for the photo
February 11,1988 - A Day In Life
021188
Dear Diary!
Hi and Hello! Nothing quite exciting happened today.. I feel a bit bad (just a little - something about Brendon, I think he was bragging/ boasting about the love letter to all his friends) Anyway, here are the things that happened: During our Pop Ed class, I felt drowsy because I didn't get to sleep well last night. I was reading a Catholic Digest comics just to keep me awake, when a guy was walking towards our aisle - I was just reading comics then. The guy said: "Red..." I almost got grumpy at him coz I thought it was Amado (our other classmate, same voice as Brendon sometimes, same built too) He said: "Are you done with your assignment in Algebra?" oops, I was really grumpy when I looked up at the guy, and I blushed because it was Brendon!!! Oh no! I blushed more, and said "Sorry, I don't have it yet" Ouch! Why did I forget working on that Algebra homework!! No!!!
This afternoon, at Physics time, I happened to see Nesty holding my love letter to Brendon (I mean, just the card, not the letter..maybe Brendon is bragging that he's got an admirer this Valentine's Day) and I can't help but look back again, and someone else read it too. (maybe Brendon has been doing this since Tuesday showing the card around)... Then, of all people, Brendon called Marty (my other
Meanwhile, Mr. Soco - our Physics teacher- gave a mind-boggling seatwork so the class was busy yet still noisy. I heard over the noise, Brendon shouting, "Small Wonder! Small Wonder!" (my fake name in my letter) I didn't look back, not even once. He might know I'm Small Wonder, yaiiks, because of the red ribbon in my hair! I hope he doesn't find out! Ah, ewan! That's his problem, talagang ewan na! What made me a bit bad today, Brendon is not my partner- not even near us - in our JS Prom practice. Ouch! Okay, good night!
Red
February 10,1988 - A Day In Life
Wednesday
Evening
021088
Dear Diary,
Sorry about being absent for more than a week. [what an excuse letter expert I was then] I was busy on that Thursday and Friday about my luv letter to Brendon and on that Saturday I was worrying if I'd still send it and I worried about it and I didn't have time to write/report all the important events here. And on that Sunday, I was suddenly asked to go to Manila to report at the Deutsche Botschaft. And I forgot to bring you, dear diary, with me.. sorry, ha?
Well, first.. here we go with the dreams I had when I was in Manila... on that Sunday night, I dreamt of Brendon and Sheila. They were friends already and they were very happy, as happy as the closest friends. But in my dream, Sheila only wanted a cigarette from Brendon!.. how bizarre... But this morning, I overheard Sheila talk about Brendon, about the words he wrote on the our classroom wall [highschoolers are known for this bad habit] on the next Monday night, I dreamed of Dean* and his real girlfriend (according to Dess). Dean's girlfriend went to our room and told me there are some people backbiting me and Dean is defending me (WOW,Ha!) ... And here's what happened in reality between Dean and me is that he greeted me hello as we passed by each other at the Practical Arts building, and when we passed by each other in front of the plaza. I just smiled sweetly but I looked down because I felt shy.
And well, what happened on that Monday... first, Ate Edith, my mama, Matt and I went to the Deutsche Botschaft and as usual, Matt was acting silly. Why? when we took the elevator he acted funny and said there was an earthquake! (haha) Oh yah, we got a problem at the embassy because I had no ID with me so I've got to go back this Saturday (so by Valentine's Day I won't be here in the province)... Then after we went to the embassy, we headed to Bank Of America next.
Matt was acting sillier this time because of the automatic swinging doors - you know, the ones you just step on and it opens by itself. [yes, during the 80s automatic swinging doors was a novelty] Here goes Matt, gaping at every person that passes through the door. Ay probinsyano! Hay!
.... Afterwards, we all went to the SM Food Center at SM Makati and then we went shopping! Later we went home to rest a little. By late afternoon, Ate Edith and I went to the movies at Greenbelt Cinema (my most favorite cinema house with the romantic lover's lane, the most American McDonald's and remember my 2nd year high school days 012786?) We watched the movie "Ibulong Mo Sa Diyos" starring Vilma Santos, Gary Valenciano, Eric Quizon and Miguel Rodriguez. This movie made me cry, especially when I heard the song "Sana Maulit Muli" can't help but think of PX and how I miss him. Maybe it's because PX is a huge fan of Gary V.
The next day, Ate Mimie accompanied me at the University Of Santo Tomas UST for my application for entrance exam. I chose BACHELOR OR ARTS IN HISTORY and BACHELOR OF SECONDARY EDUCATION MAJOR IN HISTORY. Ate Mimie took me around the UST campus since it's the university she went to and is most familiar with. She said the school is not what it looks like, the students there have an easy-go-lucky attitude, the guys are bolero, the ladies are vain but still studies must be taken seriously. Hmm, I like the school.. I love the old Spanish buildings, the facade looks the same as ours in my high school Santo Tomas here in the province. Isn't this how buildings in Puerto Rico look like? hahaha having thoughts of Robby Rosa again! Hay, I hope I pass the exam...
Okay, so this morning at school, Brendon kidded me he's borrowing ten bucks sana. I smiled/frowned, haha. He went at the back of our room and announced: "Who's got ten bucks, lend me please!" then after a while he called my name again but I tried so hard not to look back because I was busy with our assignment. Besides I didn't know if he received the love letter na. On this afternoon, though, I found out he got it already. Saw his name written on the blackboard by the principal's office for the mail. Oh.. but I haven't seen him this afternoon because he was absent.
So that's the latest report for today. I'm closing this entry with Richie Valens' "C'mon Let's Go!"
Good night....
Red
[Who's Dean? That's Brendons's younger brother who was the campus crush. I didn't really know him :)]
For the next entry
February 3, 1988 - A Day In Life
[I am so inspired today to just go ahead and begin a series of these blog entries I will call "A Day In Life". This series present the text from my journals that I kept between the ages of 14 and 17. I'll be adding new entries every now and then to share all my thoughts, ideas, events, experiences, memories, ideas I had during the eighties. It is for my continued amusement that I read and reread my old journals, even when there isn't much content, I still gain occasional insight how I'm still in the process of changing to maturity. Most of the names have been changed to protect the people I recently found on Facebook. A few are just partial entries, my bleeping and blinding exclamations have been removed and some entries have been modified to give way to my now correct spelling and grammar. Yet the mix of excitement, melodrama and pleasant memories from the eighties are still much felt :) I hope, as you read my old journal with me, you enjoy the same sentiments.]
WEDNESDAY Evening 10:30PM
February 3,1988 020388
Dear Diary,
This is some kind of a day. I'll start it from the very beginning...
This morning, Brendon( changed his name from RF to Brendon now) was not so late in coming to school. After checking our test papers in Filipino, he went to the faculty room and volunteered to distribute the envelopes and of course, my envelope was there. But, Dan, our other classmate, offered to help him (OH!) and unfortunately, my envelope was given to me by Dan. (Aargh!)
But then later, a campaign brochure from Baguio Colleges Foundation (now University of the Cordilleras) and the college courses offered were distributed. I was talking to my guy seatmate Daryl, just asking about the course descriptions.
Me: "What is BSE?"
Daryl: "It's a course for teachers, of course!"
Me: "For highschool teachers?"
Daryl
:"Yeah"
Me: "But what is this CMT and CAT? Can ladies enroll in this course? Maybe there are plenty of handsome guys here, eh?"
Daryl
: (laughing) "Ha-ha. You're kidding, right?"
Me: " I had to ask!" More giggles.
Me: "Ok, now I know what course I'll take up. This is really it... BSE HISTORY MAJOR!" [I loved history subjects because of all the hilarious stories by our effervescent history teachers.]
Daryl
: (shrugs) "Sure you can..."
Me: " I'll be a teacher and would be teaching in this school. By then there would be plenty of handsome co-teachers too!" [Was only jesting for amusement] So that conversation lasted until I read more details to ask about.... Just then, Brendon came up beside
Daryl
and held the same brochure that I was holding that time. Brendon and I both looked/gazed/stared (whatever) at each other for a few seconds, and I shivered. But oops,
Daryl
said to Brendon: "Pare, this is Red's" So Brendon goes apologetically: "Okay.." Then went away. Aaargh! To
Daryl!
This afternoon, Brendon went in very late around 1:45PM. A visitor from the EARN computer school was promoting their courses and encouraging us to study in their school. Around that time, Brendon came in but no one got distracted anyway. Later, our class took a scholarship exam for 30 minutes. A long time of silence. Then the proctor asked: "Is it difficult?" We all gave out a giggle. Brendon, who was seated at the far corner,said: "Chicken feed!".. haha, I said to Daryl: (who was seated just behind us - and copying my answers): "Hmm, we'll see!" Anyways, no time for that now.
Oh and much later, the wall between our room and the Aguinaldo section's room fell over the head of Sheila - Brendon's ex. I glanced quickly at Brendon seeing his expression if he will care for her. Nothing there. I think he sort of felt sorry for her but just smiled to himself. We all went back to our work. After the exam, Brendon went out to play basketball at the STHS court.
Other topic, I have something very very important to tell you, dear diary, and I fear it will happen. Matt, my 11-year-old nephew, is not so happy and said the world will end soon this March 18,1988 right after the eclipse. I'm praying that it won't happen. I hope God will not get angry at us here on earth, I'll try to be good already. Okay good night, dear diary.
[Now I think this was an awesome day :) All the people I mention here are every now and then in touch with me thanks to Facebook. Who's Brendon, you say? He's a former classmate for whom I've had a great silly crush- just like that. No, he never knew and only one or two close friends knew. Anyways, these were my best days so to speak]
Here was my next Entry
Music Monday - Starlight Express
A happy Monday to everyone! I'm back joining Music Monday this week with one of my favorite songs by El Debarge, "Starlight Express". It's a song that became popular around the time our JS Prom was held in 1988. I still love it lots.Happy MM, all!
Top Songs In 1988
Need You Tonight, INXS
Got My Mind Set On You, George Harrison
Never Gonna Give You Up, Rick Astley
Sweet Child O' Mine, Guns N' Roses
So Emotional, Whitney Houston
Heaven Is a Place On Earth, Belinda Carlisle
Could've Been, Tiffany
Hands to Heaven, Breathe
Roll With It, Steve Winwood
One More Try, George Michael
Wishing Well, Terence Trent d'Arby [
Anything for You, Gloria Estefan and the Miami Sound Machine
The Flame, Cheap Trick
Get Outta My Dreams, Get Into My Car, Billy Ocean
Seasons Change, Expose
Is This Love, Whitesnake
Wild, Wild West, Escape Club
Pour Some Sugar On Me, Def Leppard
I'll Always Love You, Taylor Dayne
Man In the Mirror, Michael Jackson
Shake Your Love, Debbie Gibson
Simply Irresistible, Robert Palmer
Hold On to the Nights, Richard Marx
Hungry Eyes, Eric Carmen
Shattered Dreams, Johnny Hates Jazz
Father Figure, George Michael
Naughty Girls (Need Love Too), Samantha Fox
A Groovy Kind of Love, Phil Collins
Love Bites, Def Leppard
Endless Summer Nights, Richard Marx
Foolish Beat, Debbie Gibson
Where Do Broken Hearts Go, Whitney Houston
Angel, Aerosmith
Hazy Shade of Winter,The Bangles
The Way You Make Me Feel, Michael Jackson
Don't Worry, Be Happy, Bobby McFerrin
Make Me Lose Control, Eric Carmen
Red Red Wine, UB40
She's Like the Wind, Patrick Swayze
Bad Medicine, Bon Jovi
Kokomo, The Beach Boys
I Don't Wanna Go On With You Like That, Elton John
Together Forever, Rick Astley
Monkey, George Michael
Devil Inside, INXS
Should've Known Better, Richard Marx
I Don't Wanna Live Without Your Love, Chicago
The Loco-Motion, Kylie Minogue
What Have I Done to Deserve This?, Pet Shop Boys and Dusty Springfield
Make It Real, Jets
What's On Your Mind, Information Society
Tell It to My Heart, Taylor Dayne
Out of the Blue, Debbie Gibson
Don't You Want Me, Jody Watley
Desire, U2
I Get Weak, Belinda Carlisle
Sign Your Name, Terence Trent d'Arby
I Want To Be Your Man, Roger
Girlfriend, Pebbles
Dirty Diana, Michael Jackson
1-2-3, Gloria Estefan and Miami Sound Machine
Mercedes Boy, Pebbles
Perfect World, Huey Lewis and the News
New Sensation, INXS
Catch Me I'm Falling, Pretty Poison
If It Isn't Love, New Edition
Rocket 2 U, Jets
One Good Woman, Peter Cetera
Don't Be Cruel, Cheap Trick
Candle in the Wind, Elton John
Everything Your Heart Desires, Daryl Hall and John Oates
Say You Will, Foreigner
I Want Her, Keith Sweat
Pink Cadillac, Natalie Cole
Fast Car, Tracy Chapman
Electric Blue, Icehouse
The Valley Road, Bruce Hornsby and The Range
Don't Be Cruel, Bobby Brown
Always On My Mind, Pet Shop Boys
Piano In the Dark, Brenda Russell Featuring Joe Esposito
When It's Love, Van Halen
Don't Shed a Tear, Paul Carrack
We'll Be Together, Sting
I Hate Myself for Loving You, Joan Jett and The Blackhearts
I Don't Want to Live Without You, Foreigner
Nite and Day, Al B. Sure
Don't You Know What the Night Can Do?, Steve Winwood
One Moment In Time, Whitney Houston
Can't Stay Away from You, Gloria Estefan and Miami Sound Machine
Kissing a Fool, George Michael
Cherry Bomb, John Cougar Mellancamp
I Still Believe, Brenda K. Starr
I Found Someone, Cher
Never Tear Us Apart, INXS
Valerie - Chronicles, Steve Winwood
Just Like Paradise, David Lee Roth
Nothin' But a Good Time, Poison
Wait, White Lion
Prove Your Love, Taylor Dayne
http://www.musicoutfitters.com/topsongs/1988.htm
What Happened In 1988?
- Ronald Reagan is president of the US
- Federal grand juries return indictments against Gen. Manuel Noriega, ruler of Panama, charging him of running drug cartels
- A missile, fired from the US Navy warship Vincennes destroys a commercial Iranian airliner killing all 290 on board
- A Pan-am Boeing 747 explodes over Lockerbie, Scotland from a terrorist bomb
- Controversial Arizona Governor Evan Mecham is removed from office for financial misdeed
- Jimmy Swaggart is defrocked when his sexual liaisons with women other than his wife are revealed
- The Netherlands becomes the second country to get connected to the Internet
- Al-Qaida is established by Osama bin Laden
- Los Angeles Dodgers win the World Series
- Washington Redskins win Superbowl XXII
- Edmonton Oilers win the Stanley Cup
- Rain Man is the top grossing film
- A Brief History of Time by Stephen Hawking is published
- "Faith" by George Michael spends the most time at the top of the US charts
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