While I was never a fan of Valentine’s day, I thought it would be rad to write this little note today. Since the world seems to be caught up in the hustle and bustle of this capitalist-hyped day, what better way to talk about love than the only day in calendar where people seem to “specially” notice it’s in the air?

Now, I don’t want to be all judgy, no. I’m just saying that something as wonderful, as out of this world, as beautiful as love deserves more attention and celebration – why just a day? Once you know what it’s like, how it’s supposed to be – you’d want to dance your ass off in jubilation every day! Now, don’t go judging me at this point. I know you probably think I’m just saying all this crap (if you’re bitter) or this non-sense (if you’re cynical) or what-not (if you’re just a plain hater) cos I’m all hugs and kisses with the girlfriend. But let me tell you, don’t get me wrong. This is just my way of telling the humans, there’s more to life than just flowers and chocolates and sweet-nothings. Especially if you only do these things say once, twice a year – more out of the occasion than for what it really means.

Don’t look at me and tell me, I’m the almighty righteous. I haven’t been comfortably resting on the best seats in the theater all my life, if that’s what you’re thinking. If you care to check my timeline, I’ve had every variation of Valentine’s – served single, double, cold, and the latest I’ve tried this weekend: hot, hot, haaatt and, you know… steady. NOT. It’s perfect – to say the least.

Now, if you want a clearer view of things, a year ago, on this fateful day, I was out with no less than my friends. There was no one in particular that I would say, I wanted to spend the day with. Bitter? Not really. By that time I knew it was in no way a loss, it was what had to happen. Like I always say, things happen (and don’t happen) for a reason. And you’d think I wanted to hit it off with some random person I meet on the “tragic” road of single-hood, but no. I was okay with my every day adventures, if you know what I mean. (Well, if you don’t… best think: t’was like living the life of a prisoner who’s just been amnestied.) Look, I’m just saying, being single doesn’t mean it’s the flocking end of the world, man! Life is beautiful, if you’ve got eyes, it’s not that hard to see. Maybe tweak your head a bit and take some effort to get a view change. That might help. Life comes in 3D. And when it’s in 3D, Engineering Drawing has taught us the valuable lesson that to get around it, all you need is the right perspective. Oh, and a good amount of imagination, won’t hurt too.

Notice how there’s a choice involved here. If you want to wallow in hate for the world that’s not treating you right (whatever your version of right is), that’s your call. But happiness is a choice, more than a feeling. And I’ve learned, from not so awesome events like being dumped on YM, that it’s something we all have to make for ourselves – independent of anyone else. It’s quite easy to realize that happiness tags along with love (now, that’s a clue to know if it’s the real thing!) And love, crazy little thing, comes in all forms and sorts; consequently, so does happiness. Maybe that’s why majority of the human population find it hard to, well, find. But take a quick look around you, and you’ll see! Let me point out a few sources – Friends, Family, F…ame (if you’re that type), F…ortune (again, if you’re that type), Fireworks(!), and a universe of other things (like Sir Ton said) that start with F! Now, of course, you can always take on a different letter – if that makes you happy. See, it’s your call!

Take it from someone who’s been there and got it over with (in style!). For a long time, I felt I was better off on my own and for once, I was finally safe in my own skin. It took a loooong series of unfortunate events before I got to that point. And well, I’m not wishing for that to happen to anyone. And I’m not saying you need that same series to get your act straight, no. We’re all different. And having the same things happen to different people won’t guarantee the same reaction, the same ending. It would be sick to think that way. So wherever you’re at right now, stay steady. On your worst days, just say: this too shall pass. But if at this time, you feel you’re getting lucky, that is, if you think you’ve found your (one-way or two-way) ticket to the love train, take it and don’t miss the trip!

A simple suggestion, take it or leave it – do not refuse to see things as they are, especially when it’s as obvious as the sun and you’re the last person in the world to accept the fact that it’s real. Still taking a rain check? It’s fine. I know I did, for, maybe just a few minutes short of ages. But it’s not always charming to be bullheaded. Love is a curious thing. It can make the heart both strong and vulnerable, most cases at the same time. And hence, it makes it easier for fear to set in. Almost always, that’s what makes things complicated, yes? But if you’ve found your ticket, my friend, would it not be just rational to think: not everyone gets this chance, why miss it?

Here’s a quick story. I found my ticket in the most unlikely place last summer. Taking a raincheck, literally and figuratively, around June-July almost cut my entire trip. Why? Fear. Check. Denial. Check. And a lot of external devils to add. You know, when you’ve really found it, it’s not supposed to be complicated. Cos you’ll know for a fact it ain’t. It’s just that sometimes, weak as we are made, we need time to convince ourselves that what we want is actually what we need. Understandable. It’s not something we see every day, with just any random person – that spark in your eyes usually starts up only with a singled-out person. And that first person to pop in your head when I said what I just did – he/she’s the one I’m talking about.

You’ll probably have trouble getting this. But the trouble with most people is that they feel love, to be happy, is something that asks reciprocation. Love is not a question to be answered. Love is a statement in itself. And while it has no one best and rigid definition, it simply exists. Maybe it even defines existence. So if you feel you’ve found it, grab it by the hand and make sure you get a good, gentle grip! If you’re not so sure you have – 1 maybe you really haven’t, 2 maybe you’re in denial. Get a pen and take this down: if that one person does the most trivial of things and you feel as if it’s the best thing in the world anyone has ever done for you, won’t take a genius – that must be it. If you see “1 Message Received” in big, bold, neon letters – that must be it. If you sit and do nothing and feel like you’re having the time of your life – that must be it. If you laugh more with this person than with anyone else – that must be it. And I could go on forever here, but I’d be spoiling the fun of discovering all that for yourself, friend. Now I wouldn’t want to do that!

Katy Perry says, no regrets, just love. Now dance with that one person, til you die! If you’ve tried it, trust me, you’d feel you just could.

And, if you’d allow me, this time, to thank this one person who has let me know of all the wonders that love can give, made all my dreams come true, made me happy ever since forever – Cybelle, if you’re reading this, I love you, and yes, you’re all that. It didn’t take a hundred days to fall in love with you - that’s too long a time, and you know it! But this I’m sure of, now that I’ve found you, it would be a shame not to make everyday as much a hype as Valentine’s day. Every day, there is love to celebrate and you to be thankful for. Every day, I wake up with a smile on my face, thinking of infinite ways to make you feel exactly how much I want and need you in my life. Every day, I make it a point to beat yesterday’s smile hit counter. Cos every day, Cybelle, I am more in-sanely in-love with you.

It takes a hundred days to fall in love. And if it’s real, expect it to last much longer than that.

• The special kids in P. Gomez who greeted me. They were just so cute. And very heart warming, I love the feeling they brought me when they uttered the words, 'Happy birthday' it made me want to cry.
• Lola at the MRT who I saw in a distance dancing to the beat of Solo!! I laughed my ass of there. If you only knew how stressed I am in the train because of people everywhere, you'll know how the dear oldie made it somehow a positive experience.
• Mon's message in the mini-book of messages given to me by BC. 'Things may not turn out so perfect but I know you're a strong person' OMG. I seriously appreciate everything you're doing to make me laugh in the worst days of my life!
• Chiarra, Kim, Cha and Gabby's message. It feels good to be appreciated. I am really grateful for everything you wrote there. I'm happy that at least I got to eat lunch with you, guys.
• My Ediboby's cute birthday letter. No one can understand how this means to me because they don't know how seldom she goes mushy like that. I cried while reading the whole thing. And oh, for going at Flaming Wings and for having coffee with me when I finally had my day ruined and for buying me the yummy Oreo Cheesecake.
• Chanelle Collings' presence through text. It really meant a lot esp when I've got no one to talk to and already pissed off as fuck. I'm so excited to finally go to Cebu. I just got booked!
• Bumping into Valerie Galvez at Flaming Wings which was really unexpected! She actually forgot my birthday. She just realized before leaving.
• And of course, my mom. For her very epic text, saying, 'Ate Faye, saan ka na? Birthday mo today noh?' She doesn't really greet me so I laughed when I saw her text. It's so cute of her sometimes.
• And this last thing didn't happen on the exact day of my birthday but it was just so awesome. Movie marathon and drinking night with Benne and Eds! Fuck everything, it was so nice to back stab once in a while. And it was nice getting hold of my real self again, where there are no pretensions, just me. Plus, I missed dancing! They said it was an extension of my birthday celebration and I'm really grateful to them. They made it a day to remember.
• The things that happened after is pure awesomeness too. I really love how February 12 went!

While I was never a fan of Valentine’s day, I thought it would be rad to write this little note today. Since the world seems to be caught up in the hustle and bustle of this capitalist-hyped day, what better way to talk about love than the only day in calendar where people seem to “specially” notice it’s in the air?

Now, I don’t want to be all judgy, no. I’m just saying that something as wonderful, as out of this world, as beautiful as love deserves more attention and celebration – why just a day? Once you know what it’s like, how it’s supposed to be – you’d want to dance your ass off in jubilation every day! Now, don’t go judging me at this point. I know you probably think I’m just saying all this crap (if you’re bitter) or this non-sense (if you’re cynical) or what-not (if you’re just a plain hater) cos I’m all hugs and kisses with the girlfriend. But let me tell you, don’t get me wrong. This is just my way of telling the humans, there’s more to life than just flowers and chocolates and sweet-nothings. Especially if you only do these things say once, twice a year – more out of the occasion than for what it really means.

Don’t look at me and tell me, I’m the almighty righteous. I haven’t been comfortably resting on the best seats in the theater all my life, if that’s what you’re thinking. If you care to check my timeline, I’ve had every variation of Valentine’s – served single, double, cold, and the latest I’ve tried this weekend: hot, hot, haaatt and, you know… steady. NOT. It’s perfect – to say the least.

Now, if you want a clearer view of things, a year ago, on this fateful day, I was out with no less than my friends. There was no one in particular that I would say, I wanted to spend the day with. Bitter? Not really. By that time I knew it was in no way a loss, it was what had to happen. Like I always say, things happen (and don’t happen) for a reason. And you’d think I wanted to hit it off with some random person I meet on the “tragic” road of single-hood, but no. I was okay with my every day adventures, if you know what I mean. (Well, if you don’t… best think: t’was like living the life of a prisoner who’s just been amnestied.) Look, I’m just saying, being single doesn’t mean it’s the flocking end of the world, man! Life is beautiful, if you’ve got eyes, it’s not that hard to see. Maybe tweak your head a bit and take some effort to get a view change. That might help. Life comes in 3D. And when it’s in 3D, Engineering Drawing has taught us the valuable lesson that to get around it, all you need is the right perspective. Oh, and a good amount of imagination, won’t hurt too.

Notice how there’s a choice involved here. If you want to wallow in hate for the world that’s not treating you right (whatever your version of right is), that’s your call. But happiness is a choice, more than a feeling. And I’ve learned, from not so awesome events like being dumped on YM, that it’s something we all have to make for ourselves – independent of anyone else. It’s quite easy to realize that happiness tags along with love (now, that’s a clue to know if it’s the real thing!) And love, crazy little thing, comes in all forms and sorts; consequently, so does happiness. Maybe that’s why majority of the human population find it hard to, well, find. But take a quick look around you, and you’ll see! Let me point out a few sources – Friends, Family, F…ame (if you’re that type), F…ortune (again, if you’re that type), Fireworks(!), and a universe of other things (like Sir Ton said) that start with F! Now, of course, you can always take on a different letter – if that makes you happy. See, it’s your call!

Take it from someone who’s been there and got it over with (in style!). For a long time, I felt I was better off on my own and for once, I was finally safe in my own skin. It took a loooong series of unfortunate events before I got to that point. And well, I’m not wishing for that to happen to anyone. And I’m not saying you need that same series to get your act straight, no. We’re all different. And having the same things happen to different people won’t guarantee the same reaction, the same ending. It would be sick to think that way. So wherever you’re at right now, stay steady. On your worst days, just say: this too shall pass. But if at this time, you feel you’re getting lucky, that is, if you think you’ve found your (one-way or two-way) ticket to the love train, take it and don’t miss the trip!

A simple suggestion, take it or leave it – do not refuse to see things as they are, especially when it’s as obvious as the sun and you’re the last person in the world to accept the fact that it’s real. Still taking a rain check? It’s fine. I know I did, for, maybe just a few minutes short of ages. But it’s not always charming to be bullheaded. Love is a curious thing. It can make the heart both strong and vulnerable, most cases at the same time. And hence, it makes it easier for fear to set in. Almost always, that’s what makes things complicated, yes? But if you’ve found your ticket, my friend, would it not be just rational to think: not everyone gets this chance, why miss it?

Here’s a quick story. I found my ticket in the most unlikely place last summer. Taking a raincheck, literally and figuratively, around June-July almost cut my entire trip. Why? Fear. Check. Denial. Check. And a lot of external devils to add. You know, when you’ve really found it, it’s not supposed to be complicated. Cos you’ll know for a fact it ain’t. It’s just that sometimes, weak as we are made, we need time to convince ourselves that what we want is actually what we need. Understandable. It’s not something we see every day, with just any random person – that spark in your eyes usually starts up only with a singled-out person. And that first person to pop in your head when I said what I just did – he/she’s the one I’m talking about.

You’ll probably have trouble getting this. But the trouble with most people is that they feel love, to be happy, is something that asks reciprocation. Love is not a question to be answered. Love is a statement in itself. And while it has no one best and rigid definition, it simply exists. Maybe it even defines existence. So if you feel you’ve found it, grab it by the hand and make sure you get a good, gentle grip! If you’re not so sure you have – 1 maybe you really haven’t, 2 maybe you’re in denial. Get a pen and take this down: if that one person does the most trivial of things and you feel as if it’s the best thing in the world anyone has ever done for you, won’t take a genius – that must be it. If you see “1 Message Received” in big, bold, neon letters – that must be it. If you sit and do nothing and feel like you’re having the time of your life – that must be it. If you laugh more with this person than with anyone else – that must be it. And I could go on forever here, but I’d be spoiling the fun of discovering all that for yourself, friend. Now I wouldn’t want to do that!

Katy Perry says, no regrets, just love. Now dance with that one person, til you die! If you’ve tried it, trust me, you’d feel you just could.

And, if you’d allow me, this time, to thank this one person who has let me know of all the wonders that love can give, made all my dreams come true, made me happy ever since forever – Cybelle, if you’re reading this, I love you, and yes, you’re all that. It didn’t take a hundred days to fall in love with you - that’s too long a time, and you know it! But this I’m sure of, now that I’ve found you, it would be a shame not to make everyday as much a hype as Valentine’s day. Every day, there is love to celebrate and you to be thankful for. Every day, I wake up with a smile on my face, thinking of infinite ways to make you feel exactly how much I want and need you in my life. Every day, I make it a point to beat yesterday’s smile hit counter. Cos every day, Cybelle, I am more in-sanely in-love with you.

It takes a hundred days to fall in love. And if it’s real, expect it to last much longer than that.

• The special kids in P. Gomez who greeted me. They were just so cute. And very heart warming, I love the feeling they brought me when they uttered the words, 'Happy birthday' it made me want to cry.
• Lola at the MRT who I saw in a distance dancing to the beat of Solo!! I laughed my ass of there. If you only knew how stressed I am in the train because of people everywhere, you'll know how the dear oldie made it somehow a positive experience.
• Mon's message in the mini-book of messages given to me by BC. 'Things may not turn out so perfect but I know you're a strong person' OMG. I seriously appreciate everything you're doing to make me laugh in the worst days of my life!
• Chiarra, Kim, Cha and Gabby's message. It feels good to be appreciated. I am really grateful for everything you wrote there. I'm happy that at least I got to eat lunch with you, guys.
• My Ediboby's cute birthday letter. No one can understand how this means to me because they don't know how seldom she goes mushy like that. I cried while reading the whole thing. And oh, for going at Flaming Wings and for having coffee with me when I finally had my day ruined and for buying me the yummy Oreo Cheesecake.
• Chanelle Collings' presence through text. It really meant a lot esp when I've got no one to talk to and already pissed off as fuck. I'm so excited to finally go to Cebu. I just got booked!
• Bumping into Valerie Galvez at Flaming Wings which was really unexpected! She actually forgot my birthday. She just realized before leaving.
• And of course, my mom. For her very epic text, saying, 'Ate Faye, saan ka na? Birthday mo today noh?' She doesn't really greet me so I laughed when I saw her text. It's so cute of her sometimes.
• And this last thing didn't happen on the exact day of my birthday but it was just so awesome. Movie marathon and drinking night with Benne and Eds! Fuck everything, it was so nice to back stab once in a while. And it was nice getting hold of my real self again, where there are no pretensions, just me. Plus, I missed dancing! They said it was an extension of my birthday celebration and I'm really grateful to them. They made it a day to remember.
• The things that happened after is pure awesomeness too. I really love how February 12 went!