The day I came back

8 June 2011 | Day 073 | Daily Scribbles Special

The past few days seemed so long and dull. I wanted to return to writing as soon as I decided to take a break but I needed time to refresh myself from the stress and heavy feeling I had during that time. Now I am back and hoping never to “quit” writing again. For in writing alone I can express what is inside me. And for writing alone I can extend to the whole world and perhaps immortalize my existence when the end of the earth comes.

I want to thank you all for the continuous support even when I was gone. I checked my views around three times during my week-long goodbye and I still got a decent number of views. So thanks.

The past week had been my renewing week. Yes, it was boring at most points but there were happy parts too. I got to spend time with my family before I hit school this June 13. I learned things in life and learned to accept mistakes and say apologies. And most of all, I got my very own dog, Sashi.

I was surprised when mom and dad gave me a two-month-old pug after mass last Sunday. I wasn’t expecting any gift, especially not a dog, until my birthday or until after the first semester. Mom promised me a dog if I become a part of the dean’s list this semester. But there she goes, a rare black pug given to me even before school maybe as inspiration to strive for the best.

Born last March 13, Sashi is in no way shy as a puppy is expected to be. When she first hit the floor of our house, she started to run around while enjoying the new home as if it was a blessing to her to be a part of the family. She is always sleepy and hungry like Bruce. She is playful, especially when Bruce is around.

I was also surprised about Bruce not being jealous of Sashi. I half-expected him to seek for more attention now that we have a new dog but he did not. Instead, he became happier that he has a new companion and playmate. He even became more kind to us and unusually obedient. Of course, he became more playful.

I am very thankful of having Sashi around. Thanks to my parents especially mom who gave Sashi her name. This is too much for an inspiration and I promise to do good in my college studies.

Now that I am back, I promise to write good articles for you. I may not be able to blog when exams and long tests come, but I assure you good posts every now and then.

Welcome back to me and thanks to all of you.

For videos of Bruce and Sashi please click here.

Bruce learns first move

25 May 2011 | Day 067 | Daily Scribbles Special

I was really badly disappointed with Chicago Bulls losing to LeBron and his gang for the third straight time today. Now, Miami is in the lead, 3-1, and though I hate it, I can feel the impending victory of the Heat. Sadly, the Bulls, my bet, may be gone as early as Game 4.

Good thing Bruce was there to provide me some energizer. I gave him a deserving bath today and blower-ed him for half an hour, resulting to a better and softer fur.

I always envied people with trained dogs. Imagine just saying a word and your best buddy will do that for you. I have been trying to train Bruce for the past week (without consistency though) and I can see no result. I thought it is partly because he is already old for such training (dog training should begin when the dog is only two months old) and partly something is wrong with my method. I tried to research and watch videos and saw what was missing – a treat.

Unfortunately, I have no dog treats here. I tried bread but Bruce doesn’t like it. He only eats his pellets and so I gambled and tried using it to train him this afternoon. Luckily, the pellets made wonders and Bruce learned his first move in less than an hour. Now, Bruce knows “sit.” And though it may be a really small thing, I believe it will just be the beginning of having a trained Bruce by my side.

Watch this video and have fun. Nice work Bruce.

Bruce

25 April 2011 | Day 049 | Daily Scribbles Special

I never expected last night would be so fantastic. If you’ve read my blog yesterday, you know that I was left here alone at home until about 10 pm. I was just watching the triumphant Ginebra Kings last night as they removed Chris Tiu and Smart Gilas from the playoff picture. I was hungry, sleepy and had a minor headache. Until my family went back home.

I always wanted to have a cute little friend dog at home. I have one Poodle, named Happy, since I was young but he never had the chance to stay in our house. Last night, as I peeped through our back door to welcome my family back home, I was surprised to see my little bro holding a black and white Shih Tzu on his hands as he went down of the car. Though it was intended to be his pet, well, at least, I can have someone to play with from time to time aside from my little bro. He isn’t getting any younger anyway.

Angelo told me that he had not given the dog a name yet so I took the initiative to do so. I named him Bruce. Well, since Shih Tzus originated from China, and since Bruce Lee, the greatest martial artist in the world, came from Hong Kong, which was part of China before, I named the dog Bruce. Nice name etymology isn’t it? I’m magnificent!

Bruce is so playful and very friendly. While writing this entry, he is here beside my foot sleepily lying down. He doesn’t want to be left by us and always wants company. He is voracious, not in a bad way as the word sounds. Oh Bruce, welcome to our family. It is nice to have you here.

Bruce can’t go without any reinforcements. He came with some free little cute bunnies (yes, it was Easter yesterday). Five pairs of cute rabbits and a dog, woohooo!

Summer 2011: The Boracay Escapade

18 April 2011 | Day 042 | Daily Scribbles Special

The splash of the clear waters of the vast sea keeps on ringing in my head like melody. The white and fine sand…oh yes the sand…can still be felt by my naked feet walking along the shore. How I wish we can stay there – there where fresh air is, there where peace and tranquility is – like forever.

I’ve always wished for a fun-packed family vacation over the past 17 years of my life. I had one these past few days, finally!

My family and I went to Boracay last April 15 to 17 for some stress break and leisure. I thought it wouldn’t be that fun as I imagine but it turned out to be great and way fulfilling. Everyone in our family had fun – from the plane to Bora to the plane back to Manila – and I’m sure that fun would remain in our hearts and memories even as time passes by. This summer vacation is the best one in my life yet.

Day 01

The first day was something already. It was the first time for my little brother to board an airplane and he was so excited (even if we woke up at around 1:30 am). It was also my family’s first time to Boracay and everyone was looking forward to it the past few weeks. Well, yeah the trip was fun with Angelo sounding as excited as ever and my dad playing comedian every now and then.

Setting foot on the fine sands of Boracay was way better than flying on any airplane. The moment we reached the shore after a boat ride from Caticlan to Boracay proper, everybody removed his shoes and felt the beautiful sand. The feeling was refreshing. The sands were really fine and I must say the world should have more of it than freaking asphalt roads.

We didn’t waste any time after our arrival and so we immediately fixed our things and changed into our swimming attires. Unfortunately,we were unable to swim that day since the sun is scorching hot. We just played with the sand, felt the water a bit, shopped and ate some great food. I like that restaurant named Bamboo Lounge which has great breakfast meals and Chinese food.

Everybody was tired and sleepy so we spent the whole afternoon sleeping. During the night, we explored some shops and ate some good food again. More people flocked during the night as they went dancing to great music, had fun with parties and filled their stomachs with amazing food and drinks.

Day 02

The second day was activity day. We started swimming early in the morning. Dad was funny, way funny – chilling (to the bones) during the swimming time. After around an hour and a half, we went island hopping and explored the wide Boracay waters. It was nice to have that fresh air fill your lungs and touch your skin. During the middle of trip, which by the way is by motor boat, my brother and I went snorkeling. The fish around the sea, especially those that travel by group (yo, school of fish) were fun to watch. It was worth the experience.

Day 03

The last day was mixed with fun and a little bit of sadness. Well, it was our last day to enjoy Boracay and the time seemed so short to do other activities.Despite that, we made ourselves way too active to enjoy everything Boracay has to offer. We went swimming again, sailing (you know, that pretty sail boat), jet ski-ing (what’s the right term?) and helmet diving. Well, everything listed before was first time for me (except swimming of course) so my excitement made the experience way more enjoyable. I really love the helmet diving part. You see, we were underwater, walking there and feeding fish. That was great!

Truly, Boracay is a God-given gift not only to the Philippines but also to the whole world. My stay there gave me my greatest summer break ever. I think it is but right to say…I ♥ Boracay!