Traditions, no more?

On Christmas day, I tweeted "Christmas feels different as you get older". True. It doesn't only feel different, it transforms.

Growing up, Christmas parties are the signs that the countdown should start. It also means I am ready to accept my gifts and beso in gratitude. And most importantly, no more class for the next 3 weeks! I would also used to look forward to our yearly Nemenzo reunions because all uncles are compelled to give gifts. Lucky for me, I have 6! Lolo used to act as the Santa Clause. He picks out a gift then announce who is it for and who is it from. After his stroke tho, one of my uncles took over. It was everyday reunion for us. There would be talent portions too and cash is being handed out to the brave ones. So much fun and super festive!

That's how I remember Christmas growing up. It was definitely something to look forward to.

Christmas for the past years hasn't been the same at all. Since the olds died. My uncles from Manila don't go home anymore. We don't have reunions anymore. No more gift-giving. It's become just another day. It's really sad that we haven't continued the great tradition, for the new generation, at least.

Maybe it's time to create our own tradition. Christmas day, Tito Marvin called up my mom, saying they wanted to drop by the house. But we were having lunch with my mom's family, so she invited them to dinner instead. We were complete. As far as Tito's and ours are concerned. We had a festive dinner, drank wine, the kids played and laughed all night. It was almost like the old times. Incomplete but better than none.



Hope you all had a great Christmas!

Great Year

This year has been such a great one for me! I got what I wished for and more!

After passing the bar exams, I didn't exactly know what I wanted. So I hung around my first job. After a few months tho, something in me is screaming that this is not where I should be or what I should be doing. So I went on ahead to applying for the typical lawyers job. Law firm. I honestly thought I have an edge because of my U.S. immigration background. So I went on to finding a firm that has U.S. immigration as one of its practice areas. There are quite a few, much to my delightful surprise. So anyway, I went to one interview. My mouth just dropped on the floor. Taken aback was an understatement. Of course, during the interview, I was selling myself to be employable. But as the pleasantries were shoved aside, I was realizing that I didn't want to be hired anymore. Work hazards of being a girl in a man's world, I guess. From then on, I didn't want to be in a firm unless I knew the Senior partners. That's my only condition. Then I decided I will only work in 2 organizations. (1) government and (2) hard core corporate, whichever comes first.

After a month more of hanging around my previous job, I woke up one day and decided to resign, pack my things and come back home. Supposedly for good. Bummed around. Did a couple of court appearances. But quite frankly, it was difficult because the cash was nowhere to be found. Not to mention I was overly becoming bored. Province life just doesn't appeal to me anymore. My 'for good' timeline was shortened to 1 year, then to 6 months. But only 4 months, I found myself hired by, what i wanted, a government agency in Manila!

2 weeks. That was all it took. Applying. Initial Interview. Panel Interview. Then I'm on to my new life, new job and another beginning. Of course I was super thrilled! I didn't know what to expect. But I was absolutely ready for anything!

This year was so grand for me! Got to travel to KL, Malaysia at my own expense with my friends. I also went to Davao and Cebu this year. Made several flights to Bacolod too! Hmmm, that's where most of my money went this year. Oh and of course, a few nice suits from Zara and Mango, my LongChamp and Kate Spade bags and last but not the least, my priced possession, Nikon D90.

















I was busy spending time with the family too here in Manila. Which reminds me to be thankful of my work schedule. More flexible and 3-day weekend! Wohoo for that! And of course weekends with my girls. And a shout out to my old and new boss too!


















Looking over my photos made me realize one important thing. This year, I 'threw away' my money by purchasing plane tickets and making memories... I think that's what life is supposedly be about. We should live each day like it were our last, right. I guess it's safe to say that this year, I lived it like it were my last!

I am very grateful for all the opportunities, experiences and memories that I have for this year. Thank you Lord! I am looking forward to what next year has instore for me.

Merry Christmas and Have a great New Year to all!!!

Super Mario and Me

I think Nintendo Family computer is heaven sent. I grew up spending a big chunk of my afternoons in front of the TV playing computer games. My favourite (and still is) is Super Mario, the classic one. No matter how many times I play that game, I still am psyched of saving the Princess. After awhile though, I mastered the game then I would time myself how long will it take me to finish til 8-4. I would play alongside my cousin and we’d have a contest, who finishes first. Then came the Gameboy. The first tape I bought, Super Mario of course. And I still have it at home! When Brandon was old enough to get his own Gameboy, I just had to brag that I had that toy first. I searched for mine and smiled when I found it with my tape still stuck in it. As expected, my Gameboy isn’t working anymore but the tape does work on those new colored ones. Although it displays as B&W still.

I feel like living the Super Mario game and Mario as me. Mario had a goal, to save the princess. There’s no exact strategy how to do that. It changes each time you play. Along the way he picks up coins, 1ups and flowers so that he’ll become better equipped for what’s ahead. He encounters different sorts of ‘enemies’. Some easy to deal with, others difficult to get rid of. But it doesn’t matter coz he can always come back to life and try again. He just needs to keep on trying. Of course, the journey is made easier because of the ‘helps’ he has acquired.

That’s how I see life, at least mine. I just have a goal. As to how I reach it, I leave it to daily experiences to help me. In my journey, I meet people, visit places and learn new things. I have even found myself in a crappy situation. But like Mario, I just try again and things work out fine. Never burn bridges, they say, coz you’ll never know you might need this ‘help’ someday.

So while this heart is beating, ‘game over’ is something you won’t hear me say.

Moved back... for good!

It's sooner than I thought. At first I was looking at a year then shortened it to 6 months. but 2 months short of my new timeline, I'm back in Manila! Wohoo!

I spent the last 2 weeks of 2009 and 1st week of 2010 dealing with my grandmother's death. Grieving of course, but more on the day-to-day things in the funeral parlor and eventually the funeral. I haven't been running like a headless chicken like that. Everyday. I was always drained and so full of it. After the funeral, I found myself not wanting to go out, not having the energy to report to the firm, and just not wanting to do anything. I would deal with the aftermath of the funeral still. Collation of the receipts, thank you cards, and listing down the expenses.

Then one day, I was talking to Sher and as usual I was ranting bout how bored I was there. blah blah blah. And she commented, what the hell was I thinking packing up my things here and moving back there? I couldn't give an answer. As I have said, it was really a spontaneous decision. After that conversation, I hit the net searching on jobstreet.com, jobsdb.com and government websites. hahaha I was targeting government agencies. I didn't want to work in a law firm in Manila. I received a few rejections but one interesting government agency invited me for an interview. The next week, I was set to fly out to Manila. Then one week later, I got the job! Barely 2 weeks to wrap things up in Bacolod then I'm set to move back in Manila!

More than 2 months have passed, I'm enjoying it here. Sure I miss home, but not really Bacolod. hehehe I promised my dad that this is the last time I'm shipping my car anywhere else. So yes, I moved back here for good. =)

Officially Missing Manila

Manila is the first city I fell in love with instantly. It began when we started going there because my dad got assigned to work there. Every summer, semestral break and even during intramurals, my mom, my sister and I would always grab that chance to visit Dad. That's when the love affair started. A visit to Megamall and Gift Gate everyday, I'm the happiest kid alive! Then I lived there for 4 good years in college. Never mind the flooding every rainy season (I'm from UST) and the hassle of commuting. I always feel a certain high whenever I'm there. Then after law school, Dad bought me a house and shipped my car there. Much to my delight! Living there made easier 100x! I love my Daddy soooo much for that. Reviewed for the bar, worked there. That's more than 2 years in total. Now I'm back in Bacolod for almost 4 months. I'm sad. I am officially missing Manila! Waaah!

Last night, we were at my uncle's house to celebrate his birthday. While we were lining up to get the food, the topic of Manila came up. My aunt asked if I miss my life there. I'm like YEAH! Then my cousin chimed in, she felt sad when she entered the house (she stayed at my house when she visited 2 weeks ago) because it was pretty obvious that no one lives there anymore. Cobwebs on corners! My heart just sank... I wanted to fly out immediately! If only I can. I went on to saying that I saw a pic of her hubby taken in my room. All the more I realized I miss it sorely. I miss Manila and everything else that comes with it.

I am having this bad habit of comparing everything here with Manila. I know I'm not supposed to be doing that because apparently it's 2 different cities. But somehow, unconsciously, I am guilty of it. I guess I am one of those few who'd rather live in Manila than in Bacolod. A handful of people I know who came here for a visit all fell in love with the place, the lifestyle and with the people. Maybe like me when I first set foot on Manila soil. They would enumerate all the bad stuffs they can say about Manila. I would always pleasantly say, me? I prefer Manila. I have friends there, more things to do, a lot of places to go to and more importantly, freedom. Not just from parents but even from people around you. Inhibitions fly out the window coz of the anonymosity. I guess to each his own.

My coming back in Bacolod was so spontaneous that I didn't spend ample time to think over my decision. But no regrets. I'm learning and I love what I'm doing. I just can't help it sometimes when I would wish I was in Manila instead. Maybe because a big part of me is still very hopeful that one day or sooner I will be back there again. A very good job offer perhaps? Or who knows, I just might wake up one day and pack up my things. Til then, I'm leaving my house vacant.

Diving into Politics

I had a surprise visit from a lawyer friend yesterday afternoon. He came with a decision we have been discussing about for several weeks now. I can't say it's a great news. But definitely, it's a challenge for him... He is diving into politics!

I am not well-versed with our local politics. I found out who our vice mayor is just last week! And his name or face doesn't even ring a bell. hahaha That's how clueless I am! I started to become curious when this friend of mine told me that he was being invited to fill in a slot in this particular line up. My initial reaction then was, 'politics? seriously?' I gave out a laugh. I couldn't imagine him campaigning, being on stage in a gathering and selling himself, speaking in Ilonggo, no less! hahaha It's too funny! But I have always asked him over and over again if he wants it too. We have had some deep conversations about it. I guess he found it fitting that I was the first person he would visit after giving his confirmation to the party.

Our set up is the same. When he passed the bar, he also joined in his uncle's law firm. He has him for guidance. But as eager lawyers as we are, we constantly try to find ways how we can break away from our uncles' shadow. There was this one time I was offered a Clerk of Court job somewhere far from Bacolod. I was dead set on taking the job. I would rationalize my decision to him. He got my point and he was all supportive with it. Until I talked to my uncle and he explained the risk of travelling that far everyday. His point was, it's not worth it. So I had calm down my excitement and decided to take his advice. Then one day, he told me that there's an opening at a Branch here in Bacolod and he was going to apply. I asked him, why? He said because I sold it really well to him! hahaha And there's this another court too that is in need of a Clerk of Court. We were thinking that it would be really cool if we both get the job. Unfortunately, I submitted a little too late for they have endorsed an applicant already. But as with him, he was all on go. During those times, he was confused. He had to pick just one. Either he becomes a COC or be a candidate (winning is almost good as sure). We rationalized it together, until we decided to leave it to fate. Fate chose COC. So he went on to preparing everything he needs but somehow, there is this thin thread that ties him to the idea of entering politics. Just the day before his flight to Manila to personally follow up his application with the Supreme Court, he decided to run this coming election.

It's a yes for him. Without much thoughts on it, he is taking the challenge. I was telling him yesterday that he better be prepared to say goodbye to late nights and being publicly seen having too much alcohol fun. Well, at least until he gets elected. hahaha He'd be wearing a halo from now on.

This will be a busy election year. 2 lawyer friends running. Both dream of one thing... change.

-oOo-

An update: My friend decided to revert back to what fate chose for him. He withdrew his confirmation to run this coming election. Clerk of Court it is.

Alcohol and Law

Felt like it was a long day today. The moment I stepped out of the Hall of Justice going to my car, I thought, a nice below zero beer would be perfect to end the day. But it was only 5pm and I'm on antibiotics. Meaning, it's too early (as if we haven't drank this early) and more importantly, I can't drink. It would have been nice to cap off the day with friends and beer and discuss what just happened. I am a newbie and insights from not-so-newbie are very much well-taken and are very helpful as well.

Seems like it was just not me who had a long day. A few minutes after I was home, a lawyer friend texted:
M: U heading home?
A: Just arrived. Was at HOJ earlier. U going out to drink?
M: A cold beer would be nice. I was hoping we can meet up for 1 or 2 bots.
A: Yup, would have loved it too. I can't drink tho. I'm on antibiotics. Still coughing like hell! Long day?
M: Yeah, long day. I wanted to unwind but beer tastes bitter when you're drinking alone. Ur not yet well?
A: Not yet. So sick of it already. I have a story to share. Next time then.
M: Is that a SNN story material? Too bad.
A: Chismoso! It's a serious story. About a case.
M: Oh, it's a professional story. Would have been perfect to discuss it over beer. You're handling this case, I suppose?
A: Co-handling, I guess. Appeared at the hearing this afternoon. I have a comment I want to share. I guess, it's still chismis.
M: Too bad. Look me up when you're fine. Rest well.

So there. 2 lawyers who both had a long day had the same thing in mind. Beer. I'm pretty sure there's no connection between law and beer. Somehow, these 2 are always a perfect match. It started out in law school where you learn to drink after a long day in class. A terrifying recitation or maybe a brain-breaking exam or perhaps just another day of legal jargon. Bottomline is, we are thinking of the same way how to unwind. Sit down somewhere cozy, with a cold beer and great conversation. This is something that hasn't changed. Sure, it may have been lessened because of deadlines to meet the following day but fact remains, we make time to unwind and along with it is our dose of alcohol.

In the U.S., when you are sent the forms when you will renew your license, there is a flyer inserted about alcoholism. I asked my boss then, why is that so. He said that the most common problem/disease of lawyers is alcoholism. This is due to drinking every after workday and it eventually progresses to becoming an addiction. Ergo, work ethics and delivery are affected.

It's just not us who think the same. I guess it's safe to say that most lawyers, after a long day, want a cold beer/alcohol. To ease stress, enjoy the conversation that comes with it and for a moment forget about the deadlines. The irony of it tho is that during these drinking sessions, guess what we talk about? Law of course! hahaha Maybe law sounds simpler with a little push of our buddy SanMig. Maybe.