Blog of the Month - Survivor

Outwit. Outplay. Outlast.

After seeing several episodes of Survivor Philippines, I've realized that this reality show is not for me. Being very picky with everything, introverted, candid, outspoken and hard to please, I know my tribemates would immediately connive to have me ousted on the very first elimination. I don't think I could survive moving my bowel on a hole that I need to dig. That makes me different from cats. Sure I love the beach but I don't think I am capable of those physical challenges that await me (but then that's what I also thought before joining that rigid two-month CAT officership training but passed). So there. Patani has already gotten her much-awaited "exfosure" and I'm still here in front of the TV criticizing every teledrama I'm watching.

At this time where I'm being drowned with debts, and debts and debts and still haunted by guilt that I would be the reason for my sister's imprisonment, I have second thoughts of writing this blog. But since I have to start looking at a glass half full, I need to see the brighter perspective of everything. I have work, I am still breathing, I am healthy, I have somewhere to live in, I have family and friends who I think love me, and I know how to speak and write in English.

I am a survivor because the fact itself that I still exist right now is already a proof that I have survived from all the challenges death has threatened me. Enriqueta's so heavily-guarded egg cell was still penetrated by Eduardo Jr.'s sperm cell. During the first trimester of her pregnancy, she has tried to abort me, but still, she was able to born me - healthy and well. I've almost had a lockjaw, been almost drowned several times, had so many injuries, and got bumped by a speeding vehicle which led me unconscious for three days, but still I'm alive. Whoa! So I'm already living my nth life where n is approaching positive infinity.

I am a survivor because I was able to stand from my fall. I was kicked out of my the College of Engineering of my university because of so many flunked subjects. Bearing that very bad feeling, I transferred to a mediocre school and able to graduate on time. Among the 12 graduates of ECE from that school, I was the only one who passed the board exam. And one graduate from the university that kicked me out failed.

I am a survivor because I know that I am guided by special forces Science can't explain. Foremost, though I know that I'm a very very very bad person, God still directs me to the right path. I know that my father also guides me. As what my Mom said, "Hilabtunon ang Ginoo" (God meddles and interferes in a not so nice way).

And then again, I am a survivor because I can. Because surviving is a decision.

Eduardo's Got Talent

TL Tin and Diane are encouraging me to join our company's version of "America's Got Talent." I have second thoughts of joining because yes, I could carry a tune, but not to the point of singing like a pro.

My idea of that contest is to showcase one's extraordinary talent which I don't think I possess. Perhaps, if I could cook yema in two minutes, or ingest broken glass (not the food), or perform an acrobatic show, then I would be confident enough to register myself, even in "Talentadong Pinoy."

But I'm not really a singer. I added the adjective "frustrated" before that noun which gives it a different meaning. As Wyngard Tracy said during his interview before, it doesn't mean that if you could sing in the bathroom, you are given the license to sing on stage. In contrary to what people think of me, I'm not thick-skinned.

But I could give myself a try. I dared Diane to download a minus one copy of the song I sang in my recital. If she couldn't find it, then that means I couldn't join. But oh, I have the minus one of "A Whole New World." I might sing it solo. Ha ha.

Anyway, I already have an idea of our halloween costume. I'm so thrilled.

Connecticut, Here I Come!

Last Saturday, I was informed by our Division Governor that the upcoming district competition for four events - international, humorous, and impromptu speeches and speech evaluation - will be held March next year. Division contest will follow some time in April and the National convention to be held in Davao City will take place in May. Then in August 12-15, 2009, the international convention will be conducted at the MGM Grand at Foxwoods Resort Casino, Mashantucket, CT, where several artists like John Mayer, Josh Groban, etc. have performed. I'm imagining myself wearing my tuxedo and having my picture taken at the red carpet.

I was told by our board review master that we should aim for the top so that in case we would miss it, we would still be close to it. I'm starting to review the law of attraction and I'm aiming to be a part of the international convention. That means I'm rooting for the championship trophy in at least one of the categories in the national contest.

They're constantly grooming me for the impromptu but I need a nice and touching piece for my international speech. The subject should get to the nerves of all the people in the world in order for me to win. I also need to have a very funny topic for the humorous one. The callboy thing is already out since I've already delivered it last September. I'm not really a funny person so I need thorough preparation for this. Plus everybody in the club affirms that I need to get out of my shell in order for me to deliver my piece properly. I also admit that I have a problem with my organization so I have to start as soon as possible.

Would anybody be kind enough to suggest some topics for me? I would really appreciate it. If I'll pick that topic and win in the national convention, I'll really treat you out for a meal. He he.