A trip to Taal, Batangas
I suppose it would be appropriate to that the day of my birth falls on the mid-part of the year where the other half begins with Christmas and the other ends with it. As the revelry subsides and we tally the health and financial cost of too much celebrating, it is also the time of introspection and more importantly, gratitude. Whatever has happened before is history. What lies ahead is undiscovered. That leaves us with now and each other. To paraphrase Richard Bach, if you took away space, all we would have is here; if you took away time, all we would have is now.
This being my personal blog, it is inescapable that I express my gratitude to the very existence of life, which will forever be linked to the greatest gift a close-friend bestowed upon me. Having scrawny and in the grips of migraines and flat feet, I was given a path by that "friend" to never be a victim of that kind of frailty again. She showed me that I could turn a weakness into strength, physically and intellectually. The past few years of health and mental issues have brought that memory back to light.
Turning 30 carries more gravity and urgency for me. Since it is a reminder of how we never know how the game of our lives will end. My dear lolo died at 90. My colleague and friend Francis passed away from a car accident at 20 after being friends for about a decade. But the rear view mirror also affords a great view of the winding road behind, and the breathtaking milestones that each of us can claim as a distinct mark we leave behind, no matter what anyone says.
I am truly privileged to have been part of this world, where regular people constantly strive to become extraordinary. If a pushcart vendor can become a professional basketball league MVP and a tricycle driver can win a FIBA podium finish, who am I to complain about the hand I've been dealt? Though my life requires me to be objective, privately I am in awe of these people I have been fortunate to be around, and to call many of them friend. Finding a way to win is the most thrilling accomplishment in human existence.
Oh yes. This is where Sir Chief and Maya got married.
My life has taken me all over places, and led me to try things that have never been done before. It has taken my hand and guided me to do things I love the most, play dare and become a better lover and more patient and forgiving friend. Believe me, it comes in handy, especially when you've packed on the mileage we do in our life.
I often ask myself what people will say or have the courage to say when this blogger finally pens his last piece. It will definitely be colorful, with a sprinkling of unprintables, for sure. Much of what has happened in almost 30 years will be likely be unearthed when people seek out who was the first to do what. But much has been left in silence after its been done, which is the way it should be. After all, it wasn't done to brag, but to prove that it could be done. So others can break down barriers to do what was previously thought impossible.
Then again, what other people think has not really been that important to me. As I've learned, people project what they want to project, and assume what they want to assume, and are either too obstinate and too embarrassed to correct their views once they have been proven wrong. I've been called many unrepeatable things throughout my life, and for most part, people have been wrong. I don't make it a habit to trumphet the good things I've done; that's between me and God, who keeps a perfect accounting of everything.
So what's left on the south side of 30? A career to mold, a relationship to find, a blog space to continue. And many more avenues to explore. The excitement never ends. JMP
