VIII

Relax…

Unwind…

Slow down…

These are the three rules which I must reincorporate again into my cerebral cortex. Day one of my vacation (less the period to be spent for OJT), I’m still jumpy, up and about. It would still take time before I absorb into my system the fact that I’m officially in my 8th year in UST, and my fourth in the Faculty of Civil Law. God! I’m old!

The exam in tax was TERRIBLE! No person in their right mind would memorize the whole National Internal Revenue Code, much less the provisions on Documentary Stamp Tax, Excise Tax, Percentage Tax, VAT (inclusive of R.A. 9337 or more known to the common man as the EVAT/RVAT), Tariff and Customs Code. Madame Prudence, how ever gorgeous you are… you are insane!!!

The exam was scheduled at 4pm. It was rescheduled at 6pm, adding more salt to the wound… of sleepless nights, mental anguish, emotional anxiety and besmirched reputations.

And then around 6pm, fire trucks were all around the campus. The pharmacy laboratory behind the graduate school burned. Again. But hey, it was exciting in a morbid, sadistic kind of way. It’s once in a lifetime opportunity to see you alma mater in ashes.

Despite the incident, tuloy pa rin ang exam! Ganyang kalupit ang buhay naming sa law school. Kesehodang lumindol, mag-delubyo, may bumagsak mang kometa, o magunaw man ang mundo… tuloy pa rin.

The area around the main building was reeking with fumes and dark smoke. There was no wind, and while I was making usi, I could feel the heat emanating from the laboratory, even though I was standing more than a hundred feet away from the place. We had to transfer from the new bar review room to the reading area, cause the smoke was already seeping through the windows, cracks and crevices. That’s what they call safety precaution… transfer to the other side of the building. I should have called it a day and default all students from taking the exams, and give them straight 1.5’s instead.

After the exams, we went to Earnest’s place and had a drinking bout, more than half of the class came, and some other people from the other sections.

Then I was placed in the hot seat.

They concocted a truth serum, and the ingredients are San Mig strong ice, red horse, gin pom, lambanog, and vodka.

I was cross examined no less than by the lead defense counsel. The yard was the courtroom and everybody was listening intently to the public hearing.

Now I’ve answered the most pervasive question which I eluded all these times.

“Kayo ba?”

Res ipsa loquitur. (or is it loquitor?)

My private life is now an open book to them. And I made them take the oath. Privileged communications rule. Lawyer-client privilege. Granting that I am of slight prominence in class, I gave them what they need to know. And I feel like I came out from hiding in the bookshelf. I bind them by the supernatural law of dharma. They are duty-bound to keep it to themselves.

And after a year of being classmates, only at that instance did defense counsel and I bonded. And now my future political alliance is forged, according to the rules of engagement in drinking sessions.

If one day defense counsel becomes the President of the Republic, I sit as Chief Justice of the Supreme Court.

Now, the time has come for me to prep up my room. Place all the books, cases and Xerox copies in the shelf and lock them up for good. The cleansing ritual starts now. A new life waits me two months from now.

Senior Law student.

I made it. Despite the aleatory nature of the exam results, I know in my heart that I endured three years wasted in the solitude of academic torment.

VII

Just one last exam, and I am off to Neverland.

NEVER AGAIN TO READ LAW BOOKS.

At least until required to do so again.

I have constrained and pushed myself to the limit. 3 consecutive nights of badminton, barely six hours of sleep a night for a week, countless hours of studying. I’m not bionic, but hey, I’m still alive and kicking… voluntarily. Last night I took half a tablet of valium from Dennis’ Mom’s Drugstore. He says its valium. I read it in ARABIC. It’s not the typical valium drug that I take, but hey, I’ll trust he’s word on it. For 70 pesos, you committed reckless negligence resulting to homicide. But since I’m still alive and blogging right now. I guess no crime was consummated.

Thursday, I went and dropped by my alma mater minore. There’s this ‘Homecoming’ show by MTV, featuring the famous people returning back to their respective schools. It was hosted by a certain VJ Nicole and John Joe, who, although I sat with them inside the School Director’s sitting room, I didn’t mind either, for I haven’t seen them on TV.

And who else of course am I supposed to meet there? The one and only, the Prince of Pop, the first grand champion of Star in a Million.

And I’ve realized how jologs our teachers are. And though it’s a matter of perspective, I still couldn’t stomach that they are so star struck with a singer who was merely a thinly student back then. I have nothing against the Prince, he is my friend, we grew up together, but never did I ever goad at him nor worship him like he was the Salvador del Mundo. Again, it is a matter of perspective. He maybe a backroom productions talent, but for me, he is still the funny guy who loved to impersonate, to do voices, and who sings scales beyond the eight octaves.

If I become a lawyer, would they screech and take pictures of me too? Probably not.

I’m still unfit to find my place within the masa crowd. They have their kilig moments with popstars. I had mine with Chief Justice Davide, Justices Melencio-Herrera, Ynares-Santiago, Sandoval-Gutierrez, Panganiban, Puno, etc.

Yesterday, I arrived at school around past four, knowing that my exams in Corporation law (5 units raised to 10th power.) is 6pm. I was just about to take my seat upon arrival at the music section of the Library, when Marvelous, Carol and Lot simultaneously texted and asked me where I am. I told them I was in school. Turns out that the exam starts at 4pm for that day. I came rushing to the Main Building, and there was Carol waiting for me at the Lobby looking so worried. We entered the classroom and I was met with “whooo’s” and “yihees.” And for all the hell do I care what that was all about. Turns out, according to Marvelous, that Carol has been in and out of the classroom waiting and looking for me.

Yeah, this girl loves me. She just can’t admit it. Everybody knows that we’ve been brewing something for quite a while. But I just stopped brewing.

Why? Cause up to now, she doesn’t know what she wants. I had enough of ambiguities and compromising implications and liberal constructions in my favor. I want it to be expressed… That is all that I want of her.

Good thing the exams didn’t start until 4:48pm. Sheer luck maybe… or the gods are still smiling upon me.

Then today, I was supposedly trying to catch up with Bernice’s wedding. I ended up in the reception because of the following factors, to wit: 1. the exams began at 3:30, when it was supposed to start at three. I finished the damn thing in an hour and 25 minutes perhaps. I was the first person to get out of the classroom. Never minding what the hell a ‘slowdown’ is or what the fuck is a ‘substitutionary rule.’ At that point, I have to have an answer, no matter how illogical it maybe. I just made things up… a smorgasbord of Rules of Civil Procedure, Labor Relations Law, Statutory Construction and Constitutional Law.; and 2. The traffic in Manila and Malabon is heavy as hell.

Well, at least I made it to the food. Though I wasn’t in the picture-taking ceremony.

And then there was Ida, a former classmate of mine in Law school. Turns out she was also invited ‘cause she was Bernice’s classmate in the College of Commerce. Chit-chat here and there, then adieus.

Now, I’m sitting here in front of my desktop, with a cold glass of beer in my left side. Trying to record parcels of my life and thoughts. Well, the thought part wouldn’t be that substantial. Probably when I get more lax time and more sleep… that is if I get it.

What may be underdressed in Manila, is overdressed in Malabon.

Okay, I wore a dark purple dress shirt and my trusted black coat. Without the necktie to make it a little casual, The invitation says “Formal.” Then a lot of people in the wedding comes out in jeans, summer polo shirts, casual work polo shirts, casual slacks… except for the entourage who wore the motif dress and the piña barongs, I was the only one FORMAL enough for an event, which the invitation, though however small it was written, but CLEARLY embossed with the words… F.O.R.M.A.L.

What the hell is wrong with you people?! Am I the only one who understands the DIFFERENCE between FORMAL, INFORMAL, CASUAL, STREET CASUAL, SUMMER CASUAL, COCKTAIL, RAVE, etcetera, etcetera, blahblahblah?!

Well, to factor it out, using my limited knowledge (6units of psychology and about 3units of sociology) I guess it’s still all about sub-culture. My social subculture in law school and Manila is definitely a big influence, plus my personal choice. I’m not your upper-class fashionista guy, but I know trend, and I know what OCCASION and EVENT does and what you’re supposed to wear. And it’s called PROPRIETY and DECORUM.

Oh well, that’s just me. I love to rant, as most of us people in AB do.

Ranting is an art. Freedom of expression is law. Live it, love it. Everybody hates a critic, but everyone’s interested in a critique.

Sometimes I just have to convince myself that lawyering is just a profession. It is not who I am. But to be honest, too much exposure to the eau d’jure would eventually lead to absorption through the skin and brain cells. I am in my third year… I have to accept that I am indeed different from the rest. One day in the future, I will be like Divina, Javier, Bersamin, Peralta, Pardo, Kapunan, Benipayo, Palacios et al. All sui generis.

I live a half-life. One world is me. The other world is masked.

Just a few more sleeps… summer break. WOHOO!!!

VI

Tomorrow the Finals begin. ‘War mode’ ON. No social life for this week until Monday next week. Well, subject to two exceptions, to wit: 1. Badminton and 2. Bernice’s Wedding on Saturday. I had to give up even Saturday night drinking at the Cayco lair last night.

Too bad the wedding begins at 3pm at the Immaculate Conception Church here in hometown. About the same time, I’d be taking up my exams in Labor Relations. Uhm, at least, such force majeure would prevent me from entering my OBJECTION when the priest asks the question of “blahblahblah or forever hold your peace.”

The thing is… I’m a slave of law school. I’d probably miss out on my own wedding if I’m still in law school. Well, anybody in my position, whether as a college student or a graduate student, wouldn’t miss out on a final exam. Better that I should finish it early, in about an hour perhaps, and run back to the car and prep up there. At least, I should be in the reception for the picture-taking. My mom would be attending the wedding too.

Well, her wedding is momentous for me, she’s my god-sister, and we grew up together, studied in the same school from kindergarten ‘till high school, and as chance permitted, we even both went to UST. She studied in the College of Commerce, and me in AB. I’d really want to be there. But of course, I could ask Atty. Alcantara to give me an earlier exam in the Faculty Room, but hell, I’d have no one to copy from. Yes, you heard it right, we STILL DO copy from each other.

xxx xxx xxx

Getting the hang of badminton, even though my racquet already got scratched. Though it is an inanimate object, I felt the pain coursing through my veins. OUCH! It was brand new! It’s my baby!

And I’ve been counting all the pounds I’ve been shedding every after game. Since last week, until tonight, I lost over five pounds. Woohoo!!!!

And another thing, though it’s a bit personal. I don’t like PEOPLE TEACHING ME PRO GRATIS how to do this, or do that, especially if we’re not close, or otherwise nominal friends or acquaintances, or even if we came from the same school or what. I know, I’m a beginner, and I need to learn more of technique, but fuck, I didn’t consent to you giving me unsolicited advice on the spot. Just hit the damn cock, and I’ll hit it the way I’d hit it. I just came there to have fun, not to enter a tourney. If I pay you or ask you to teach me, then I’ll listen, but I didn’t. So I don’t need your help. Because help presupposes need. And I am not needy.

Perhaps it is my own pride, or maybe because of the Socratic discipline we live by, or maybe the adversarial nature of my professional training… don’t teach the opponent what to do unless you want to lose your own case. Never give them hints. Less talk is more. Less questioning is more. Less writing is more. If they don’t know what to do, take advantage of it. It is how you play the rules. Sounds dirty, but that’s the way it is.

So, if you’re not Larry, or Perry, or other people in my immediate circle… then shut up. Your intentions, however generous, are not welcome. (And by YOU, I meant to use in it the plural.)

That’s just what I think. And I wouldn’t scorn you up front. Besides, I’m entitled to my constitutionally guaranteed freedom of expression, and in here, I express it.

Now, I’ll shut up for the next week or so… until I’m officially off the Third Year in law school with the year-ender kampai ritual.

V

Texting Scenarios.

Scenario Number 1.

Ohme and Bohemian Rhapsody…

A Few Weeks Ago.

Ohme: Nakauwi ka n b? Ok k pa ba?
D: Yup. Did u just w8 4 me 2 get home?
O: Yeah, I did.
D: Uhm… dat’s nice. Lam mu bng luv kita hehe. Gudnyt.
O: Yeah, I know.
D: Ows? Pano mo nalaman?
O: Nafyfyl ko kc eh.
D: Tlaga? Kahit minsan pumapasok sa eksena si ____?
O: yup.
D: Me sasabihin ako s yo, friends n lng tlaga kme ni ___, pero may attraction p rin ako sa knya eh.
O: I understand it. Maybe when the time is right.
D: Oo nga eh. Rong timing kc lage eh.
O: Kelan b tyo ulet mgkikita?
D: Ewan ko, hindi tlga magmit sked natin eh. Nkkfrustrte lng kung pinipilit natin. Bka hindi p tlga tym.
O: Cguro nga. Oh well…


Scenario Number 2.

Ohme and Undecided.

Last Sunday.

Several Missed Calls prior to the conversation.

Ohme: Bahkeht po?!!!
C: Wla lang. Nangungulit lang.
O: Onga, ang kulit mo ngayon. Bket b?
C: Wla. Nakaka-miss lang. Yun lang. Cge, aral na tyo.
O: What do you miss?
C: Ikaw.
O: Oh… Ok.
O: How much do u miss me?
C: I don’t know.
O: You know what… advise ko lang sa yo as a frend. Your always full of uncertainty. U don’t knw what u want, na even if I make the first move, you’d probably still answer the same as before.
C: Yeah, I guess your right. Weird man, ganun tlga ako. I don’t knw wat I want. At kpg pinepressure ako, may tendency ako na lumayo. I knw that the answers will come to me @ the right time. Ganun tlga ako, and nobody understands that.
C: Ay… na-receive mo b yung mahaba kong txt s yo? Namatay kc yung fone ko eh.
O: Yup, I did.
C: Wla. Yun lng. Its amazing how real u knw me.
O: Kya nga minsan ako na lumalayo physically. Tulad l8ly, nagkukulitan na naman tyo. Bka kc maguluhan n naman ako eh.
C: I understand, you don’t need to explain. Cge, aral n po tyo.

IV

Last Monday, I was afflicted with my undeniably money draining Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder. I went to Toby’s in Harrison Plaza and got myself a new badminton racquet, a PRINCE FORCE310ti, which I can call MY OWN. Hi-modulus graphite and metallic light blue color. The previous one I owned is a low rated hand me down from my brother, which was handed down to him by our dad. Not that I am the snooty-snobby type (which I am most of the time), I just wanted some personal touches on my racquet. It’s like buying a car. You just don’t buy any car… you buy YOUR car. I also had the strings changed (twice!) ‘coz the ‘expert’ sez the tension’s too strong. So I had to downsize it from 25 to 22. Good thing there was a Toby’s in SM San Lazaro, just a few skips away from UST. Furthermore, the duffel bag was hot! Hehehe. And it was ‘baptized’ last Wednesday.

Lot of things to do this coming weeks. Lotsa catchin’ up with my subjects. I hafta dismiss all invites to our middle class sociales (except badminton games of course.) And a week from from now… FINALS.

God, I’m in Third Year. For the Third Time. Next Year… Oh syet! It’s so fast. Just a few glimpses ago, we were just prancing and bouncing around the calachuchi, smoking after class, before class, and during class. We drink in between class hours, play billiards, bowling, watch movies, out-of-town trips, compulsory sleepovers because of drunkenness. The things that made me realize that there’s more to life, than this life in this small town, ex-hacienda, ex-fishing village, and former part of the Kingdom of the ancient Rajahs of Tondo.

Oh well… you just realize at certain points in your life that you’d want to counter-revolve the hands of time… not that you were remiss in anything. But just being there at that point in time is so damn good!

III

Friday night I couldn’t sleep well, a little pain in the right leg, probably stretched my upper right back leg muscle. So, I was topsy-turvy the whole night, that I woke up around 9am in the morning and oh so late for my class in LabRel. So I was absent for the 10am class. Fortunately, and as most of the time, the professor didn’t check the attendance.

Trial Tech was sorta in a rut, ‘coz Dr. Enriquez has already impliedly prohibited me from taking up the cross-examination of the witness. Hahaha! I don’t know what my other classmates’ problem is with cross. You just need to have a thick face. And fortunately enough, I do. Doesn’t matter whether you get objected to, or whether such is sustained, the important thing is a law student has to experience it. And it’s quite enjoyable actually. Destroying one’s credibility, even though the rules are strict, that you can only cross on matters taken up during direct, laying the predicate, relevance, materiality, etc., etc. But in the end, she did the cross for us, through judicial inquiry and judicial notice. Hahaha!

I have been studying all afternoon for our quiz in Torts class, when Dean Pineda suddenly taught us Compromise and Arbitration. Oh well, that’s life. Better listen than answer.

By evening, I met up with my friends at Starbucks in Megastrip. We moved on to Metrowalk, where I had Futomaki and Raw Tuna salad at Misato, while they drank, and afterwards, to Gutson’s, where we had more drinking. Blahblahs. Screeching, screaming, shouting, laughing etc. Not so much of a headache than our previous trip there.

Today, Badminton again. Oh yeah, never in my wildest dreams that I’d ever play the sport, since it was the hype, and being the impeccable Anti-everything that I am. But hey, there’s nothing wrong with enjoying a nice game and workout. At least I have another avenue to splurge out all my negative energy to self-inflicted positive reinforcement.

xxx xxx xxx

I hurt my feelings once more, and she felt the guilt all over again. Sadistic as it maybe, everybody wants a little piece of revenge on someone who nearly drove you insane. Even if the price is opening up again the nearly sealed mortal wound.

II

Destiny brings two people together. Circumstances separate them. And by some twist of Fate, they meet again in crossroads. Once in a while you meet that special someone who makes You the most important person in the world, without any reason or categorical purpose, nor motive. And such purpose or reason is yet to be discovered while the journey continues. A relationship need not be defined, let the thing speak for itself. What if the concept of “right love at the wrong time” is just a preparation for something better, something bigger, something brighter? Who knows?

It may not be true love. It may not be everlasting. But to be certain, it is a spark of forever existing in the now.