2011: Chronicling the year that was
It's that time of the year when we sit beside the fireplace, smoke some joint, contemplate on what 2011 has done to us and if last Christmas was indeed our last because the Mayans said the Martians are coming and we're all gonna die next year.
But since we don't want to get occupied with nonsensical paranoia, I figured it's better if we just look back and enjoy the year that was. However, since this is my blog, this is not about your feelings. THIS IS ABOUT MINE! And I would like to share them to you because why not. 2011 yearend review woooooh!
January
If God made a month for the sole purpose of testing my patience and tenacity as a field reporter, it would definitely have to be January. Back then, when I was still working for this business newspaper, I was asked to substitute for a reporter who was taking a leave. My mission: to cover the Arab spring in Tunisia.
But kidding aside, this month was just sad for me. I was previously assigned to cover for the National Economic and Development Authority and other attached agencies. Since that beat aka the Empty Quarter churns stories out on a periodical basis, I was also assigned to the Justice department and the Senate, which kind of lowered my life expectancy given the challenging nature of the beat and my sheer ignorance on what to follow up, who to talk to and who to threaten for a scoop. I was also having life issues that time, so when my editor decided to talk to me one day, I told him I was resigning. And I did. I left weeks later.
February
I turned 21 this month, nothing special really, save the fact that I could already legally enter a casino in the Philippines. But since I'm poor, right... there. I also left the business newspaper in the middle of the month. However, before saying goodbye, my editor decided to give me a special gift: the task of covering Angelo Reyes's apparent suicide. Not so fast, said the world. Fuck you so much, I replied. Going to the hospital, attending the police press con, getting late reaction from important people and fighting for my life amid a sea of competitive journalists-- quite an experience.
Feb. 22 came and I got a new job- as an editor in philstar.com. I'm still here and I'm loving it.
March
One day I suddenly got bored and I asked Kat and Elfer if they'd like to debate with me at the College of Saint Benilde Intervarsity. Both said yes, and agreed we should be Team Patikim ng Pinya, ang Tikoy Matigas Na (Patikim ng P Niya, ang T ko'y Matigas Na, stupid). We were so excited about our team up; I even suggested we use British accent while debating because why not. Unfortunately, Gullible Garie, who was in charge of registering the teams, thought I was speaking the truth so on the day of the competition, I was surprised that our name was Team British. What sorcery is this!
But no biggie, we reached semis anyway, and I was happy.
Jovan is writing his arguments on the floor because an armchair is too mainstream.
April
The University of the Philippines Debate Society (represented by Alistair, Pearl and Carlo) won the Philippine Inter-Colegiate Debating Championship, yay! That's all.
May
For the first time ever, UPDS reached the finals round of the United Asians Debate Championship. This doesn't mean anything personal to me and I was not even in Macau to see this happen, but because I don't have anything to write about for this month I'll just put this. Also, do not judge me for talking about debate for three consecutive months.
It was also May when I set a personal record for watching a single film for the most number of times in a cinema. I liked Thor so much I watched it four times (once on 3d, thrice on 2d) and bought myself a small mjolnir after finding out my nephew got it from a Jolly Kid's Meal. Some say this is regression but I say fuck it, I'm a fan.
Another notable thing was my interview with the Younghusband brothers for philstar.com. If my memory serves me well, that's the first time I interviewed a celebrity.
June
This month I discovered my fondness for tea. I tried all the Starbucks flavors- Mint Blend (my favorite), Earl Grey (not bad but a bit tart), English Breakfast (safe but forgettable), Chinese Green Tips (tart and sour), Hibiscus (sour) and Chamomile (very nice). Well, up to now I still haven't tasted Jasmine Orange because apparently it's elusive. So there. It's so profound, right.
July
Harry Potter ended, which was quite sad because it's basically my childhood. Also, it's my first time to watch a football match live. It was the first round of the World Cup qualifiers, and it was Philippines versus Sri Lanka. 4-0, yo. My close friend Raymond treated me because he got tickets, but we almost didn't get to see it because he got stuck in the rain and the rain was wow, what a rain that was. We got into the stadium just in time for Younghusband's first goal, then we acted like we were authentic football fans with matching face paint. Annoying, no?
Wow, I totally hated football until the entire Azkals hype
so yeah you're a hipster and I'm a fucking bandwagoning fucker.
August
It's my first year anniversary as a member of the workforce. As a gesture, I started reading The Communist Manifesto and went to work with chains.
Also, I debated (again, what the fuck, get a life, will you) with Weston at the Intramuros International Intervarsities. We reached Semis and I was happy. Probably one of the best tournament experiences I had. Aww.
September
Went to Los Banos to watch a tourney. Saw Peter Pan the Musical and liked, it. Nothing much.
October
Okay, do not judge me for this one. Well, you may, but please just keep it to yourself. I "starred" in a music video. Did it for a friend. First time to do such thing.
Also, I went to Cagayan de Oro City for fun. With DebSoc friends who were competing for the National Debate Championships. We won for the third consecutive year, yay! I also did trick-or-treating for the first time with my friends. Quite a happy month, actually.
Treats or we'll kill you. With our cuteness. Okay nevermind.
November
Got reunited with my first college friends after five years. Wow that sounded so old. Also, this month I overdosed on Skins because apparently wasted British teens have their appeal on me. I'll kill you you flat-chested spastic horse fucker! is a line I got from the show.
December
My December was happy, thank God. I was able to watch the World Universities Debate Championship in Manila and I was fascinated by the Australian and British speakers. I felt insecure for a while but then again I said I'm Jovan so I felt okay again.
I bought Noche Buena and Media Noche for my family, which was something I'm a bit proud of and sad at the same time. Kidding. We're too far from being okay, but at least we still found a reason to celebrate the holidays. Pwede na.
But since we don't want to get occupied with nonsensical paranoia, I figured it's better if we just look back and enjoy the year that was. However, since this is my blog, this is not about your feelings. THIS IS ABOUT MINE! And I would like to share them to you because why not. 2011 yearend review woooooh!
January
If God made a month for the sole purpose of testing my patience and tenacity as a field reporter, it would definitely have to be January. Back then, when I was still working for this business newspaper, I was asked to substitute for a reporter who was taking a leave. My mission: to cover the Arab spring in Tunisia.
But kidding aside, this month was just sad for me. I was previously assigned to cover for the National Economic and Development Authority and other attached agencies. Since that beat aka the Empty Quarter churns stories out on a periodical basis, I was also assigned to the Justice department and the Senate, which kind of lowered my life expectancy given the challenging nature of the beat and my sheer ignorance on what to follow up, who to talk to and who to threaten for a scoop. I was also having life issues that time, so when my editor decided to talk to me one day, I told him I was resigning. And I did. I left weeks later.
February
I turned 21 this month, nothing special really, save the fact that I could already legally enter a casino in the Philippines. But since I'm poor, right... there. I also left the business newspaper in the middle of the month. However, before saying goodbye, my editor decided to give me a special gift: the task of covering Angelo Reyes's apparent suicide. Not so fast, said the world. Fuck you so much, I replied. Going to the hospital, attending the police press con, getting late reaction from important people and fighting for my life amid a sea of competitive journalists-- quite an experience.
Feb. 22 came and I got a new job- as an editor in philstar.com. I'm still here and I'm loving it.
March
One day I suddenly got bored and I asked Kat and Elfer if they'd like to debate with me at the College of Saint Benilde Intervarsity. Both said yes, and agreed we should be Team Patikim ng Pinya, ang Tikoy Matigas Na (Patikim ng P Niya, ang T ko'y Matigas Na, stupid). We were so excited about our team up; I even suggested we use British accent while debating because why not. Unfortunately, Gullible Garie, who was in charge of registering the teams, thought I was speaking the truth so on the day of the competition, I was surprised that our name was Team British. What sorcery is this!
But no biggie, we reached semis anyway, and I was happy.
Jovan is writing his arguments on the floor because an armchair is too mainstream.
April
The University of the Philippines Debate Society (represented by Alistair, Pearl and Carlo) won the Philippine Inter-Colegiate Debating Championship, yay! That's all.
May
For the first time ever, UPDS reached the finals round of the United Asians Debate Championship. This doesn't mean anything personal to me and I was not even in Macau to see this happen, but because I don't have anything to write about for this month I'll just put this. Also, do not judge me for talking about debate for three consecutive months.
It was also May when I set a personal record for watching a single film for the most number of times in a cinema. I liked Thor so much I watched it four times (once on 3d, thrice on 2d) and bought myself a small mjolnir after finding out my nephew got it from a Jolly Kid's Meal. Some say this is regression but I say fuck it, I'm a fan.
Another notable thing was my interview with the Younghusband brothers for philstar.com. If my memory serves me well, that's the first time I interviewed a celebrity.
June
This month I discovered my fondness for tea. I tried all the Starbucks flavors- Mint Blend (my favorite), Earl Grey (not bad but a bit tart), English Breakfast (safe but forgettable), Chinese Green Tips (tart and sour), Hibiscus (sour) and Chamomile (very nice). Well, up to now I still haven't tasted Jasmine Orange because apparently it's elusive. So there. It's so profound, right.
July
Harry Potter ended, which was quite sad because it's basically my childhood. Also, it's my first time to watch a football match live. It was the first round of the World Cup qualifiers, and it was Philippines versus Sri Lanka. 4-0, yo. My close friend Raymond treated me because he got tickets, but we almost didn't get to see it because he got stuck in the rain and the rain was wow, what a rain that was. We got into the stadium just in time for Younghusband's first goal, then we acted like we were authentic football fans with matching face paint. Annoying, no?
Wow, I totally hated football until the entire Azkals hype
so yeah you're a hipster and I'm a fucking bandwagoning fucker.
August
It's my first year anniversary as a member of the workforce. As a gesture, I started reading The Communist Manifesto and went to work with chains.
Also, I debated (again, what the fuck, get a life, will you) with Weston at the Intramuros International Intervarsities. We reached Semis and I was happy. Probably one of the best tournament experiences I had. Aww.
September
Went to Los Banos to watch a tourney. Saw Peter Pan the Musical and liked, it. Nothing much.
October
Okay, do not judge me for this one. Well, you may, but please just keep it to yourself. I "starred" in a music video. Did it for a friend. First time to do such thing.
Click to viewAlso, I went to Cagayan de Oro City for fun. With DebSoc friends who were competing for the National Debate Championships. We won for the third consecutive year, yay! I also did trick-or-treating for the first time with my friends. Quite a happy month, actually.
Treats or we'll kill you. With our cuteness. Okay nevermind.
November
Got reunited with my first college friends after five years. Wow that sounded so old. Also, this month I overdosed on Skins because apparently wasted British teens have their appeal on me. I'll kill you you flat-chested spastic horse fucker! is a line I got from the show.
December
My December was happy, thank God. I was able to watch the World Universities Debate Championship in Manila and I was fascinated by the Australian and British speakers. I felt insecure for a while but then again I said I'm Jovan so I felt okay again.
I bought Noche Buena and Media Noche for my family, which was something I'm a bit proud of and sad at the same time. Kidding. We're too far from being okay, but at least we still found a reason to celebrate the holidays. Pwede na.