Lemons and Lessons

Do you have a friend who is totally the opposite of you? When I say the opposite, I mean someone who has the qualities you dislike the most. But in spite of your differences, you still managed to accept and love each other. Well, I have that kind of relationship to most of my great friends, and one of those “great people” is Marky.

Marky is maangas, Marah is manang. Marky is confident, Marah is timid. Marky is loud-ER, Marah is loud. Marky is an Optimus Prime, Marah is(was) a Negatron. And the list of our differences can go on forever. But regardless of all our differences, we still have a lot of things in common, such as our love for Aqua, theater, arts, laughter, ENGLISH SUBJECT (=p), and people.

My relationship with Marky isn’t just the barkada-type-of-relationship. I believe that we go beyond that, but not as friends to lovers type. Ew. No. Haha. Our friendship is most likely a-brother-sister-kind-of-relationship. I look up to him as my Kuya outside my own biological family, not to mention he really resembles my Kuya (the way they talk, make others people laugh and even the way they dance). So it’s not difficult for us to get along, especially I am a certified kuya’s girl!

There was a time when we had a conversation; I was a very passionate blogger in tumblr then and he’s one of my readers and he randomly told me,” Oi feature mo ako sa blog mo!”. As a blogger, I was really flattered but I know he’s just being sarcastic. But one thing I’m sure of, with or without that statement, I know that I will feature him here in my new platform. For the impact he has made in my life, It’s impossible for me to forget to write about him here. And he deserves it.

Marky has the star potential! He’s one of the most talented people I’ve ever known. He’s truly gifted when in comes to art.Ironically it may seems, he’s now in his junior year in University of Santo Tomas taking up a Degree in Electrical Engineering. Perhaps, he found a certain art or magic in Engineering world, an art that my naked eyes couldn’t see because I’m too blinded by my love for the ART of ARTS. Honestly, I see him as a film-maker, an actor or a media person or maybe a businessman in the future, but being an engineer doesn’t even cross in mind… not even once. So his career choice was a really surprise for me. Knowing him for more than five years, I know he only not despise spiders but he also despise Math with all his heart, and yet he is taking an Engineering Degree. Absurd, right? But that is life and people… we’re all wrapped up by mysteries.

Marky is the only friend who is never hesitant, always willing to tell you the words you need to hear, regardless of how much it can hurt you. I can still clearly remember the moments when he said to my face that I am “stupid”, ” gullible” and “this particular guy doesn’t/didn’t love me”. Those words seem painful, but they really help me to find the better version of myself. Yes, those moments hurt me, but I never hold grudes towards marky. In stead of finding an enemy in him, I found a confidant, a great friend, a brother who always ready to save me from being a total crap. We have friends that couldn’t grasps the way he talks, because he is too frank and straight forward.But in my case, I even appreciate that he can tell me not only the things I need to hear, but also the things I need to know. I understand that he only says those words for my own growth.

Maybe a lot of times, he’s often misunderstood by many, because of his angst and use of words, but there’s a side of him that maybe not most people know. Marky’s a mentor.A very good mentor, not only in theater but also in life. I consider him as one of my life coaches. I can talk to him about everything under the sun: from back-stubbing our high-school teachers lol-to diet tips down to my personal dilemmas. In fact, he’s the only friend who knows my deepest personal problem. And I’m so grateful for having that kind of friendship with him. I feel so blessed that he’s able to share that side of him with me. He’s not really a man of criticism, really.He’s actually a man of wisdom.

He’s the one who told me, “Never say you’re not living your life, because you always live your life. Just don’t hold back.” His sayings are really far from the norm, i.e others would say, “I’m so excited for what life has in store for me!” But, Marky would say ” I’m excited for what “I” in store for my life, because for him, people shouldn’t expect life to give us lemons. We should be the ones giving lemons to life. In his words, ” You’re the one living it anyway, it’s not the life living you.”

And If there’s one powerful statement he told me before, that would be, “I don’t have a best friend, I only have great friends….and you’re one of them.” This guy has no idea how much that means to me. I feel like I’m doing something right when he says that. No words can express how much I feel so blessed when I heard those words coming from his mouth. And I’m actually getting a bit of emotional while typing this, but I’m thankful that I have the privilege to be loved and trusted by “D’ Marc Malibiran”.

I am positive that there are a lot of people who got inspired by this guy. And I’d love to hear each of their story on how Marky inspires them. And of course, I can’t wait to express how much I’m proud of him. I’m just one of the thousand blessed people to have given a chance to meet a guy who is not related to me, but treat me as part of his own family.

I’m so happy on everything he’s achieving right now. And I can’t wait to see on how he’ll become in the future. I know he’s such a popular kid and a lot of girls are admiring him….and I know fame can get overwhelming and it might change him (I hope it won’t), but if ever that happens, I wouldn’t hesitant to punch him hard or hit him by a cartolina =p! No I’m just kidding. Marky’s the one who reminds me that change is essential and is the one who’s encouraging me to change…for the better. That’s why I’m at peace…that if ever he would change…I know he would change for the better, perhaps, for the best 🙂

***

Marky,

Thank you for always believing in me, for being the first person to cry (in front of the class) when you all knew that I was leaving for NZ. I won’t forget that, you cry baby!! haha and for the amazing friendship.I seriously can’t wait to talk to you again and just hear your kwentos. I hope that there’ll be more trials will come your way. Yes “trials”, because I know that those circumstances will make you suffer yet will teach you life lessons that will hone you to become the best Marc Malibiran that you can be! And I hope you’ll pass on all those lessons to your future kiddos and sharpen them to become a role model like you are right now. 🙂

Marky says, ” I’m excited for what “I” in store for my life” ; But, Marah says, ” I’m excited for what God has in store for my life.”

God bless you, Maesran! 🙂

Love,
Euqorx

Salamat, Mang Dolphy ☺

The Philippine nation mourns, as the King of Comedy, Dolphy bid goodbye to the world last 10th of July. I’ve been trying to write again… I’ve been trying to regain my passion on writing…I’ve been trying one day at a time. And I must say, I’m not fully ready yet. But I just can take not to blog about this… about him and his glory that he brought to millions and millions of people ( that includes myself). Pardon, my lousy used of speech, but I’ll try to write the words that will give justice to the man who never failed to make us laugh and smile.

I never met him. I wish I could’ve gotten the chance to meet him personally. But yea, that won’t happen anymore.Perhaps, in another universe. I am a fan. I can vividly remember, few years back when I was really really into acting, he’s one of the people I dreamed to work with If ever I will get the chance to enter the world of Television. Being a comic really runs in our family. I believe that we all have a genius sense of humor. I somehow came from a Cosme-like-kind-of-family ( I hope that makes sense). A family that is filled with so much joy and laughter. As a self-proclaimed comedienne, working with the King of Comedy in a sitcom will be such a great honor. But right now, there is no chance that it’ll come true. Well, maybe in another life it can happen… I hope.

It is true that end justifies the means. I was not aware of what’s going through with his life the past few years, until the last month when he got confined and a lot of rumors spread about his health condition. That’s just when I started being concern and I prayed for him and I still do. I was able to get an update about him the past every single day the past few weeks. And with the help of twitter, last July 10, I found out that he’s gone. I was saddened by the news. It felt surreal, and it still does.

With his passing, I come to learn more about him, which lead me to realize a lot of things about life and about myself. It was last night when I started reading articles about him and today I got to watch the Tribute offering ABS-CBN had for him. Even though, I never got the chance to witness Mang Dolphy, not as a King of Comedy but as a real man, I can really tell that in spite of all his flaws, he is a great man and has a big heart. There’s more about him than being the King of Comedy. Mang Dolphy was a son, a father, a husband, a friend, a mentor, a man, a filipino and an epitome of a true artist.

I never thought that reading all the write ups about him, watching interviews pertaining how a good man he was, can give me a sense of purpose. Somehow, I found what I really want to do in life, not only in terms of my career but also in terms of my character. I come to realize that life’s too short and I want to make the most out of it, because we only live once. Life is too short, time is running and I want to be a better person right now. I want to begin the process of being the ideal me right at this moment.

A lot of people start bettering themselves when they lose someone they love. And honestly, I don’t want to find myself in that situation (nor in that condition). The people we love deserve the best from us, and I believe that they should witness that until they are here with us. And I believe ourselves also deserve the best from us. And this is exactly what I’ve seen with Mang Dolphy’s family. They did their best to be with their father during this ordeal. They make the most out of the time left. Let’s not waste our time. Sure, we’ll make mistakes along the way. But please, don’t let just one mistake ruin everything and make your life full of regrets. Let’s live like the way Mang Dolphy did.

To quote Mang Dolphy: “A day without laughter is a day wasted.”

We don’t have to punish ourselves by all the mistakes we’ve committed in the past. Let’s simply laugh. It helps…a lot. Isa lang ang buhay natin. Mabuhay tayo ng tama. Laban at Magtiwala. Ngiti =D. Sabi nga sa OST ng Home Along The Riles: ” Problema ay may remedy kapag may konting comedy.” And I believe this is the message that Mang Dolphy wants to leave to people. Tawanan mo ang problema. Have faith that no matter how bad your circumstances are, everything’s gonna be fine, eventually. Magsimula ka. Pag nadapa. Magsimula ka ulit. Bumangon ka ng paulit ulit. Tinawanan niya ang problema. Tawanan mo lang ang mundo. Laughter is indeed the best medicine. So don’t be afraid to look stupid, laugh..laugh your heart out. laugh out loud. Yaan ang secret ni Mang Dolphy. He never got tired of trying to pursue his dreams. He never got tired of being happy and kind. And seeing his children, his wife, you can really tell that Mang Dolphy did his job on earth excellently. Indeed, a job well done; a life well-lived. Imagine, in spite of his absence, he still never fails to give us life lessons like he did before. And I believe, he will continue to inspire millions in the years to come.

Let’s make Mang Dolphy as our inpiration to laugh in spite of the trials, to love in spite of how broken we are and to live in spite of the struggle.

Mang Dolphy,

I feel so blessed to be a 90’s baby and to witness your masterpieces growing up. I swear, my childhood wouldn’t be as wonderful as it was If you weren’t part of it. When I have my own children, I make a point to make them watch Home Along The Riles. I’ll try my best to implement to them what you implemented to my life. Thank you for sharing your gifts to us. Maraming maraming Salamat po sa lahat ng katatawanan at aral na ibinahagi niyo sa amin. You are truly an inspiration. Your legacy will not be forgotten.With or without an award, you are still a national artist to me. Though, there’s no chance for me to meet you anymore, I am still positive that God will lead me to a detour that somehow will connect me to you. I hope you’re happy up there! Simulan mo na magspread ng tuwa sa itaas! Please pray for all of us you left behind to have the courage to live life the way you did. May you rest in paradise, Mang Dolphy. Maraming Salamat, Idol. We love you.

Love,
Marah 🙂

Hey You, I want You to Live Your Life :)

Maganda Ako Kasi Anak Ako Ni Marlon

Hi Papa, Happy 48th Birthday. Mahal na mahal ka ni Ate :’) 

Sana hindi ako umiyak habang tinatype ko to. Oh I wish. Oh Eto na. Papa, ang tanda mo na! Haha. Pero syempre gwapo ka pa rin!! Sana nakapagcelebrate tayo ng mas bongga kasi you deserve it, sobra! Yun nga lang badtrip ang bulsa natin at ang panahon pati ang pigsa mo sa ilong at sakit ng ulo mo! Hindi sila nakisama, diba? Oh well papel, even though we don’t have much, as long as you have us, I think that’s enough diba? Sabi mo nga ang importante naman “buhay ka”. And I absolutely agree to that, “Tammuuuh, ang importante buhay ka, super alive and kicking!.” Sabi nga ni Ogie Diaz: “Every gising is a blessing” Oha diba, meaning may purpose kapa dito!

I’ve been trying to think of something na masusurpise sayo, pero I don’t know why and it really frustrates me na I couldn’t come up with any Idea. Parang siguro kahit anong gawin ko, hindi ko naman masusuklian ang ginawa mo para sa akin. Pa, salamat ha, salamat sa lahat. Salamat sa buhay, salamat sa mga ugaling minana ko sayo, salamat sa lahat ng pangaral mo, salamat sa lahat ng payo mo,  salamat sa sama ng luob, salamat sa pagmamahal, salamat dahil binigyan mo ako ng sobrang bait na mama at sobrang ideal na pamilya at barkada, salamat sayo, salamat dahil Ikaw yan, ang tatay ko.  Alam ko, kulang pa to. Alam ko hindi matutumbasan ng “salamat lang” lahat ng sinakripisyo mo para sa amin.

Alam ko hindi ka perpekto, at ako rin pero tandaan mo maganda ako. Chos. Seryoso na nga. Alam ko marami tayong pagkukulang sa isa’t isa. Few years ago na nga lang ng magkaruon tayo ng totoong father-daughter-relationship. Madaming taon ang nasayang, pero diba nga “better late than never”. Salamat napadpad tayo dito. Sabi nga ni Fr. Alfred, “May plano ang Diyos” At ang bongga ng plano niya pa, kasi ngayon hindi lang tayo mag-ama, magkaibigan pa, magkabarkada pa! Pero gusto ko lang po mag-sorry sa lahat ng beses na pina-init ko ang ulo niyo. In fairness naman hindi matigas ang ulo ko =p.  Kaya sana wish ko hindi naman marami yung kasalanan ko. Basta someday, I’ll make you and mama proud 🙂

Pero alam mo Pa, alam ko na kulang pa eh. Na pwede pa tayong mas maging close! Ang dami ko ngang nasayang na pagkakataon eh. Ang daming beses ko pinalano na iparamdam sayo na mahal kita, na mhalaga ka, na minsan sayo ako boto kaysa kay mama haha. Pero alam mo naman, mahiyain ako. Echos. Pero Pa, na-aappreciate ko yung ginagawa mo. Kung pwede nga lang, wag na kayo mag-work ni mama eh, magaround the Philippines nalang tayo! Pero syempre kailangan pa natin mag-ipon! Yaan mo konting tiis nalang. Mabait naman si God 🙂

Alam ko dapat mas napasaya ka namin ngayon eh, pero it turns out na parang ordinary na araw lang to. I may not have given you the most sophisticated gift, but I can offer you something that is bigger than anything –prayer.

Pa, I pray for God to bless you beyond your hopes and imaginations. I pray for your health, your heart and your mind. I pray for Him to take all your worries away. I pray for God to lead you in every step that you make.  Just keep the Faith Pop! Pagpatuloy mo lang yan! Alam mo na yon! And I pray din na sana wag ka magsasawa na patawanin kame araw araw–Ikaw ang clown namin eh.And sana maraming maraming birthdays pa ang icecelebrate natin!!

Wala namang perpektong tao, lahat tayo magkakamali at magkakamali. But I just want you to know,so far, you’ve done a great job…as a father and as a husband. Mabuti kang tatay, mabuti kang ama, mabuti kang tao. (: Hindi ako magiging ako, kung wala ang tatay kong Gwapo, Diba? 😉

And before I forgot, salamat Pa,sa pag-acknowledge na maganda ako kasi anak mo ako! Atleast, alam ko na ngayon, pwede ko na sabihin, magkamuka tayo! HAHAHHAHAHAHAHA.

I LOVE YOU, PA! MAGKASAMA TAYONG TUMANDA NG EUQORS! MAHAL NA MAHAL KA NI ATE!