Today, June the 19th, is Father’s Day, and there are so many things that I wish to say, and share, about my dad — but each time I start to describe how awesome he is, I realize that words do not give him justice.

Anyway, the other day, I was thinking about what to give him, because I know that he often gets excited about receiving gifts — don’t get me wrong, my dad is not materialistic, but he just appreciates the gesture behind the act of gift-giving.

And after contemplating on what the best gift for him would be, I settled with a motorcycle navigator, because if you must know, my dad is not one to admit that he is unfamiliar with where he is when he is driving. Perhaps you can charge it to arrogance (just kidding dad, I love you, hehe), but he never owns up to his driving blunders.

Anyway, I know that this will be an awesome gift for Father’s Day, but just the same, and even when it is cliche, I feel very lucky to have him as my dad. Because even when my present state (read: a beggar) is very financially-taxing, he has constantly assured me that he will help me sustain.

Happy Father’s day Dad, and I will never tire of telling you LAVO!

These days, everyday is a ruckus. My brother, who has been a dog lover ever since we were kids, decided to buy 3 shih tzus. Needless to say, all of them are so cute and adorable, and everyday, we can’t help but play with them. Here’s a snapshot of Prince, Hershey, and Chuckie.

They’re so fluffy, I’m gonna die!

Right now, the world is bracing for the so-called wedding of the century: that of crowned Prince William of England and Kate Middleton, the bride to be who is of working class descent, and the lass who had ensnared the heart of the royal prince.

As a matter of fact, there is a burning frenzy among most television networks right now as they show snippets of the planned celebration — the invited guests, the wedding dress, the solemnity of the church, and other enticing details — but if you ask me, I think that the novelty of this union, which is hinged on the unrequitedness of love (think Notting Hill here), is a little overrated.

If you ask me, monarchies have since dissipated from the collective consciousness of modern democracies, because come to think of it really, people no longer believe in the ancient concept of predestination when it comes to rulers.

Yes, yes, I know that this is a purely romantic thing, but at the end of the day, we also need to remember that in today’s modern society, monarchies have become a thing of the past. The political power, after all, has considerably shifted to the laypeople, and in some parts of the world, there have even been clamors to dismantle the monarchical institution as a whole.

Lest I end up sounding like a grinch who has motives of sabotaging the royal wedding and dampening people’s moods altogether, I better end here. And oh, they actually look cute together. That, at least, is my only consolation.

On the 21st of this month, I will be turning 27. Am I ready to turn another year older?

Normally, I feel excited each time my birthday would come up, because I always associated this with more life experiences (hopefully) and a new lease on life — but as of late, I think I feel more jittery than I am excited because obviously, I am nearing my 30s.

I am not saying that there is something wrong with turning 30, but it’s just that I often feel undeserving to turn 27. Why, you may ask?

It is simply because I used to have all these grand dreams for myself when I was in high school — for example, profession-wise, by the age of 30, I would be a lawyer, and a good lawyer at that, and I would already have carved my own niche in the legal profession.

But nay, little did I know that my path had a lot of crossroads along the way — and sadly, I sometimes chose the wrong path. I cannot claim for certain that I did not know that I was treading the wrong path, but I feel that at times, I just wanted to know what the other side of life tasted like. I wanted to break free from my comfort zone, and just try to have a taste of the indulgent lifestyle.

Anyhow, I hope my 27th will be a better year. I’ve got so many things lined up for me this year — most prominent of which is my law schooling — and I just hope that it’s not too late yet to realize what I aspired for as a young kid.

Wish me luck!

with my good friends, alexa and zee.

Last night, right after hearing mass for Ash Wednesday, I met up with a group of friends that I have not seen for a very long time. Well, three years to be exact. Back then, we collectively sailed through college together, and in the company of spirits and heartfelt laughter, we were constantly on the go.

There used to be 7 of us before, but given the inevitability of departure and the need to ‘grow up’, we soon drifted apart — but every once in a while, we try to meet up and talk about the good, old times.

Last night however, we virtually got transported back through time, when life did not scathe us that much, and we always had the comfort of our friendship each time the world started to throw its weight around. It was one of the best nights ever, and I know that my bond with the Axionistahs will be sustained in the years to come.

Clint Gamboa, another American Idol contender with Filipino roots, is also a top 24 finalist in AI’s 10th season. Gamboa is 26 years old, and prior to joining the popular reality TV show, he’s been working as a karaoke bar host. For two consecutive years, moreover, he has been the grand winner of a prestigious karaoke contest in California.

Even when Gamboa seems to have the pipes for the cut-throat singing competition, a lot of viewers were ticked off when he decided to kick out a 15-year old group member during Hollywood week.  Naturally, 15-year old Jaecee cried, and because of this, a lot of viewers started to think of Gamboa as a bully.

On a more personal level though, I think he is a good singer, but being on AI also means being charismatic. If he does not get his act together soon, or if he does not successfully debunk the impression of him being arrogant and obnoxious, then he might not make it so far in the competition.

But just the same, good luck kabayan!

I have always been an American Idol junkie, and for this season, I have found another reason to be hooked to this worldly-popular reality TV show.

Thia Megia, a 15-year old high school student from Mountain House, California, made it to the top 24 cut. She may be the youngest AI contender for this season, but her voice quality is distinct and distinguishable. Of course, it does not hurt that both her parents are Filipinos who have since relocated to the US, and she had been previously been a semifinalist in America’s Got Talent.

All the best to you Thia Megia, and I hope you’d make it till the end!

Photography is actually something that fascinates me.

Starting today, I will start posting pictures that I have taken in this blog because, cliche as it may sound, a picture says a thousand words. (Eeew, lol)

My first featured picture: