Endorphins Day

“...Until I got high, until I got high… Until I got hi-high! Parap-papa-ra…”

Yes, I got so high today that it’s almost near impossible to put me down. Let me tell you why. It was roughly two weeks ago when Cris, Vicky and I had lunch at Robinson’s Galleria Veranda, when Vicky said that she needed to go register for another run. Vicky started running more than a year ago and I remember the very first run she did she practically dragged me to take pictures of her. And for those of you who know me, I am NOT, and perhaps never will be, a morning person. So you could just imagine the horror I got when she came to my apartment and I was still wet, barely awake, but armed with my camera and forced me to get in the cab. When we got to Athlete’s Foot Galleria, she joked that I should run with her. Early this morning, I completed the 3k run in 21 minutes something (official results to be posted soon). Not bad for a virgin runner, don’t you think? (Me zow proud!) After the long cue at the photobooth to have our photos taken, I did a little photoshoot of my own. Vicky, the goddess that she is, recently became the brand ambassador for Reebok with freebies galore. I wanted to take photos of her in the hopes that Reebok will like it and get me as their official photographer. Fingers-crossed and little positive thinking may prove this venture successful. (Sino-sino pa ba magtutulungan kung hindi kami-kami din. LOL!)

(Vicky's Bruno and my Fila --- I can't think of a name for this yet. LOL!)

(00:21:27 after)

We had breakfast at Figaro BHS soon after and talked about heartfelt stuff about our friend who’s suffering from breast cancer. We talked about how else we could help her out and last night, I came up with my first-ever open photoshoot to raise funds for her, which I shared with Vicky. I was telling her how worried and scared I am for this project and pray to got that I will be able to pull it off in all it’s glory. (Teaser photo of the project below).

I got home around 9:00 in the morning and decided to cook lunch for my family. After a few more minutes, with me on the wheel, my mom, my driving teacher (Ate Dada) and I headed off to Legaspi Weekend Market. It was my first time there and I simply went gaga over the array of stuff to be seen there. I felt like I was in a totally different world. It was stuff, I would see elsewhere but definitely did not expect to see it here in Manila. From food stalls, accessories, organic vegetables, to bags, notebooks, and even an area for donation for the Japan victims. Mom and I bought t-shirts to show support and offer a little bit of help. It was beautiful place to go to on a weekend, just take a look at the photos below – ‘nuf said.

(Mom negotiating with the 'magtataho')

(Little Birdie things from Patika)

(A beautiful thing done to such an ordinary household item. From Patika)

(creation by Mrs. Casimiro -- Patika)

(Reggae on a Sunday Morning)

(Coin purse from Yadu. CUTIEEEE!)

(Carla, one of the makes of these one-of-a-kind bags)

(someone give this to me for Christmas PLEASEEE!)

(Let's do our part to help!)

(Our hearts go to those victim of the earthquake in Japan)

After cooking a Paco Salad (local dish I learned to make from my Mom in Lucban, Quezon where I heart so much) and Dinengdeng with Bagnet (an Ilocano dish I also learned to make from her) and feeding my entire family, I suggested we watch Care Divas. Vicky has been raving about this play since last night and we all heard great reviews on it so it was no brainer to see it. Turned out the play was beyond words! It was so fantastic I am still in awe with the sheer talent of everyone who made this play possible. Filipinos are truly gifted artists! As in! Buddy Caramat, a good friend, played Jonee and I cannot express how wonderful of an actor this guy is. He was superb! Everything about the play was simply outstanding! To my surprise I even saw another good friend, Eric Villanueva Dela Cruz in the cast. He too was impeccable.

(Buddy Caramat, a good friend, played Jonee.)

Care Divas was about a group of gays working as caregivers in Israel. The story revolved around the trials and tribulations of these people living in a foreign land trying to make ends meet for themselves and their families. It’s a testament as to how OFWs regardless of gender, race or religion are the true heroes of this country. So for those who have not seen it, I suggest you reserve a ticket the next time it runs at PETA. Tonight was the last show but I am certain they will run it again and again, and again! It’s too wonderful not to. And oh, be ready with a lot of tissues, as this play will make you ball up and cry like a baby. Congratulations again to the amazing cast and crew! Shout out to RR Herrara who I think is cute-r in person. (If you read this, let’s have coffee or cocktails, whichever comes first!)

(The cast during their final song.)

All in all, I think this is one of the best days I’ve had in a long, long time all thanks to Vicky Ras for pushing me to run early and start what I would like to call an Endorphin-filled (high) day!

Thank God for this Sunday!

Let me think about running again next time --- with better running shoes as my current one will never see the light of day as it nearly killed one of my toes.

Goodnight!


Love letters and idealisms by Noel Abelardo