#newchaper

June 8: A Morning of Tremors and Tragedy

On the morning of June 8th at 7:00 AM, a magnitude 7.2 earthquake struck Mindanao. It was the first day of classes for grade school students. Thankfully, the timing coincided with the morning flag ceremony, meaning most students were already safely outside their buildings for the program. Had the quake occurred just a little earlier or later, evacuations would have been incredibly difficult, and the casualties could have been catastrophic. Because the affected area is not heavily developed, structural destruction was minimized despite the severe 7.2 intensity.

Later that same day, tragedy struck again when two players from the Ateneo basketball team drowned during a camp in Aurora. While it is difficult to place the entire blame on the coach, he was the point person for the camp and is ultimately responsible for their safety. This incident brings to light an open secret: these types of athletic camps, much like fraternities and other organizations, often involve initiation rites.

If a thorough probe into the athletes' camp is opened, it should absolutely extend to fraternities and other organizations as well. These initiation practices are simply unacceptable for organizations, especially in institutions like a university. It is deeply frustrating to handle these issues because such practices have been passed down through generations. Even people in the legislature and government who are supposed to investigate these situations are often alumni of these very fraternities, organizations, and camps from UP, Ateneo, or La Salle, and they tend to protect these traditions. I am keeping a close eye on how Ateneo and the government handle this. Justice must be served!

June 10: Finding Joy and Perfect Timing

I was supposed to meet my lover to watch Game 3 of the PBA Finals at the Araneta Coliseum, but our plans didn't push through. Instead, I went dancing at G-Force Studio with my friends to lighten my mood. I am incredibly grateful they were there to comfort me and make me happy. That same evening, before I went to sleep, my lover called, rounding out a truly great night.

It has been seven years since my last relationship, which was with a woman. Being with this man now feels refreshing and youthful. For me, it feels like the right time. I have moved forward from my ex, and this new person feels the exact same way about God's timing. I didn't object with my usual skepticism; instead, I just affirmed it. I said yes — I believe it really is just perfect God's timing.

June 11: Proactive Steps, Promotions, and Panic

After a long day at work, I attended a morning TWG meeting. As a member, my goal is to help establish a university-wide donation system benchmarked against current global practices. Related to this, we discussed how UP currently lacks a dedicated Disaster Readiness and Risk Management (DREAM) task force for force majeure and other national emergencies. Historically, we have been too reactive — we only mobilize when a disaster has already struck. Although we always manage to pull together when necessary, it is high time we create a permanent task force.

In light of the recent earthquake in Mindanao and the looming threat of The Big One, the urgency is real. We agreed that we should serve as the interim members of this task force. It is never too late for UP to prepare, but it is also never too early. The time is now.

In the afternoon, I headed straight to the office for my main job. Just before I left for my fitness walk, my boss told me I will be getting a one-step SG increase starting in July! It is a massive blessing, and perfect timing for whatever comes next.

And oh, did something come next. Immediately after arriving home, the current matriarch of the place I’ve called home for six years told me I needed to leave immediately. Her sister — the main matriarch — was returning from London on June 15th. Given it was already June 11th and I needed to leave on the weekend, I had only one day's notice and nowhere to go. I felt betrayed. It was a very inconsiderate move considering they knew about this weeks in advance. I am not financially, mentally, or emotionally ready for a transfer this quick. It is also the rainy season, making logistics incredibly challenging.

I immediately reached out to my friends for assistance:

A Kagawad friend said she would take care of me in the interim and told me to pack my stuff immediately.

Another friend offered to store my luggage and belongings at her house in Fairview.

My Tita wants me to stay at their place from June 15th to the 25th since my cousins are going to Vietnam.

My cousins even offered to help me pack.

That same evening, an old friend suddenly replied to the birthday greeting I sent her a day prior. She said I could go to her place in Mandaluyong to store my things anytime, or even join her at her show with Tito Boy in Makati the next day. She didn't even know about my housing situation yet, but I said yes. My lover and I spoke again, and I updated him on my situation and plans. It feels liberating to have someone like a boyfriend to lean on after a long time of waiting and losing hope. I remain slightly skeptical, though — I still need to protect myself.

June 12: Independence, Irony, and Unexpected Grief

On the morning of Independence Day, a friend from one of my "safe space" group chats messaged me. She said that had she known I was looking for a place, she would have offered her spare room in exchange for helping pay bills and taking care of her son. Unfortunately, I was a week late, as a friend of hers had just moved in under that exact arrangement. I reminded her of how I helped raise my son during his college years until he passed the nursing board exams (graduating Magna Cum Laude and placing Top 11 in the boards!). I joked that I would be a great parent to her son, who would practically be my nephew. She laughed and promised to let me know if her current roommate fails to pay the bills!

That same morning, I received shocking news: a family friend and distant relative had passed away due to hypertension. It was incredibly jarring, especially since I had just dreamt about taking care of a baby. Just a few weeks ago, I had called her son to congratulate him on passing the Licensure Examination for Teachers. He was my tutee from 7th grade through college. She had thanked me for being part of his success, and I told her we owed it all to the Lord. Her son was a bit difficult to handle, so him passing the exam on his first try was a massive win for everyone. My former tutee's oath-taking as a licensed teacher will be on Sunday, tomorrow, June 14th. For sure, she'll be with her son in spirit, just like she always supported him throughout his education. She even told me to come with them when they celebrate soon. I believe it will be tomorrow after the oath-taking. Unfortunately, I will be there with them soon, but maybe not to celebrate at a fancy place, but rather at the funeral where she lies, still, to celebrate her life. Her sudden passing is heartbreaking; she leaves behind two sons (one with special needs) and their dad. I haven't called my former tutee yet, but I definitely will. I know they will make it through, and I am here for them in any way I can be.

By 3:00 PM, I was on my way to my friend's show with Tito Boy. I didn't know much about the event; she just texted that I would enjoy it. As I neared the hotel venue, the road was closed. Not realizing the closure was for the event, I decided to walk instead of having the driver go around. I headed up to the hotel room and reunited with my friend after more than five months. She looked slimmer and more beautiful than ever, and I met some new friends through her that day. She explained it was a fashion show for the House of Valesteros, co-partnered with Tito Boy.

The show started at 5:00 PM. The theme was "Independence," fitting for June 12th. The irony? Two days prior, there was a viral meme about two models denouncing their Filipino heritage because they were US natives, claiming the Philippines couldn't win international pageants without "halfies." I had even posted about "Halfie Independence Day" as a joke about our neo-colonial history with the US. Little did I know, the fashion show I was attending was dominated by "halfies"! Probably 70% of the male models were half-Filipino. The venue was intimate, so they were right in front of my face. The joke was truly on me, and the timing was uncanny.

I updated my friend about my housing situation, and she graciously offered her place in Mandaluyong from June 20th to the first week of July. She will be in Leyte competing in a pageant as a frontrunner (I am sure she will come back with a crown).

Later that day, an "Auntie" I met during the 2022 campaign period (she's a fellow Kakampink) heard about my situation. She immediately offered her spare room — I just needed to clean it. What perfect timing. I gratefully accepted.

After the show in Makati that evening, I was supposed to go to my lover's basketball game, but I couldn't reach him. At 10:10 PM, he finally messaged to say he couldn't meet up because they had to go somewhere else. Another twist of timing, but I accepted it. I went back to my friend's place in Mandaluyong, and then we stayed at the hotel where the show was held, as the staff allowed us to use the room until the 12:00 NN checkout on June 13th.

June 13: Moving Forward

As I write this today, Auntie just messaged me the pinned location of her place. After this, I am going to take a shower and head over to check it out. I need to see how much of my stuff will fit; the rest will go to my friend's house in Fairview. My cousin is arriving tonight or tomorrow to help me pack. I had to pivot to this plan because the Kagawad friend who initially offered help changed her mind. She did, however, invite me to her son's 5th birthday in July. Whatever happens, she is family in my heart.

I am also supposed to call my coach friend this afternoon — he asked for help getting some students to be admitted to UP to join the Pep Squad. Since he has training, I might call him tonight after 10:00 PM or tomorrow. We will see.

The week isn't over yet, so I might add to this tomorrow. But one thing is absolutely certain right now: timing is truly in its zone. The timing of my partner, the timing of my salary increase, the timing of being asked to leave my home, and the timing of finding a new one. It has been a time for grief, a time for reconciliation with an old friend, and a time to witness the good people around me stepping up to help without any yadda yadda. Thank you!

Maybe this is how the upcoming Mercury Retrograde is speaking to me. A time for my growth. A new chapter is unfolding. My birthday is coming up on June 28th — a time when my age is officially off the calendar. And the day after, June 29th, the retrograde begins. Indeed, a new chapter begins... and with that said, we’re only getting started. I am so excited, oh, Lord. Let’s go! <3