Learning

In time I'm learning more and more about how I would like to be treated.

It's really a journey and it's surprising the things you learn about others and yourself; perhaps the hardest part of the process for me is still trying to treat people who don't treat you right, with the respect, care, and consideration you'd still like to be treated (and I can see how this would seem like total nonsense to some people).

"Every comedian, every comedian dreams of hosting The Tonight Show and—for seven months—I got to do it. I did it my way, with people I love, and I do not regret a second [of it].... All I ask is one thing, and I'm asking this particularly of young people that watch: Please do not be cynical. I hate cynicism; for the record it's my least favorite quality. It doesn't lead anywhere. Nobody in life gets exactly what they thought they were going to get. But if you work really hard and you're kind, amazing things will happen." - Conan O'Brien, on his departure from The Tonight Show, January 22, 2010. 

 I was rightfully raised to always treat others the way you'd like to be treated - it's extremely difficult and sometimes I even fail, but I'm trying really hard to hold on to that. I won't lie, it's caused me a lot of hurt through the times, but one shining thought to me whenever someone (and I'd like to give the benefit of the doubt and say here, unintentionally) hurts me is that that person doesn't understand, doesn't understand how my life has been and how whatever that person did etches with the reality of the situation I'm in to cause such a sad hurt.  It's in those hard moments that I'm confronted with the decision to re-evaluate my relationship to that person. And even more difficult, the way in which how I can let that person know more about how that person made me feel in the spirit of love.

And on this journey, more and more, I'm learning how I should be treated.

Project X

Oh goodness. I just watched Project X. Hahahaha! I'll take my liberties and say that was one hell of a movie. As far as film commentaries go, I'll definitely call that a 21st century satire. But yeah, wow.

Playing Catch-Up (Procession, Exploring Berkeley, Lakes, Promotions and Birthdays)

I've been in such a whirlwind of a past two weeks that I have not been able to blog for a long time.  So to save the time to write things up, I'll let the pictures describe the type of things that have been going on... A lot, of fun. :)

Downtown Sacramento Catholic Procession: more info here  (June 9, 2012)

Me and my family attended the "Religious Freedom" Sacramento Downtown Procession. Loved the crowd that came out. Me and my family, in support of our Catholic faith, are against the government's insidious "HHS mandate".  This peaceful downtown procession was a sign of our firm opposition.

The crowd peacefully processing on in downtown.

 Walking in the sun's brightness. 

 Peep the shirt. Pro-Life and proud. 

Even Jesus (in the Blessed Sacrament) processed with us. Surely He protected us. 

A peaceful procession is an amazing experience: we usually attend the Walk for Life SF every year.  For me, this one definitely hit home in the heart of downtown Sacramento. I love the streets of downtown and this was a different way to be out in it.

Exploring Berkeley:  (June 14, 2012)

This is the definition of an adventure. So my mom works in Berkeley for now (so she commutes back and forth every day, ~2 hours one way! She's a superwoman) and today I decided to tag along with her; she pretty much works down the street from UC Berkeley so I figured that I'd spend the day around campus and to a couple of special coffee shops ... But today was so much more than that.  And to think, when I woke up that morning I almost didn't want to go to Berkeley because it was far from home, but then I went to bed that night with memories I didn't think could ever happen without any planning ... but isn't it awesome how life turns out like that? Adventure, I tell you, it was an amazing adventure.

I visited the FIRST Peet's Coffee and Tea store ever established, on Walnut and Vine St. in Berkeley. This is actually the original sign they first used when the first store opened up in the 60's - they don't call it Peet's Coffee, Tea, & Spices anymore. 

 It actually was remodeled so it doesn't look like any different Peet's Coffee store, but still... pretty cool. 

 At Peet's, I even met a famous Filipino Author and Activist, Evangeline Canonizado Buell. She was so sweet and humble. Very nice to meet her! 

 This is Evelyn. She was the one who took the pictures of me at Peet's! I told her I was visiting Berkeley and didn't really know of any places around here, and she was so kind - she gave me a tour of the Gourmet Ghetto on Shattuck Street.  It was because of her I found the Cheese Board restaurant. 

 At the Cheese Board, they served amazing pizza and wine. It was my first tasting of Grenache red wine. Delicious. 

 And even more, live music! 

Kristina, Pachia, and Me.  Live band playing in the back. 

 One of the best parts of the day was seeing an old friend I used to go to school with at the Cheese Board. Her name's Pachia and she transferred to UC Berkeley this year, and kindly introduced me to her Berkeley friend and colleague Kristina. They're so nice and kind; it was an absolute pleasure having an amazing lunch and spending the afternoon with them. :)

And I definitely could not leave Berkeley without checking out the UC Berkeley campus. Beautiful. 

Rancho Seco Recreational Lake/ Father's Day: (June 17, 2012)

For Father's Day, I went with family to chill at Rancho Seco Lake... it's a mad-made lake next to a power plant - sounds kinda of weird to be next to a power plant but it was nice lol.  Perfect day to go swimming in a lake. 

 And this is how I chill. 

 Jojo. 

Patrick's back in town too! 

My Little Sister's 6th Grade Promotion/Graduation:  (June 20, 2012)

My little sister Meg is moving on up to middle school now. Proud of her. 

 C/O 2012! 

 Her walking the stage. 

 Shaking hands with the Principal. 

Me, Megan, Dad, Patrick, Mom. 

 Family shot! 

Mariann, Matt, Mel, Me, Megan, Patrick, Jessica, Alyssa.

 Friends who came. Glad they came. 

Joshua, Jojo, Jessica, Megan, Mel, Patrick.

 Family dinner time. 

Desiree, Haydee, Celesta, Heli, Mike, Tita Celly, Tita Connie, Vincent, Jacob. 

Mom, Regina, Jacob, Hyong, Ian. 

Tito Paring, Dad, and Mom. Moded shot lol. 

After the dinner, me, my cousin Jojo, and my little brother Patrick went to Surf Xtreme in Elk Grove. It's an AMAZING indoor surfing experience. I recommend it to anyone who wants to have a great time surfing - it's the only indoor surfing center in Norcal! I've been thrice already! 

Matt, Mariann, and Me

On this same day, it was also a good friend of mines 18th Birthday. Happy Birthday Mariann! :) 

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Loved every minute of these past two weeks. Blog you guys next time. 

Accepting and Changing

Growing up sure has its pains; the past couple of weeks have been full of them.  The weird part is that most of what upsets me really are just minor details.  I get stuck on them and they take up some time that would have better been spent enjoying and living and loving and being thankful.

I admit that there really are a lot of things that I wished were different... about me, about my situation, about my environment.  I really can't change a lot of these things (the ones literally out of my control).  I've been obliged to accept a couple of things as they are, as they've become... and some other things I understand are just at the wrong time and place for me to meddle in for now.  One day, I hope I can be strong enough to change those other things too... but not right now. 

I guess if there's any real change is that I'm trying to stay more positive. And if there was ever a time to just be myself, it would be now - no matter how wrong I may seem to be or very well may be. And I'm flawed, I've made mistakes, and I'm not perfect at all ... and I've decided to not dwell so much on who I am not.  Unfortunately, perhaps one of the hardest parts for myself is accepting that I'm actually not who I thought I wanted to be as well, at least not right now at this moment. Maybe I'm just very well in that process. Anyways, going out into a world that may very well not accept me for who I am and the things I stand for is kind of scary and I'm pretty sure it's going to be full of headache and heartbreak, but at least I can say I did me. All this time, at least I can say I did me. And even with all my failings and inconsistencies, here I still am... that may very well be the best and happiest thing going on in my life right now - here I still am. 

:) I'll toast to that! Pinot Noir, burger, and fries. 

Turning 21!... And then some! (w/ pictures!)

WHAT UP!

Hey guys! Oh lovely. It's been an amazing past couple of days ... so much love, family, friends... and alcohol hahaha! I turned 21 on June 2nd and I had a 21st birthday party at my house.  I had the time of my life! I'm so thankful for everyone who was able to show up - it was filled with people who I absolutely love - all though not every single special was there, a great number showed from family from afar, to church people who I have come to consider family, to great friends who I've had the blessing to know for so long, and to cool new friends who are all about love, being chill, and having a good time. 

It was a lot of hard work on me and my family - we worked really hard to fix up our house, set everything up, and cook, cook, cook.  Both my mom and dad are amazing, really.  I love them to death, the only people who really are there through all my ups and downs.  I missed my little brother though, he had to say at university in UCLA for his upcoming finals which I totally understand. I'll just have to have a second party once he comes home in a about two weeks ;) - 'till then, he's working real hard, that's my bro! 

In addition to that, all the wonderful family and friends really did make my night absolutely wonderful.  I loved the feel of my party.  We had drinks, music, watched the NBA playoffs (OKC!), a showcase performance (with some amazing local talent, performing in the Sacramento evening twilight), an awesome friend of mine who DJ'd ... a disco ball, lights, lots of food, and fun! I didn't worry one BIT about the flow of it, but I think I can thank the alcohol for that ;) 

Now on another level, honestly 21 means something special for me - I mean, really every birthdays do.  I consider myself so abundantly blessed - another year is another milestone, and I only have the Good Lord above to thank for that.  A lot of homies I knew in the past years didn't even get to turn 21, but I did... that in itself is cause for great thanks and contemplation of how I really have to do the best with my time on this earth. The first thing I did in the morning (after some amazing coffee) was go to Mass at St. Paul's - I honestly think going to Mass on your birthday is absolutely necessary - I was overwhelmed with joy and peace to tears to see Jesus in the presence of the Most Blessed Eucharist on the day He willed I be born 21 years ago! :) 

Now time for some visuals! Watch my pictorial progression from being sober to buzzed! I have to apologize though, I didn't get pictures throughout the night (my drunk phase...), nor did I get to take a picture with everyone (which I really wanted!) - I stopped before the evening became really dark because I just didn't have the cognitive ability to remain camera ready ;)

 And the first drink of being 21? Alcohol? No, of course not! Amazing coffee, that it is. I was so happy that @templecoffee had new offerings for the start of June. This particular coffee was from Brazil ( http://templecoffee.myshopify.com/products/brazil-serra-negra-12oz-5lbs ) and the part that I LOVE about it is that it was naturally, dry processed (in addition to being a Bourbon derived varietal).  PERFECT. It's extremely a hard find to get naturally processed coffee in the American market, and, hands down, I'm a dry processed coffee guy.  It was amazing. 

 Sr. Luz!  In retrospect, now I wish I took a picture with Fr. Terry. 

 The Magpantay Family: Mia, Tita Marigold, Tito Ben, Tita Mila, and Ninong Bernard.  They drove all the way from Reno and San Jose! 

 Miss Mila, Tita Marigold, and Me.

 "All IN" Andrew! How he got the nickname...that's another story! ;) He had work the next day and still drove all the way from San Jose! I'm sad we couldn't drink together much coz he had to drive that same night, but I'm so happy he came. 

 Jojo. This man, I love. 

 Mr. Johnny and Mrs. Maria Elena - St. Maria Goretti church family, represent! 

 Mr. Sal Lira... He's from a time when people did not smile in pictures lol. 

 Mrs. Sandy Dell

 Food! My mom and my auntie and her family worked really hard for all the food...  Love them so much. 

 This guy, Mr. Junior... He's only 11 but he's a cool cat! 

 Mr. Steve and the lovely Mia, all the way from San Jose too! 

 Filling up! 

 An Aaron Sandwich! Mr. Aaron Prestridge, his lovely girlfriend Da (excuse my spelling..), and your truly, after I think two beers. 

 Caught them in mid-shrimp! Lovely Miss Kaila Prestridge and his cool boyfriend Daniel. 

 Mrs. Mabel, the sweetest! 

 Mrs. Maria Elena, and the lovely Ablang family! 

 Me and Mrs. Sandy Dell again! :) 

 Mr. Ron, me, and little Charlie! 

 The exclusive 21 and under table (but not Miss Heile!) 

 Whoa there, getting kinda red, Aaron! Me and my Ninong Danny. 

 Parts of the Marquez and Benipayo family! :) 

 Mr. Ryan Godfrey... so thankful for him that night. 

 Miss Jamila, Me, and Stella Artois! 

The absolutely lovely singer Miss Alysia Sambuca, her voice is absolute bliss! Very happy she came and performed with her lovely boyfriend and guitarist Ryan Godfrey. Oh yeah, and more Stella Artois! 

I was also very lucky to have the performance showcase recorded by Mr. Ron Ablang so I can share them all with you here. On a real note, I'm so blessed to know these talented people and to have had them perform on my party. Thanks so much guys! :)

Act one! Mrs. Heile Gantan performing her wonderful dance piece, Otea.  She was absolutely beautiful and graceful. 

Act two! Miss Amaya Marquez, this girl is going to win American Idol season 19! So cute. 

Act three! Me and my wonderful little sister.  Really, this performance is all her, and she did great!, I just joined in so that she'd actually do it ;).  JAZZ HANDS! 

Act four! Mr. Ryan Godfrey and Miss Alysia Sambuca performing their rendition of Melissa Polinar's "Meant to be". I honestly think they sing this song better! So, so lovely!

Now it's time to get on to the nitty-gritty: Alcohol.  So the food was eaten, the performances over... the night was all about dancing and (for those old enough) drinking! First of all, I must say, it feels ABSOLUTELY AWESOME being able to hold a beer in a picture (see above - Stella Artois): now that I'm 21, there's like, no guilty feeling whatsoever! It's like, so liberating. Hahaha! And also, I absolutely love dancing, so I pretty muched DANCED the night away!... When that "Call Me Maybe" and "Boyfriend", and "We Are Young" came on... Damn... I GOT IT! ... There's a video out there somewhere ... (This is also where the picture taking for me ends). So far the best tasting beer I've had is Stella Artois, far above Bud Light, Corona, and Heineken...  Since my party, I've drank an assortment of beer, single shot, a double shot, Vodka, Rum, Tequila, Flaming Dr. Peppers (151...thanks Jonathan Cundangan !!), Dirty Girl Scouts (thanks Janelle Villanueva !!), some cooly drink by Ryan McKee, wine (Cabernet Sauvignon, from Temecula, CA), a Cuba Libre I made by myself. and an AMF (Adios Motherf**cker!... thanks Kevin Cinco !!) .. but my favorite mixed drink taste so far is just coke and rum! ... what a blast.

As far as I adore the privilege to drink alcohol, I know and understand its inherent problems when you drink too much of it. It's all fun and games to have binged at my party, but I did it with who I consider the right people, considerate and caring - they had my back.  In other forums, it's absolutely dangerous.  Beyond my party, I have a moderate, serious stance about alcohol and its physical effects, and ready myself if I know I'm unable to drive after a drink.  

Honestly, after these past few days of drinking a taste of beers, wines, and distilled spirits/liquor... it's an entirely different palate experience for me, and I've come to the conclusion that still yet, my favorite beverage is coffee... no alcohol has the particular aroma, body, texture, flavor profile, and overall experience of fine coffee (that and... I can drink a hell of a lot of coffee and not feel like a car hit me).  So it's nice that I have a broader range of taste experience, and hey, maybe somewhere out there there's a spirit, or beer, or wine, that I can call, in itself, a lovely drink experience, but I'd never trade in my coffee for any of them - it's still beyond the range alcohol can offer.... really alcohol is it's own palate echelon. But in comparison, so far, a good cup of coffee I think arguably has more depth than any beer or distilled spirit, and perhaps, matches that of wine in a different dimension. 

:) 

In my invitation for my party, I started the invite with a sort of epigraph: 

"A reoccurring theme of life seems to be 'hold tight, then let go'" - Me. 

I've come to really try my best and live that mantra. Hold tight, then let go.  I'm so happy to have turned 21 and to have spent it with absolutely amazing people.  I'm looking really forward to what being 21 has to offer, and I'm going to really hold on tight and enjoy it the best I can, through the good and tough times, and then let go so I can let new things happen in my life, as God designs and allows. 

Best,

Aaron