Seven Whole Days

As I watched two middle-age men battle it out in the tennis court, a friend saw U2 in concert.

While I tried to figure out what toys to buy my nieces, an acquaintance contemplated on how to become a better citizen of our great Nation.

As I hurriedly posted a new entry in The Deadbeat Club, a fellow blogger purchased his own domain.

While hanging out with friends in Macau, a grade school batch mate was roaming around New York with his buddies.

As I unravel the “on again/off again” status of my present relationship, a neighbor is busy preparing for her December wedding.

This was how Raft3r spent the past seven (7) days. The comparisons were based on the numerous shout-outs plastered all over Facebook.

Suddenly, my life seemed so insignificant.

I may be the star(let) of my own show. Though many others have far more interesting plots and intriguing twists than I can offer.

I better shake off this feeling. Self-loathing doesn’t suit Raft3r.

No Cheap Thrill

There are only three (3) things in this world that scare the shit out of Raft3r.

To wit: (a) frogs, (b) commitment, and (c) heights.

For 90MOP, I managed to accomplish the third fear factor.

Raft3r and two of his daredevil friends visited the Macau Tower.

I did not bungee jump nor did the sky walk. I am way too much of a sissy to even attempt those.

The main observation deck, which is on the 58th floor, is frightening enough.

Some of the tower’s steps are glass panels (from which you can see the view from below). Perfect! Imagine stepping on these monsters.

Sadly, Halloween came early for Raft3r.

Autumn In New York

Yummy Friend and I were supposed to spend Thanksgiving together in New York.

We had everything planned out including all the side trips we were gonna take.

Now due to recession, only one of us is going on that trip – and it is not Raft3r.

Over lunch, we mutually decided to ditch our travel plan.

Yummy Friend will now be pursuing a solo Thanksgiving adventure. She is currently mapping her San Francisco travel.

That place is awesome. My all time fave Pinoy flick was shot there, as well.

The Big Apple invasion has been rescheduled to fall of 2010.

Next year’s New York escapade is definitely something to look forward to. Laieesha is joining us, too.

Raft3r always enjoys a threesome.

Dazed And Confused

I almost forgot about this.

Raft3r is off to Macau in a couple of days.

Somehow my mind is not set on traveling. All I keep thinking about is the money I will be spending on this trip.

Suddenly, Raft3r has become a party pooper. Instead of making a list of what to buy, I have listed the things I needed to pay for this travel.

I am sucking the fun off this trip.

Either I am becoming a responsible adult or just simply turning into someone who refuses to enjoy life.

Take your pick.

I Am Not My Hair

Alright, alright.

I shaved my head.

It’s no big deal.

Neither is it a matter of national interest.

But apparently for some, it is.

Everyone had an opinion on Raft3r’s buzz cut.

My three year old niece was the most affected. “You’re no longer Joe, tito,” she lamented.

Even the stylist at the salon reluctantly agreed to my new haircut.

I asked that he use razor #4. He kept asking me if I was sure. I said yes. He rolled his eyes and proceeded to do the deed.

Guess this is how life in a fish bowl feels like. Suddenly being a starlet ain’t all that fun, after all.

My Great Escape

My eyes hurt.

For three straight days, all Raft3r did was watch the first three seasons of Prison Break.

It was the DVD marathon to end all DVD marathons. That’s 57 episodes or 3,420 minutes spent in front of the television.

Here are a few things I learned from Michael Scofield and his crew:

1. Pretty boys are hot jail commodities.
2. It takes 22 episodes to escape from prison, another 22 to be incarcerated again and an additional 12 episodes to escape once more.
3. Panama is not a good place to be a bad boy.
4. Male eyebrow threading is uncool. You get that, Paul Kellerman?
5. SONA has a totally different meaning in Panama.
6. Once a monster, always a monster.
7. Betrayal, double crossing, and backstabbing transcend all race and gender.
8. Problems just keep piling up.
9. A female president is corrupt. GMA, is that you?
10. I will never look at tattoos the same way again.

Sixteen Going On Seventeen

Raft3r has a new crush – and this time, she is NOT a celebrity.

I met her in a restaurant.

She was out with her friends and Raft3r was with his buddies.

We exchanged glances and the flirting ensued.

She was cute as hell. I approached her.

It turned out the cute chick was only sixteen! That’s statutory rape.

To my defense, she didn’t look her age. Her body was well developed, if you know what I mean.

In a strange and twisted way, she may be perfect for Raft3r.

When she’s twenty six (which is a decade from now), I might just be ready to commit.

Something In Common

It’s a universal truth.

Kids don’t lie.

So if children say you’re good looking. Dang, you really are!

During dinner with friends, my adorable godchild was asked if Raft3r is pogi (handsome). Without batting an eyelash, the smart kid answered yes.

Everyone at the dinner table laughed hard.

An hour after, they asked the girl same question. The answer remained the same. Raft3r was pleased.

Let’s not forget my two biggest fans, my wonderful nieces.

They squeal in delight whenever they see me. My nieces are good for my ego.

Raft3r’s mom commented, “Para kang artista sa dalawang yan, ah. (You’re like a celebrity to those kids.)”

My nieces now call me Joe (of the Jonas Brothers’ fame) because of my long hair. They would offer to comb my hair and style it ala-Joe. It’s almost ridiculous.

Alright, I take it back.

Rat3r does not wish to be compared to a leotard wearing 20 year old virgin who prances around and lip synchs to Beyonce’s “Single Ladies.”

It’s appalling.

But I have to admit, Joe and I wear the same color of Wayfarers.

10,000 BC

Raft3r’s The Deadbeat Club has another reason to celebrate.

Hold your breath.

It’s not another hacking incident.

Visitors to the Malibay blog have now reached over ten thousand (as opposed to hits which are now close to forty thousand).

That’s crazy, right?!

I wish I have something witty to say. But I have nothing.

All I have is this overwhelming feeling of gratitude towards YOU.

Yes, YOU.

Thank YOU.

YOU make it all worthwhile.

YOU.

Blade Runner

Raft3r wants to start running.

Seriously.

I think running would be an excellent way to keep in shape.

With daily overtime over, I now have a lot of free time in my hands.

Running has always been something I wanted to do but my tight schedule always got in the way. Excuses, excuses - I know.

There is also a jogging trail within the premises of Raft3r’s workplace. This is good. So I don’t have to worry about getting mugged while trying to burn some calories.

One thing I worry about is my running gear. You see, I don’t wear short shorts.