Insane In The Membrane

Here’s a tip for those who want to graduate with honors.

Do what Raft3r did. Pretend you’re extremely sick.

Backtrack to 1997. My class had one of those out of town class sessions.

During one of those bore me to death activities, Raft3r decided to create a scene. With my best friend as my accomplice, I decided to showcase my award winning thespian skills.

Everyone was required to share a secret with the group.

With tears in my eyes, I told them I had leukemia. 

Everyone was shocked. 

What was even more amazing was the fact I started sobbing uncontrollably.

It was so surreal. I even believed I was terminally ill.

Boy, did I get a lot of hugs and prayers that day.

Most importantly, the whole incident earned me an A+ for that college course.

Ain't life sweet?

Beginning Is the End Is the Beginning

It’s time to put on your toga.

March is the most awaited month for students.

Graduation is a good symbolism for change.

Fresh out of college, Raft3r entered law school. Four years later, he dropped out. It was the best decision ever.

My folks were deeply disappointed. But I stood my ground.

It was now or never.

Seven years later, most of Raft3r’s batch mates are practicing lawyers.

I am not one to be envious. While they write their legal drafts, Raft3r does his blog posts.

Guess who's the lucky one?

Ain't It Funny

Genius.

Karma

Four days of fun and partying also mean four days of work piled at your desk while you’re gone.

Life has a funny way of balancing things for you.

Just when you think you are on top of the world, something devastating happens.

Man, it blows.

Fly Away

During a recent gathering, the hot topic for discussion was overseas employment.

It seems everyone wants to get the hell out of the Philippines. I don’t blame them.

Times are hard. 

I, for one, live from paycheck to paycheck. That wasn’t the case, say, five years ago.

Most of Raft3r’s friends are now based abroad - some in Singapore, a couple in Canada, a few in Australia, and a good chunk in the United States.

When they are here for a visit, their stories of success are such welcome news.

Now, one of my best friends wants to try his luck overseas. He says he has given up all hope in finding a decent way to make a buck in Manila.

A part of me wants to strap him to a chair and tell him not to go. Selfish as it sounds, Raft3r does not want to lose a good party buddy. I have been constantly losing friends to immigration.

Raft3r is sticking to his guns and staying put in the Philippines.

Unlike most of my friends, I am not giving up on my country. I still think there is hope.

How's this for irony? Raft3r's not even a part of the Philippine labor force.

Cold Mountain

Raft3r is off to Baguio this weekend.

I wish I could make this trip more exciting and dare I say - romantic. But life’s a bitch.

My best buddy and I were supposed to go on a double date. But my chick canceled the last minute. She couldn’t get off her night shift.

As a last resort, my friend ditched his girl and summoned the whole gang instead. The Baguio adventure is now an all boys trip.

The group also abandoned the original plan of driving to the summer capital. We bought bus tickets coupled with some anti-drowse medication. 

Raft3r was not crazy about commuting but was outnumbered.

Damn it. I hate democracy.

Raft3r has until Friday to back out. Let’s just wait and see.

Gone Too Soon

• The E-Heads’ reunion concert
• Francis M.
• The cold Manila weather
• Raft3r's youth
• Purchasing power of the Philippine Peso
• Andy Roddick's mojo
• The Deadbeat Club's page rank of 4
• Angel Locsin's career

Burnin' Up

According to Dante’s Inferno, the hottest places in hell are reserved for those who, in a period of moral crisis, maintain their neutrality.

For folks who have no disposition in life and are always undecided on things, consider yourselves warned.

So when people ask you what you prefer, you give a definite answer right away. You don't want to spend eternity in a hot hole, right?

Raft3r would love to name names right now. But why bother? I don't want them as future roommates anyway.

Another One Bites The Dust

It's another sad day for all music and movie lovers everywhere.

Virgin Megastore is closing shop.

In memoriam: The above photo was taken last year on happier times.

What's Simple Is True

1. Never lie. It will eventually catch up with you.

2. Be your own best friend. It’s the greatest thing you can do for yourself.

3. Think positive. It’s a good stress reliever.

4. Have a sense of humor. Laughter, as they say, is the best medicine.

5. Don’t hold a grudge. It’s unnecessary baggage.

6. Always be grateful. Your life is a blessing.

7. Read The Deadbeat Club regularly. You deserve it.