Far From Neutral Notions - Philippine politics, culture and stuff

Enough whining about 2004. Done’s done, and besides, it wasn’t all bad. So to start with, I’ve decided to think of only good things; I just hope being more upbeat at the start of this year helps my karma in 2005. I hope.

2004: the Good

In no particular order…

Lost Key - as in, my band, finally had live gigs, from little known bars in Malabon and Marikina, to Mayric’s in Espana and Freedom Bar in Anonas, thanks largely to Isko of FMD and Michelle’s In Diss Corner. The underground music community has been truly awsome, providing insiration (Silent E), friendship (Pentavia) and support (FMD) - in striking contrast to what I’ve experienced with the bands back home,where bickering was the norm, sad to say.

Jean - someone I’d like to share my last sunrise with. There’ve been more downs than ups in our relationship of late, what with the petty jealousy and all, but meeting - and loving - her was one of 2004’s few bright spots.

Seeing Tito Ciro and Lola Chita again - after all theseyears. Though I haven’t spent too much time with Lola as I’d like to (something I plan to rectify soon), I’m glad she’s finally back in the Philippines where Tita Mimi can take care of her.

Finally doing web design - something I can sink my teeth into and not just be another in-between job. Despite the awful pay, worse hours and unstable future of the company, it’s something I can point at my resume and be proud. Here’s hoping I stay in this field

Poodle - the hamster; I never thought I’d get this attached to the little guy, but he has this charm about him that even has our normally cranky housekeeper hooked. Note to self: buy more sunflower seeds.

My toys - namely the Korg Toneworks AX1500G I bought with my very own savings, as well as the two new pickups I have on the bridge (DiMarzio mini humbucker) and neck (DiMarzio vintage single coil) of my strat. And the Jim Dunlop Crybaby 535Q I got for Christmas from Tita Girlie. Now all I need is a really good amp

My cousin GB - widening his musical horizons; he even listens to Megadeth now I admit his conversion is as much a surprise as it is gratifying, seeing as how he used to listen to Britney

Memorable Dates: Good and Bad

April 17, 2004 - Lola dies. I barely made it home in time, because my boss at the time was reluctant to let me leave. A few days prior marked the first time I’ve given a COO the finger.

May 10, 2004 - Election day. GMA won, but only barely. I still think she cheated her way into office, but I won’t rock the boat on this one, as the alternative (FPJ) would have been worse.

July 6, 2004 - I bought my AX1500G. Yes, I love that thing.

July 9, 2004 - Two things happened on this night: I met Jean for the first time and we had our first gig at Mayric’s.

July 21, 2004 - ‘Jorge’ begins to fade from memory, to be replaced by ‘Jorge and Jean’ Not a bad trade.

August 2, 2004 - I am once again unemployed. The second time I’ve given a COO the finger, albeit this time, behind his back.

August 27, 2004 - 12:01 a.m. Enrico texts me that I’ve forgotten his birthday again (the second time now), and thus owe him a Yellow Cab pizza. This tradition started when, years ago, he forgot mine, despite the fact that we were together the whole day; I made him buy me pizza. I have yet to pay up.

September 17, 2004 - Lola Chita comes home and moves in with Tita Mimi.

Early October, 2004 - I’m all set to work at another call center in Makati. Their offer was very flattering, the job was not. I ended up working for a web design firm in Ortigas for half the pay and worse hours. I’m not exactly kicking myself, but still… sayang.

October 16, 2004 - Lost Key’s last gig until December (because I was working nights). Also the day when Jean called it quits. The irony makes me sick, sometimes.

December 3, 2004 - Pentavia’s EP launch. If you’re into trash or power metal, I highly recommend this independent release.

December 5, 2004 - I become the proud keeper of a cute Siberian hamster named Poodle. Origianlly meant to be a Christmas present for Jean, I decide to keep him instead.

Early-Mid December, 2004 - two typhoons hit Luzon just days apart, setting off landslides and killing hundreds. Loggers blamed for disaster. Also, FPJ - he of movie fame and political infamy - dies.

December 17, 2004 - Last gig for the year, at AMA Caloocan. Good vibes all around.

December 24, 2004 - Home at last.

December 25, 2004 - I open my only present to find a Crybaby 535Q wahwah pedal. Perfect

December 26, 2004 - The tsunamis hit most of east Asia. Death toll at over a hundred thousand to date.

December 31, 2004 - I pay my respects to 2004 by sleeping until 1 a.m., January 1, 2005.

So that’s what happened that got my attention in 2004, in a nutshell, although I may have missed a few things and glossed over a few details somewhere. So goodbye, 2004. You’ve been a bad year for me, though perhaps I should thank you; after all, what doesn’t kill me makes me stronger. Then again, maybe not. I am, if anything, very resistant to change.

Popularity: 1% [?]