January 2010 Random Thoughts

My band is at Off The Grill right now, grooving and rocking.  While I am here at home, on the road to recovery.  It's my first time to miss a K24/7 gig due to illness.  The first week of the new year and the new decade is a physically tough and uncomfortable time for me.  Like I said on my previous blog, I had the upset stomach, which caused backache and had me chilling (literally) for a few days.  The first three days of 2010 were tough.  It was a holiday weekend, we had gigs on those 3 nights, and every gig was a physical challenge.  I am pretty much capable of psyching up myself before a gig.  Whenever I'm sick or just feeling strange, I make myself believe that I'm very strong and I just let it out on the drumkit.  I'm a fighter in that sense.  I also try not to show any signs of weaknesses, because I don't want my bandmates, audience, or people around us to worry (though this doesn't work all the time).  But last weekend, there was no hiding in my physical condition.  I had to lie down during breaks.  I had to observe economy in motion.  I was so relieved after the Mugen gig last Sunday, the last of the weekend gigs.  It was finally time for me to take a much-needed rest.

I've been taking my rest here at home since Monday.  It wasn't really a relaxing kind of rest, as I was still feeling the pain in my tummy and my lower back, plus some occasional chills.  Sometimes I feel warm; sometimes cold.  My movements were in slow motion.  I was hoping that Monday would be my final day of recovery, so that I would be back to normal by Tuesday, the day I rehearse for the Sunday church services.  But, it wasn't that simple.  The next morning, I told Bread Of Life that I'm sick, I won't be able to make it, and get a sub for the service.  Thinking that my condition's not improving, I also decided that it's time to see a doctor.

Before going to the doctor, good thing my Mom bumped in to my aunt, Tita Helen, who helped cure me.  She gave me the hilot and advised me on what to take to help make myself feel better.  I wish Tita Helen was around way earlier (though it's ironic that she lives just a doorstep away).  I was praying that I'd be just fine, because I had the feeling that they might check me in to a hospital (again, it's ironic that poor fragile me was never confined yet in a hospital; and I'm not really looking forward to my first time).  My Dad's brother and Tita Helen's husband Tito Mars stood by his word - "Before going to the doctor, see Tita Helen first."  I'm glad she's there, and my condition has improved, thanks to her.  We have doctors in the family.  Maybe Tita Helen should have been a doctor or a physical therapist.  I got cured the old school way.

So, yeah, I'm missing the OTG gig now.  It was just called last night, so I had to decide if it's a go for me.  As much as I don't want to miss a gig, my health wins this time and I decided to take some more rest.  So there goes my Iron Man award haha!  I wish I'm at OTG right now, playing music with my bandmates.  I'm pretty sure the gig's going smoothly right now.  I'm not worried; my mentor and friend, Benjie Mendez of South Border is filling in for me.  Maybe my bandmates are worried haha, Bagets could be giving them the musical examination right now.  But it's all cool, we are all brothers in music, and I think Benjie enjoys playing with my bandmates.  I'm sure it's still all good.  I'll be ready by Friday...  Can't wait for the weekend.

*****


It was our first Christmas in our new home here in Sampaloc, and our family's holiday season went really great.  There were plenty of good fortune and blessings for the family in 2009.  I already mentioned about the new house, my 2 new nieces...  Dio clan was blessed in 2K9, and we ended the year with a couple of high notes.

First, my brother in law Jito was able to set a business deal, and he was able to acquire 3 Monterey Meat Shops.  He was eyeing on this business opportunity for months, and finally he was able to acquire it on mid-December.  It's a family business, so my siblings, brothers in law, and some of our parents had our share on the investment.  My bros in law are mainly running the biz, and I credit them for a job well done.  So, please buy meat at our Monterey Shops (UniMart Greenhills, Cash & Carry Makati, & Makati Supermarket in Alabang).

Next, my youngest sister Karen and her boyfriend, video editor Ted Mosuela announced their engagement on Christmas eve, in front of the whole family during Noche Buena.  It was funny because one of my bros in law Louie loves to kid around, and he would often tease Ted if he would make an announcement, which normally happened during family meals.  This time, it was for real.  Over dinner, Louie asked Ted if he has an announcement.  And so, that was Karen & Ted's cue to reveal the news.  Everybody was jubilant after Ted's announcement.  Soon after that, everyone's asking Louie if he knew all along, and no he did not.  Only two people in the family knew before the announcement - me and my eldest sis Rica.  I'm really happy for Karen.  Ted is a good guy, and he makes my sister happy.  The happiness of my kid sister means a lot to me.

I love all my sisters, but Karen is the closest to me.  We are just 13 months apart, and we practically grew up together.  Sometimes I think we are like twins, yet we are different in many ways.  We fight a lot when we were kids, but we get along most of the time.  I admire her in many ways, especially her artistic talents.  I've seen her during her rough and dark times, which is tough for me as a brother.  That's why I was hoping and praying that she'll be blessed with happiness in life.  And the prayers were answered.

Congratulations, Karen & Ted!  The wedding will be on 111111 (11 Nov '11, a Friday), so there's plenty of time to prepare.  I'm sure the wedding will be great.

Now that my youngest sis is engaged, Louie's teasing me this time... "Any announcements, bro?"

*****

 
I remember having this interesting conversation with my Lola's and cousins' helper Bella sometime late November.  That time, we were still sleeping at my Lola's house next door, though most of our stuff were already moved in to our new house.  Here's an excerpt, simplified and translated in English...

Bella:  Why are you still sleeping here in Lola's house?

me:  Because we don't have water yet in the new house.  We still lack some utilities.

Bella:  Can you feel something here in Lola's house?

me:  Yes.  I was having the bangungot.  But I haven't had it lately.

Bella:  One night, while you were sleeping, I saw this girl sitting right beside you.

me:  Really?  How does she look like?

Bella:  Black, like a shadow...  That's why I don't like going up the third floor alone.

me:  If it's my Lolo, it's okay, but who could that be?

Okay, so there's a spirit who was keeping an eye on me during my stay at my Lola's house.  But why?  Was she there to protect me?  Or could she be the one causing my series of bangungot attacks?  Who else has seen or felt her?  Who is she?  Why me?

When we finally moved to the new house, I joked to Bella, "You can sleep in my room now."  She laughed, and she was like, "No thanks.  I'll sleep with your Lola."

***

Okay, that's all for now.  I need to rest.  I think I'll go to sleep now.  Any imaginary friends there to keep me company?  Kidding...

Comments

[Jonessa Galo]

Yikes! Katakot yung kuwento ni Bella, mag-isa pa naman ako dito sa unit. hehe! Anyway, just don't forget to pray; and let's leave it to God to give us peace of mind. =)

I hope you get well reAAALLy soon; I really can't imagine you missing a gig. You are always one of the earliest to arrive in your gigs. I was not at OTG last night, so there; I still can't picture k24/7 without you. ;)

[Anthony Dio]

Jonessa... When strange stuff like that happens, I'm not really fearful. I do leave it to God, and say my prayers. And I'm fully recovered. It feels so good playing last night on our gig. Thanks!