THE BLOGGER'S ACCIDENT

The night of May 26, 2011, was the most unforgettable moment I have ever experienced in the 35 years of my existence in this world!

I had a friend who visited me that night. Had a couple of drinks at the Hilario's Sizzlers Garden area. When we were finished, I closed the gates, locked them and walked on home. Then I realized I forgot my wallet in the garden and I had to get it. With no spare keys to let me in the garden again through the gates, I had no choice but to climb the fence to get inside, which I already did a couple of times before. It was a success! I got inside and got the darn wallet and started to climb back the fence to get out. 

Then it happened! I slipped... It was all a blur. A succession of events that ended my arm skewed on one of the sharp, flat bars that rowed the whole length of the fence! With all the strength I could muster, I unskewed myself and started thinking on what to do next. I called on Jesus that night as if the sun won't shine on me again ever!!! I believe that He provided me with the presence of mind to do what is right that night! And I felt calm and peaceful in spite of the pain which is already starting to surge my brain.  

All bloodied and trousers torn (which I don't recall why that happened), I ran along the streets, got into a tricycle and told (pleaded?) the driver to bring me to the nearest hospital for immediate treatment. I called my Brother whom he was with other close MSC friends and family that night, on the way. They got to the hospital as fast as they could and decided that they transfer me to MCU hospital.

There, I had the nightmare of nightmares! The cleaning of the lacerated skin and underneath, the anaesthesia injections, multiple stitches and sutures for my two BIG wounds! Something I only see on TV especially during New Years! And I repeatedly asked myself, "what have I gotten myself into, again?". The pain was so intense that I felt as if I was going to die. Fortunately, my brother, Arnel, my Tito Larry de Guzman (BASS) and Ryan de Guzman (TENOR) were all there at my side for support. Their hands even served as my squeeze ball during that whole process.

Actual Picture of my injured arm

I was admitted and confined for close observation of the wounds and was discharged 2 days after. 

Now, my stitches are healing. I'm starting to act and feel normal again after two weeks of medications and close monitoring for possible infections (it wasn't a clean wound to start with). Hopefully no adverse and untoward effects would occur. 

Me, after 4 days ☺

Thank you, Lord for saving me. Praise You always for being my ever present help!  

THE MAROON 5 EXPERIENCE

On May the 23th, I and a bunch of cousins and friends from Parañaque met at the SMX Convention Center at the SM Mall of Asia to partake on a once in a lifetime experience! It was at The Maroon 5 Live in Manila Concert!

You would probably wonder how the heck we ended up experiencing this...

Adam Levine, Carlo Santiago and James Valentine

It stared off as a simple friendship between James Valentine, lead guitarist of Maroon 5 and my US-based nephew, Carlo. It was in a Music Summer Camp when James Valentine fell in love with a bright and talented little boy who dreamt of becoming a great musician someday...

Afflicted with a rare type of cancer, Carlo was not able to truly devote himself too much on his guitar lessons. But James found great determination from this young fellow and was deeply moved. James would visit him in the hospital and Carlo would almost immediately forget all the pain due to his disease and medications. They became real buddies! When Carlo had no scheduled treatments and is out of the hospital, he'd get to come by James' house too for more lessons...

Carlo eventually reunited with God at age nine. It was a few months before Maroon 5's Asian tour. The  strong bonds between the band and Carlo's family lived on. My cousin Toni, Carlo's mother, now based in Hongkong managed to get 16 gold tickets courtesy of James! What a friendship! We got to meet them face to face too!

  

The SMX was packed!!! According to some reviews, the band was spectacular!!! and I must say that it was indeed a KNOCKOUT!

It wasn't just a concert. It was an EXPERIENCE OF EPIC PROPORTIONS if you ask me.

Some performers rely on stage lights and special effects. But this one... it's PURE TALENT! They had their special way of making the crowd feel that they are part of the act. They make sure the crowd participates. Adam (band frontman) even complemented us, Filipinos as melodic by nature. 

We were just a few steps from the stage and we could easily squeeze ourselves in nearer if we wanted to, but we chose to be a little more behaved that night. We even wore themed shirts so that the band would recognize us as Carlo's family and friends!

If it wasn't for lack of time and the undeniable distance between Parañaque and Valenzuela, we would have had an after-concert party in honor of Carlo whom we all owe this very memorable opportunity...

SUNSHINE AFTER THE RAIN

As mentioned before in one of my previous entries, our Tito Oyet, sufferred a minor heart attack and was rushed to the hospital for immediate treatment. He stayed in the Intensive Care Unit for a few days for some close monitoring. Apparently, he was very much conscious during his ordeal. Four days after, he was released from the hospital and was adviced to take a long vacation from work to recover. MSC was not able to visit him in the hospital but we opted to come by his place to celebrate his victory over his life-threatening situation...  

After our Sunday service on May 22, we headed straight to Tito Oyet's place, brought some food and celebrated! Ate Bhing, not long after her arrival from the airport, was there too. 

I was pleased to see that Tito Oyet was already up and about when we got there. Although a bit weak and cautious with his moves, not trying to exert too much, he managed to eat and have a good laugh with us! Somehow, seeing him like that assures us that he is on his way to recovery!

ATE BHING'S HOMECOMING 2011

MSC's ALTO sweetheart is once again here in the Philippines. She arrived at the NAIA on May 22. It was only just after my birthday (May 5) that she told me that she'd be coming home once again. It has been planned a long time ago but she opted to keep it a secret until her vacation approval has been determined. 

She will be staying here exactly two months and two days. Along with a wide array of vacation activities, she will be seeking treatment for her injured shoulders she acquired in Australia that has been bugging her for a long time now. Hopefully, her series of treatments would be successful.    

CLEAN LIVING

I was recently alarmed when I heard the news that one of MSC's premiere member Oyet de Galicia suffered a heart attack while at work and was rushed to the hospital and put in the Intensive Care Unit for three days. 

Through the help of text messaging and facebook, MSC members were able to communicate with each other regarding Oyet's current ordeal and were able to make a prayer campaign for his quick recovery. Sure enough, our prayer was answered! Although still a bit weak, he is now recovering and out of the ICU getting ready for discharge a few days from now. Thank God!

Now, I call on my MSC for a paradigm shift! Let us all try to control our urges for unhealthy foods, vises and habits! I think leading a healthy lifestyle is the key for a longer and more producive life. Hopefully we won't have to recieve another urgent news like that in the near future!