Sleeping soundly in UP.

This was 5 years ago. It’s amazing what you discover in your old email inbox. Don’t worry, I don’t always write letters to myself. But I totally forgot what made me write this narcissistic note. Could’ve been an English subject requirement or just a random crazy rant. But now, reading through it just gave me a whole new perspective on how to answer the question, “Where do you see yourself in 5 years?”

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Dear Self,

Hello Coy! How are you? Or should I ask – How are we?

I’m happy that we’re pretty satisfied and contented with our lives right now. I can’t exactly say we’re very happy but as long as we sleep soundly at night, it’s all fine by me.

It’s been a hectic week, hasn’t it? A hectic year, even. Being 2 decades old does not only add lines to our face but also add responsibilties and new roles to our busy lives. I must admit we’ve neglected a lot of things this year because of the additional work but it’s actually been a deep, learning experience for me – for us.

Orgmates circa 2005

Sad to say, but ever since we became the president of our church’s youth organization, we’ve been distant from our friends. It’s not like high school anymore where our social lives seemed to be the center of our universe. It’s like there’s more to life than what you see that you have to see in able to grow. Wow. I’m getting too deep, am not I? Anyway, at least we stay in touch with our old friends every now and then. We also have started to reach out to friends we had conflict with. And I’m glad that we meet new acquaintances on a weekly basis. It isn’t too bad being president. We get respect and we’re popular. What more do we want? Hehe.

We’ve been bad students this year. And sadly, it’s also because of our brand new responsibility. I think we just got really excited with the new challenge that we forgot everything else. We flunked one subject, and removed another. Not really the straight “uno” our mother was hoping for. But we promised that we will change and manage our time well. It’s not about what we’re doing wrongly. It’s all about balance. Well, we’re off to a pretty good start this semester. Hope it will be consistent.

Speaking of ma, it has not been our best year as son to our parents. I don’t know, we’re 20 years old but it looks like we just started puberty. We’re always not in the mood to talk and to bond. I think it’s all hormones so I’m grateful that our parents seem to understand the “changes” we are going through – whatever it is. Don’t tell anyone but it’s always a treat when mom gives us her hugs and kisses even if we always resist. It brings us back to that feeling of innocence, a moment that we feel almost childlike. I love that. Hehe. I remembered our brother, Jet-jet, just now. He maybe annoying sometimes but we got closer with him this year.

With Jet (who was annoying sometimes)

We may have neglected a lot of stuff but I’m proud that we never forgot our duties to God. Yes, we had our ups and downs but for us, there’s no “me” without Him. I’m happy that we’ve been pretty obedient and religious this year and we’re actually having fun! And I’m thankful that everything else followed greatly. I know we’re on the right path.

Of course, we need some more improvements. Our life may not be perfect but it won’t stop us from being happy. Like I said it’s not about what we do wrong but balance. If we can only find that special symmetry with ourselves, friends, school, family, and God, then it will be all smiles for us. Making a life plan will be a good start but it won’t hurt to be spontaneous once in a while.

Leaving my mark after 5 years

As I see it, there is a bright future ahead of us, Coy. I’m planning to be more organized with our lives without taking out any mystery and excitement from it. But wait, wouldn’t it be better if we do it with everyone else? President, remember? We can share our experiences and knowledge to them! That’s our new mission! Sounds like a challenge, right? We love challenges! And I know we can do it together! At least we know when it’s all over for us, in this life at least, that we have inspired and left a mark on someone. I would like for us to be remembered as someone who made a huge difference in his own little way.

May you have great happiness and health. God bless!

Your friend,

Philip Marco “Coy” Caballes, 2005

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Today, it feels like life is too cluttered for me to recognize what to prioritize. It got so confusing. I just realized that all I needed all along was for my past self to remind me what truly matters.

P.S. IT’S AWESOME TO BE BACK!

The Countdown Begins
More than 3 weeks left ’til the Philippine Blog Awards 2009 awards night!

Starring:
Ram Orquiza
Coy Caballes
Mic Angel David
and
Khristel Sucaldito

Directed by Kring Elenzano of Flippish.com

Bawal ang May Hiya.

As you’ve noticed, I haven’t done a vlog in a while but do watch out for a CokskiBlue change/transition that you will be seeing in the coming weeks.

For now, watch us invade the supermarkets with this fun video – our entry to Globe’s Paramihan Challenge. We didn’t get to the finals but we still can’t get enough of it. Haha. Thanks Poyt, Al and Pia for helping out!

2 Years of Video Blogging! w00t!

Summer is almost over! You wanna go to the beach like all your friends have but you can’t. Maybe because of bad weather? No money? No time? Here are cheap and alternative ways to experience the beach life in the comforts of your own home.

Check out new video blogger Doctor Dude as he launch his new blog with this awesome vlog – Life’s a Beach!

Animation – Jet Caballes, Camerawork – Howi Ramallosa, Eva “Punda” – My awesome cousin Lara Caballes
Beaches in the video: Boracay, Moal Boal (Cebu) and Baler!

Good thing I watched Primetime News on QTV Channel 11 last night or else I would’ve missed the pilot of my new favorite show – QTube! Not one. Not two. But three bloggers are featured – Peter Juan, Anton Diaz and Kring Elenzano! That’s no surprise since these guys are indeed making big waves on the internet. And I also found out that QTube’s spiels director is a blogger! Great job Glenn Ala! Cool show!

Wanna know more about QTube? Here’s what I got from their official website:

Watch TV, download music, post photos and videos, make new friends, and reconnect with old ones – there’s truly nothing you can’t do when you’re connected to the internet! Our whole lives are practically connected to – and through – the web. It’s no wonder we’re called the “Wired Generation.” And with the Philippines leading the way in Asia when it comes to photo uploading and social networking, it’s pretty safe to say that Filipinos are tech-savvy. Geek or no geek, if you can’t live without logging on to the web, then you’ll definitely love us. Q-Tube is the ultimate merging of the net and the box! With Qtube, the power of the net is now within your reach – for real, and alive, right on your TV screens!

Blogger’s Digest

It’s all about being heard loud and proud on the net. Blogger’s Digest features the hottest blogs and the personalities behind them – from celebrity bloggers, to obscure but controversial non-celebrity bloggers, and vloggers who are not afraid to speak their minds. Find them all here in Blogger’s Digest.

i-Share and i-Share Exclusive

Do you think you’ve got what it takes to be the next internet star? With i-Share, you get the chance to upload your viral videos for the whole world to see – on TV! And with i-Share Exclusive, you get exclusive sneak peeks at the next video uploads of your favorite internet sensations before they’re even uploaded!

i-Shop

i-Shop is all about the wonderful world of cyber-shopping. We zone in on the world of online trading and show you everything from the best buys online to the weirdest finds on the internet. We’ll let you in on some of the best kept secrets of online shoppers. We’ll even let our hosts check out these products in person! iShop is definitely your ultimate guide to internet shopping!

i-Love

i-Love features touching and inspiring love stories that happened via the internet. These are stories from you and by you – love stories so real they’ll make even the most skeptic cyber-surfer a true believer in l’amour.

i-Sore and i-Report

Thanks to the Internet, the world has become a smaller place. Breaking news spreads faster and no issue is left unturned. With iSore and iReport, we show you how the World Wide Web has shaped and continually shapes news, issues, and current events.

i-Travel

i-Travel is your on-air guide to online travel. Navigate your way through cyberspace to find the best destinations, the best rates, and the best travel packages. Get to see the world before you even leave your seats. With i-Travel, you get to stay updated with just one click and get in touch with Pinoys all over the world through your webcam.

Get 100% virus-free internet TV on Qtube every Thursday, 10:15 PM on Q Channel 11!

Pinoy Vloggers Get A Makeover!

From the makers of We Love Trinoma, here’s a video that will change everything – from clothes and face, to 2008 hair. Witness the transformation from geek to chic as the “vintage” Fab 5  go to Regine’s Salon at the Anson Arcade! This is Coy, Kring, Joe, Poyt and AJ exactly a year ago. Special Thanks to Juned Sonido and Karlo PinoyBlogero for the camera work! Watch out for awesome, FRESH episodes this June 2009 when CokskiBlue Season 3 premieres!

REGINE’s SALON at the new ANSON arcade beside Makati Shangrila, The newest building between LANDMARK and MAKATI SHANGRILA Hotel

REGINES SALON
2nd Floor Site “A” Building MAKATI AVENUE CORNER NORTH DRIVE
Tel numbers : 856.17.23 or 856.17.24
Cell : 0916-744.32.99 or 0922-852.05.29

The Wildest UP Fair I’ve Seen in Years

The University of the Philippines Diliman Fair Week has always been a staple must-go event every second week of February. Each year, every day has a delectable menu of bands – old and new that doesn’t fail to satisfy the appetite of concert-goers. Present are also different booths, attractions and rides which make the whole UP Fair experience awesome. But behind the fun music and games, violence is also a mainstay in these events. People usually don’t mind. Until last night.

You’ve seen Part 1 and Behind the Scenes of Kapuso Mo, Jessica Soho’s feature on Pinoy Video Blogging. Now here comes my part of the segment…

…after the Jump!

I shall officially call these kind of posts as part of the Singlehood Chronicles Series. If you remember by this time last year, I was in the same predicament. Only this year, I’m not too Bitter Ocampo about it. Rather than gloating and whining, last Saturday I actually did something about the situation. Although it wasn’t really part of any of my plans, Speed Dating is a welcome new hobby distraction while looking for that *ehem* special someone. So what is Speed Dating? Check out this awesome feature by ABS-CBN’s Probe featuring awesome Arete events organizer Poyt, event host/”chix” Kring, camery shy rockstar Fritz, “spontaneous lover” BillyCoy and yours truly:

Just last night, I got into this heated discussion with friends about the reasons why people go to speed dates. A friend said – people who know what they want and know how to get it should not be part of these “superficial” activities. First dates are bad enough since we know that we only get to see their best foot forward but 3 minutes? That’s just the tip of a large, cold, scary iceberg.

But I disagree. Forget about meeting the ONE. Am I the only person who thinks I have to meet as much people as I can? It’s not really about what I might be missing out but it’s more on what I can learn from these new acquaintances – you get to discover certain aspects of who you are, how you wanna grow and what you really want. Everyone is different. And each person will touch affect you in a different way.

But if I’m lucky enough to actually meet her – that person who’s not necessarily the perfect match but the right one, like what one of my close friends said, “Huwag mo nang pakawalan.”

Arete Events
Galileo Enoteca Italian Restaurant and Deli, Makati
Graphic tees from Solo
Freeway
Stylebible

Awesome photography by http://certainkindofhue.multiply.com/

This is How I Thank Everyone in 30 Seconds.

My recent birthdaymonth has got to be the busiest and most hectic celebration I’ve had ever. I was always used to big house parties where I get to invite all my friends from different circles but I realized that it’s just too costly (since I’ll be the one spending this time) and not really as fun as small, intimate get-togethers. This video basically thanks the people who were there to celebrate the awesome month of November with me. I love you, gaiz!

FRIENDS in the Video:

National Telehealth Center Staff (on my birthday and at the Elation Launch)
Bloggers (Elation Launch and Late-Night Coffee – Thanks Gibbs!)
Orgmates (Elation Launch and Tagaytay Trip)
Kuyakoy Band
Cavite Barkada
Masci (Manila Science) High School Friends (Redbox)
Palawan Gang
And of course, my brother Jet.

23 Years! Whew.