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!

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/

Awkward title, much? It supposed to say “23 Days Before Turning 23″ but I overslept last night so I have to come up with something less brilliant.

Innyway.

I wonder why I keep on doing this. I’m a big pattern freak. Two years ago, I put up a blog which aimed to chronicle my journey through 21 weeks of achieving 21 things before I turn 21 AKA The 21st Project. I know it sounds lame. And unrealistic. And I only successfully executed the first two weeks of the project. Procrastination and laziness reared their ugly heads.

And now I’m at it again. No, I’m not reaching for 22 goals and I’m not aiming for 22 items on my long holiday wish list. If I actually learned something in the past – it is to do things one step at a time. Slowly but surely. Patience. Yada yada yada.

Every single birthday I tend to plan weeks in advance on how I wanna be like by the time I turn a year older. Don’t we all? We always cram things in our lives before meeting this yearly deadline. It’s just a date, I know. But like me, some people are just obsessive like that.

So for my 23rd birthday, I mainly want to reconnect again with people – friends and family which I haven’t seen or talked to in a very long time. And this blog just might be an awesome tool in helping me do that. That’s also one of the reasons why my last 5 episodes this year are focused on events and people from schools I’ve attended – refresh my memory on how life can actually be fun and carefree sometimes. First vlog of the bunch will be posted tonight. Here’s a preview:

You’ve also heard me talk about a certain makeover. Sorry if the second part didn’t see the light of day. But I promise this other makeover which has been months in the making will launch before the month is over:

Also watch out for a brand new contest we’ll be launching (I just have to inform the we first). This is one thing I’ve been wanting to do ever since this year started.

So this is it. I still haz a lot in my mind but I’ll let the remaining 21 days deal with that.

CokskiBlue in a Coffee Shop

Hi guys, I’m back! After a month of hiatus, here is a new video for everyone!

This is actually for Coffee Bean and Tea Leaf. This week, they will be launching a new project for all you coffee and tea-lovers out there so watch out for it.

Let me also introduce to you my three bestfriends in the video:

Jet Caballes – my brother
Aris Comilang – high school and college buddy
Jhossa Baes – the future superstar

Enjoy! Please leave your comments.

And that’s Jay Contreras everyone of Kamikazee on spending Valentine’s Day alone in bitterness.

I posted this a day late ’cause I know most of you would be out on dates or maybe too busy on some corner – crying and daydreamin’. So yeah.

How was the daaayyy of lurrrve for everyone? Well, if you ask me, I still have the same views on V-day as last year’s so I’m giving the blogging environment a favor and recycling a post from my secret old blog which I wrote a couple months before the birth of CokskiBlue.

WARNING: This can be annoying. Me needz a life.

Originally published last February 14, 2007:

Ooooooh. I almost forgot. It’s the Week of Luuuurve.

I for one, do not celebrate V-Day. Maybe it’s all bitterness of being single. I repeat. Single.
Or maybe because I don’t believe in saints. Believe it or not, the latter’s most likely.

I actually do not feel alone or “empty” or even “incomplete” this week. Being single does not bother me. Yet. Well, except when people, particularly my friends, slam it to my face.

Last Sunday, our barkada had this reunion-slash-get together. We have not seen most of each other since New Year. And that’s a long time – if you live here in Bacoor. Everybody’s got more busier from classes and OJT to land trips and Tagaytay. I thought it was just another “movie” party as we prepared to watch Jhossa’s film (yes, she’s an indie actress now. hehe).

Man, tragically, I was wrong.

Abe is with his girlfriend, Lani. Jhossa’s with Mark. A certain someone is with her special someone (sorry. it’s a “secret”). And Rochelle’s coming… with Edmar!

What’s worse than being the third wheel? It’s being the freakin’ NINTH WHEEL!

I felt like I was being beaten up in my own house. The funny thing is that, weeks before, I actually swore to everyone that if ever that happened, I will get a girlfriend. Immediately. Ha! Good luck sa ‘yo pare! Haha!

Yet now, I’m still the effin’ nth wheel. Nothing has changed.

PAG-IBIG? PAK DAT SYET!

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50 years of doing anything is a very long time; 50 years of marriage is just plain remarkable.

My grandparents, Lolo Peping and Lola Deny just celebrated their Golden Wedding Anniversary last November 20, 2007 at the Kamayan Restaurant, EDSA. It was a milestone that inspired everyone – our family and friends – who witnessed their relationship’s love, strength and growth through the years.

Now, let me share with everyone my grandfolks’ first vlog and hear their most heart-warming messages for each other; Also watch out by the end of the video – the family’s Golden Anniversary celebration accompanied by my cousin, Peachy‘s new song – “Lullabye”.

Here are part of the speeches that they personally wrote:

Lola Deny

Actually, I love to talk to people, especially with friends, relatives and acquaintances, but sad to say, I’m a poor speaker because I get tongue tied whenever I face an audience. But today is a very special day and although I find it hard and difficult to find words to express my emotions after 50 years, I know I have to say what I feel to this wonderful, handsome, old man – my husband.

Dong, I would like to thank you for sticking and being with me for 50 years. I know I have my faults and shortcomings but you’ve been very patient and understanding. And through the years, you have given me all the love and care a husband could give to a wife.

We had our difficult times, trials, financial problems, illnesses, and worst of all, the loss of our beloved son, Abel. It caused me so much pain and misery but I still consider myself blessed because I have you as my husband whom I consider the greatest gift God has given to me.

Thank you for the happy times and for everything and most of all, I thank God for giving me a wonderful and loving husband.

Lolo Peping

Good evening. First of all, I would like to thank you all, our guests, friends, and relatives for coming and sharing with us this special day – our 50th anniversary.

Ladies and gentlemen, I would like to tell you a part of our romance episode. I still remember that time when I set my eyes on a lovely, tall, dainty and sweet-smelling campus girl; I was so attracted to her that I decided to get to know her well. But it was not an easy task because she was very elusive. And back then, she had bodyguards assigned by my very strict father-in-law who watched her every step. But it does not stop there. I tried to win her by all means to the point that I had to befriend one of her bodyguards! And voila! I got her! (under my skin…)

Suffice to say, I’m proud and thankful to God I still have her and now celebrating with her our 50 years of marriage.

So to my darling wife, my General and lifetime Commander-in-Chief – thank you for loving me throughout the years – 50 years at that! I would like you to know that you are my everything now and forever, I love you and Happy Anniversary, General!

The Season 2 Premiere.

We are taking you back to school to teach you a few lessons on dental care and life in general.

Credits:

Photos: Chris, Coy, Chingy, Jet, Em, Kuya Arne, Osang (Edgar’s Graduation Party), Mom, Joe, UP Engineering Society, UP Mathematic Clubs, UP Block G-13 Batch 2003, Summer Kindergarten Program 2007, UP Inhinyero

Music: Beverly Hills 90210 Theme

Ever had the feeling of being so lost?Ever found yourself wandering aimlessly with nowhere to go?

I was stuck – trapped inside the pits of confusion and self-doubt. Retarded. Thoughts of negativity and depression ruled my mind as every opportunity passed before my eyes – untouched. I was shouting inside. Nobody heard me. Or maybe I did not want to be heard.

It was difficult – finding that voice. And finding someone to share it with. But as days passed, I saw that what paths I might’ve chosen, what mistakes I might’ve made – I learned.

And now, I may still be wandering, but not lost as before. Not only did I find someone, but I discovered an audience.

I now have my voice. I’m stepping out. I’m not stuck anymore.

About the Video: I shot part of this video 2 years ago at the Quezon City Circle, helping out some Mass Communication students. Although I did not direct and write this short, it’s still pretty special to me for it is the FIRST film I edited (in Windows Movie Maker). The moment I laid music on this piece, I knew I was made to do this. I saw things differently – how silly or simple or corny stuff maybe. So watch out for the obvious glitches in editing; plot holes are not my fault. Haha.

Sometimes, we don’t need to speak to be heard. I may not say this that much but thank you very much for hearing Coy out for the past 5 months.

And now it’s time to take an indefinite leave.

That’s a wrap!

Photo by: Chris Lagman

Music by: Bamboo

Although I’m awfully down these days because I practically went blind broke my eye glasses in half just in time for 2 exams and a major thesis presentation AND I’ve been turning into this solitary creature/hermit I don’t have a phone for five, straight days now, I know I still got a lot of things to be thankful for since I started vlogging about 5 months ago. I’m not going to bore you with a very long post; I’m just looking back at all the good stuff I’ve had before I end this season’s run of CokskiBlue tonight:UPDATE!

1. Winning FREE DOMAIN AND HOSTING at PinoyBlogosphere.com’s BratyFly B-Day Post! I just had to post a comment on what I feel about PinoyBlogosphere.com and added some suggestions for the site and I got the prize! JM Tuazon also won a surprise prize from the birthday girl herself.

Congratulations to CokskiBlue for the comment number 23, you’ll get a domain, and I can also host your domain but for a wordpress installation only. I like the Video Blog idea. Hope you could give me tips so I can start one as well.
- BratyFly

Thank you very much BratyFly! This gift just came on the best time possible. You really made my day.

Now, the first name I thought of was CokskiBlue.Net (now I’m more leaning towards .com) but I’m worried about name-recall and people always misspelling my vlog’s name to COKSIblue. Should I change it to HiGuysThisIsCoy.com? CoyCaballes.com? Any suggestions? Help me out. Please.

2. Winning Third Place at the Top Ten Emerging Influential Blogs of 2007

3. My Malu Fernandez vlog, a Wika 2007 entry, opening the first segment of Media in Focus on the ABS-CBN News Channel (ANC) last August 30, 2007. (Lookie! I start at 6:45.)

4. Winning a Reporter Moleskine Notebook on Pinoy Centric’s PETA Party of 10 for being one of the three best posts about the theater experience. The prize is now being shipped from Chicago. Yey!

5. Being a runner-up to HAPPYSLIP at the Pinoy Evil Blog Awards by Paolo Mendoza in the Coolest Pinoy Video Blogger category; To be nominated with her is already an honor. And oh, speaking of HappySlip, she mentioned my vlog’s name, or was it “COKSIblue”, about 10 TIMES on one of her live chats! And she knows my videos! Thanks Ron, for making her say all that stuff. Hehe.

6. Being able to join the DigitalFilipino.com Club. Thank you Ma’am Janette Toral! This is indeed a wonderful prize.

7. This slot is reserved for whoever has the heart to sponsor a domain and hosting for me, which would make CokskiBlue.Net a reality. Haha! No, really. Kung gusto nyo talaga, wala akong magagawa. Just e-mail me and maybe we can arrange a special video for you. Hehe. Slot taken! Haha.

Of course, thank you for all the new experiences, online and offline — excellent plays, blogger events, contests, writing projects, educational tours, etc. that many bloggers have shared with me. I’m very grateful for the opportunity and of course, the friendship.Uh, did it just sound like a goodbye speech? Haha. Nah. Looking forward to more upcoming events and oh, free goodies!

Hope to see you guys for the last episode tonight. Thanks and goodbye for now.

I’ve been vlogging for 4 months now and you might have noticed a constant face in all of my videos and photos. He’s got more exposure than I do in most of my episodes. I’ve featured my Mom and Dad here in CokskiBlue; it’s about time to give (part of) the spotlight to the fourth and last member of the family. Yup. He’s Jet – my (not so) little brother. He’ll kill me once he sees this. Ha!It’s not really hard to have fun with this guy. He thinks of the corniest jokes and belches out very funny stories every now and then about his friends, misadventures and UP. He’s a very shy and laid-back person but he comes up with the quirkiest comments that everybody loves.

Kids (?) our age usually bond over basketball or over bottles of beer and pulutan. We bond over this:

Oh, did I mention I sang in this video?