November 2 2011 marks my 15th Remyx band practice. So far, I love what I’m doing. I’m always excited to attend band practices every Wednesdays and Saturdays and to play every Fridays and Sundays.
The practice went well; for the first time, I used a violin (through keyboards) for one of the opening songs (Lord I Offer My Life).
As usual, Ria, Kash, Tonet and I went all Pretty Little Liars around everyone, including Rjo. After our practice, we packed the instruments and went to Tita Josie’s funeral (a churchmate who died because of heart attack).
While packing, someone brought up the subject about Rjo leaving for Japan. Erm. I wasn’t happy about it, not because I have a crush on him and I’ll miss him so bad, but because he won’t have a career there.
In Japan, he has to go back to highschool.
Here, he can continue to play for the college basketball team and go pro after he graduates or he can front a band (he’s fronting the Levites’ youth extension, New Breeds as of the moment).
In Japan, he’ll live with his mom.
Here, he has everything; car, great friends, great church, great band, great instruments and the great Tonet. Haha. I bet he can’t find anyone like Tonet in Japan.
Plus, it’s Japan. Dude, it’s JAPAN. It’s FREAAAAKKKKKIIINNNNN JAPAN! Don’t they realize how mean the Japanese people to Filipinos (and some Americans) during World War II? They made everyone walk including wounded and dying soldiers from somewhere in Pampanga to San Fernando. Well, I already forgave them, but I couldn’t really forget that.
“I’d like to go to Japan because of the snow.” He said.
Cold weather = white skin, so I assumed that he’d like to go to Japan because he wants a paler skin.
“Di ka naman puputi dun…” I blurted loud enough for the other musicians to hear. Everyone turned to look at me, horrified. Me and my big mouth. I didn’t really mean to say that. I could’ve said what I meant in a much nicer way.
Chris was the first one to recover and said, “Oyyyyyy!!!! That’s so mean of you!”
Then, everyone went, “Oh! That’s below the belt!” I think they’re all kidding, including Tonet who intentionally messed up her grammar and said, “that’s under the belt!” few times, but I was so guilty of what I did that I blushed and went “Oh my God, I’m so sorry” to Rjo, but he looked offended and he didn’t want to talk to me.
Okay fine.
I stayed silent for the next couple of minutes while we packed. I was too distracted to talk. We’re all going to the funeral so we gathered downstairs at the lobby. Kuya Rommel showed up, and Rjo told him what I said to him, and bawled like a baby.
Kuya Rommel just stared at me and I sheepishly told him that I was joking.
The bishop showed up and Rjo did the same thing. I couldn’t say anything anymore because I apologized for a hundred times already. Good thing the bishop was cool about it and told me that I was losing weight.
I felt so bad about what I did, so to console myself, I went to buy some Stick-O’s from the sari-sari store beside the church. It’s literally beside the church.
Okay, this is the most interesting part, but I’m not so sure where to begin. Like what I’ve said before, the church was built in a residential area, meaning we have neighbors. On the left side of the building stood a blue house with a store at the front, wherein we all buy snacks (like all sorts of junk food), prepaid credits,.school and office supplies and some other stuff whenever we’re at church and we can’t go home.
I think there’s a family living there, including the guy who sells us stuff. I’ve noticed that guy before before, but didn’t really pay attention to him because a.) he’s too handsome b.) but he looks like a bum c.) we don’t know him that much and d.) we’re shy around him because he’s cute.
I first met him in front of the church when he’s walking with a really cute baby girl. Des and I walked up to them to play with the baby and we thought she was his daughter (you know, baby daddies are so in nowadays). We played with her for a little bit and went back upstairs.
Whenever I buy Stick-O’s or prepaid credit cards, I see the guy and he talks to me about things that you can list under generic topics like the weather, or if we’re done practicing (well, obviously, we are, because if not, I wouldn’t be there, buying from their store).
One time, we accidentally run into him, topless. I’m not a pervert or something, but I could tell if a guy has great body. He has great triceps and biceps, just like Rjo.
He was never vain. It’s as if he didn’t know that he’s handsome.
I think I asked him if someone had invited him to attend to our church, and he answered that only Des did. I asked why he didn’t come, and he said he was busy. Kash told him that he can’t be busy, since we know that he’s always home, looking out for their store and taking care of the cute little girl. He tried to explain, but we didn’t hear him out because we have to leave already. I said “Good night” to someone from church, and he thought it was him, and said “good night, too”.
Personally, I didn’t try to get to know him because I always thought that he’s just a pretty face. No brains or whatsoever, because if he has brains, he won’t be stuck at their house, babysitting a niece but in college or in the corporate world. You could say that I was pretty judgemental.
“Are you done with the practice?” He asked, as he handed out the Stick-O’s.
“Yup,” I answered absent-mindedly. I was too preoccupied with that skin-comment-thing with Rjo. Kash showed up and we started talking about what I did, which made me feel more guilty.
We went to the funeral. Kuya Rommel brought the Yamaha keyboards, the one handed down to me, so that we can play. The musicians sat together at the very back.
I wasn’t expecting much happenings from the funeral, because, hello, it’s a FUNERAL, but it was pretty fun. It’s my first time to go to a funeral with my band.
I got another text from the unknown texter. Though I didn’t save his number, I still recognize it. “Who are you, please?” I asked.
“It’s Gerald Jay.”
“Oh, it’s you again. Okay, good night.”
15TH REMYX PERFORMANCE:
After devotion and writing in my journal, Kash called and we talked for a couple of minutes, then we did a conference call with Tonet, who was on her trip back from Batangas. Kash suggested that I apologize to Rjo because that’s the only way I’ll get my peace of mind back. It sounded like a good idea, so I decided to do it. If he’s still mad at me, then fine. At least I did my part.
I went to Auntie Baby’s house to see the flowers for one of the catering service for someone’s 18th birthday. The roses were so lovely! Too bad, I wasn’t able to get a picture of it.
There’s this bakery around my neighborhood that makes delicious cinnamon rolls and they sell if for a very cheap price. Every morning, after I arrive home from work, I always go there to buy cinnamon rolls for breakfast that I get to know the staff and the owner already.
I saw this pretty girl with a frame like Janine (and Tonet) with a nice smile. I think we could be great friends so I started talking to her.
I invited her to come to Remyx and she did! Well, I technically invited her grandparents and parents to come to church first, but they said were busy, so I asked their permission to let the girl go to our Remyx, and they did let her go. Yay.
Kash and I picked the girl up around five o’clock pm. I actually forgot to introduce myself to her (how rude), so she had to ask my name, and she told me hers. It’s Laarni, but she preferred to be called Laar. Her dad works at their bakery, and her mom works in Brent International School (wow) as a Math teacher.
I could tell was friendly because she and Kash clicked right away.
We arrived at the church, and we introduced the new girl around. Since we’re the earliest people out there, I let Laar stay in the lounge to have tea (juice, coffee or whatever she wanted) with Kath and Tin (Jacinto) while Kash and I go to the bathroom to change.
Color of the day: white and yellow. Originally, it was black and yellow, in honor of Rjo. Haha. No, not really. We just insisted yellow to tease Rjo, but since I single-handedly did it (and I didn’t mean to crush his ego) last Wednesday, we canceled our evil plan.
So, we did change in the girls’ bathroom. I wore the short yellow dress that I bought for the purity ring ceremony, and put on some make-up and taddaahhh! I never looked more like a princess than ever until that time.
I don’t believe in the power of make-up before because if you’re naturally beautiful, make up will just be, well, make-up. I believe in the power of great skin, and I know I have it, but it doesn’t show in the pictures. All I see in is the epitome of haggardness in all of my pictures.
So, when I started putting on blusher and foundation on my face, I started to look great in the pictures too. I stopped using Adobe CS3 to edit my face, haha.
“Hey, you guys!” Laar exclaimed as she entered the bathroom. “You’re in the band? You play the keyboards!” She told me excitedly. I tried to act modest as possible and shrugged. “Yup.” I didn’t tell her because I’d like it to be surprise, like what I did to Cathy and Mikha before.
“And you sing!” Laar told Kash. I think Kash was used to people’s reaction when they find out that she’s a great singer.
We talked to people for a bit, and they went upstairs. We found our seats and waited for the Remyx to start. I couldn’t find the right oppurtunity to apologize to Rjo because we’re both busy with our invites. Plus, I was busy worrying about my instrument. You know, I already set up all the effects I’m gonna need for Remyx on the hand-down Yamaha, but then I couldn’t find its adaptor. I remember that Kuya Rommel brought the keyboard to and from the funeral using the bishop’s car, so I figured that the adaptor was still in his car. The problem was, the bishop and his wife were currently in Dagupan that time, and they won’t be back until Saturday. I had no choice but to use the Korg.
Charm’s up for the opening songs. She sang Lord I Offer My Life (with the violin, strings, synth and all) and Everyone.
I personally messed up with violin solo because I didn’t hear the guitar part mark properly (and I wasn’t comfortable using Korg). Rjo glared at me, and I realized that he could be scary if he wanted to.
The rest of the Peewee went well, especially No Compromise, wherein I improvised and made up my own piano riff.
We need to play one more song intro for Kuya Rommel, and it’s usually up to Rjo which song to play. He leaned down on me, and I thought he’s gonna kiss me on the cheek, but he whispered, “B, Eye of the Tiger for Itay Rommel’s intro.”
I was like, “What?”
“Play B scale for Eye of the Tiger,” he repeated. I smiled. He’s not mad at me anymore. Yay!
Since the bishop was in Dagupan, Kuya Rommel had to give the message. He’s like the Jonathon “J.D.” Douglass of our church. I sat beside Laar, and I was so happy to see that she paid attention to the message and even agreed to whatever Kuya Rommel said.
We get to play one last song before everyone went home. Rjo sang “No Compromise” and the crowd went wild. There’s something about Rjo’s energy that night. Well, he’s usually energetic (that’s why he was chosen to front the band), but he’s extra energetic. After four minutes, we all thought that he would end the song, because he put down his guitar very quick, like he’s in a hurry, but then grabbed the mic from its stand again and sang the bridge.
The crowd went crazy; their energy fed us on, so Tonet, Chris and I did some crazy riffs on our instruments too. Tonet was amazing. She’s like the Carlos Santana of our generation.
After Remyx, we all went downstairs to hang out with our friends. I saw Tonet’s mother with a pretty girl. I went up to them and she introduced me to the pretty girl. The “pretty girl” was Rjo’s mom. I felt like letting my jaw hang open, ’cause she’s gorgeous. I could’ve stayed and talked to her but I have to go to my friends. I think she’s the reason why Rjo was acting all-out hyper; he’s probably trying to impress his mom who’s in the crowd. I heard she just got back from Japan, after staying there for several years.
Everyone felt Laar welcome among us.
Somehow, I was so comfortable confiding with Laar. Well, technically she told me her secrets about her “love life”, so I’d take it that she’d like to hear some of mine. I told her that the orange SUV parked in front of us was owned by my crush. She’s like, “tell me, tell me, who’s your crush?” I told him it was Rjo, and she squealed. Haha.
Speaking of Rjo, I remembered to apologize to him when I saw came out from the church, squeezing to make his way out to his admirers (unfortunately, that includes me, Tonet and Ellah).
I somehow managed to pull him aside to talk to him.
“Hey, I have something to tell you….” I began. He looked at me with that little boy stare and leaned down a little bit to listen.
“About what I said to you the other day, I’m really sorry-” I wasn’t able to finish my apology speech because he cut me out.
“Oi! Hahaha! I was actually kidding!” He laughed. I started to laugh too. “I wasn’t mad at you… I just pretended that I was, and I’m so sorry, I will never do that again.” It was funny, he APOLOGIZED for what he did. I couldn’t believe what he said, but I was still happy that he wasn’t mad at me.
“Oh okay. I will never do that too.” I told him.
“No. it’s okay!” He insisted. I was so happy that I forgot that I have a crush on him and called out to Kash, “Kash, bati na kami! Yay!”
Kash went up to us, and said to Rjo, “Buti naman. She can’t sleep because of it!” It was slightly embarassing, but I didn’t mind. What’s important was he wasn’t mad at me.
“Okay! Bati na tayo!” I exclaimed and shook hands with Rjo. We held hands for a couple of minutes while at laughing with each other. The odd thing was, though I knew I have a crush on him, I didn’t feel, you know, “the connection thing.” Maybe, I should forget about him. He isn’t really THE ONE.
After Remyx, we went to the basketball court, hoping that we can book it onset to play volleyball. Unfortunately, there were guys playing already, so we had to go home. Chok showed up, and we walked home together. I told him about that Rjo thing, and he couldn’t believe it. Haha.
SATURDAY PRACTICE:
I didn’t see Kash until our cell group in the afternoon, which we had at Janine’s house. People were telling that I lost weight, so to reward myself (not that I made effort), I ate a lot of Jay-jay’s homemade donuts.
We went to church to practice after our cell group.
Seriously, I was really pissed off because I couldn’t practice. Kakay was using the Korg, so I had to use the Yamaha, but Kuya Rommel left its adaptor at the back of the bishop’s car, who was in Dagupan that time. I remember him telling me to be responsible with the Yamaha, and when I tried to, he said he got it, and then, he left the adaptor. I’d love to turn green and go the Hulk on him, but it wouldn’t help.
The songs weren’t that hard so I didn’t stay to copy the chords from the other musician. I pretty much can go on my own to be creative, so I went downstairs and had a chat with Des, Jenny (Mesias, the former Lesbie), Mae and Tin. I didn’t like Jenny that much before, but I’m glad I spent some time with them and I knew them better. I went back upstairs after a couple minutes, and I found the band practicing instrumentals, blues and country style. Kakay didn’t know what to do, so I helped her out. I think the girl wasn’t interested in country music because she left me to do the riffs, sat on the floor and did the egg roll. That reminded me that she’s only fourteen years old.
The practice ended, but we stayed there for some time and planned what to do for Kuya Rommel’s birthday, which will be on the thirteenth of November. Yay! I’m so excited.
As usual, before we go home, we bought stuff from the nearby store. We’d like to ogle on the cute guy but Kuya Rommel was around so we kept our faces steady and pretended that the guy’s hotness didn’t have an appeal to us. He’s strict about the Number Seven code of band conduct (no flirting or getting into romantic relationship with someone in or out of the band).
I ate out with Tonet, Janine and Chok. Seriously, people are thinking that Chok and I are together because we’re always together. I mean, we’re always together, but not TOGETHER. We’re like siblings. We went home together right after dinner.
SHOULD’VE BEEN DEAD ON SUNDAY MORNING BANGING MY HEAD NO TIME FOR MORNING AIN’T GOT NO TIME- a line from Creed’s song, “My Own Prison.”
I woke up later than usual. I hurried off to church. Good thing Pat Vasquez cancelled on me. Actually, it was her mom. I dropped by couple of times at their house to invite her to church, and when she finally said she’s coming, her mom texted me not to pick her up because they need to go somewhere. Whew.
So okay, I got there around nine-thirty in the morning, which is fine for regular attendees. Musicians’ call time is nine o’clock because we have to set up and everything.
“Chok, did you get my text?” I asked Chok. I texted him to set up my amps and piano because I’ll be late.
“What text?” He asked, then he took his phone from his pocket to check. Oh no.
I didn’t wait for him to finish reading the text and turned around to do it.
“I’ll do it, go get your adaptor,” he ordered, ’cause he knows the adaptor story. I think I told him about it last night when we’re walking home.
I went to the bishop’s (who just arrived) office to get permission to open his car. He said that he left the adaptor at his house when he found it at the back while packing for the Dagupan trip. Oh no. I think he saw how disappointed I was, so he gave me his car keys and told me to ask someone to get the adaptor for me from their house. Thank you Lord!
I asked the bishop’s son-in-law to get it for me, and he made it on Peewee time. I missed to play the opening songs.
After the service, we went to buy Stick-O’s from the Big Blue House Store. The guy was there, and he asked me what we do in the church. Kash and I explained that we go there to listen to the preaching and worship the Lord.
“You should come, Kuya.” Kash said. We didn’t hear his answer because Kash’s mom saw us and told us to get in their car because it’s gonna rain already.
I went home, had lunch with my family slept and woke up for my SOL classes.
SOL classes got delayed because of the child dedication. There were no available rooms for us to conduct our class so we had to wait. Well, the babies and their families were late because of heavy traffic. Kakay was to play the piano, but she thought the babies were not coming so she left with her brother to go to SM.
So, it’s my chance to play the piano in a different occasion. It’s since child dedication, I figured it would appropriate to play “You are My World” by Hillsong and “I Give You My Heart” originally by Hillsong but I did the Katinas version. I added “Did You Feel the Mountains Tremble”, the Sonicflood version when I got tired of the first two songs.
After the child dedication, we had to wait for a bit because our teachers had to prepare their stuff.
Kash came with her girls. She picked them up from their houses because she wanted to make sure that they won’t miss their post-encounter classes. Kash stayed for a bit to hang out with me (she has to go home to change for the evening service), and we went to the Blue House Store to buy Stick-O’s. The dimpled guy was there.
“Hello.” He said.
“Hi!” We replied.
“Are you coming tonight?” I asked him, to which he didn’t reply right away because he was thinking about it.
“You should come. You’ll find a lot of friends,” Kash insisted.
“I can introduce you to some of our friends,” I offered.
“What time is the service, he asked.
“It’s six o’clock in the evening.”
“Okay, I’ll attend. But I’ll just observe, alright? I won’t do anything that I’m not comfortable doing.”
“Sure!” We said in chorus. Yay. “Oh, wait, I’ll introduce you to Edbert.”
“Who’s Edbert?” He asked suspiciously. I told him that Edbert was a friend.
I ran from the store to the entrance to get Edbert and I found him talking to Kuya Rommel. I’d like to introduce the guy we invited to Chok, but he’s upstairs, busy with the post-encounter party. I asked permission to take Edbert away from Kuya Rommel for one minute, and he let me.
“This is Edbert. He’ll be with you when you attend. He’s your new friend.” Edbert said something to him, but I didn’t hear it because Kash and I left to take some pictures.
Edbert left and we went back to the store to buy something.
“Hey, thanks! We’re glad you’ll come.” Kash told him. We’re about to leave when I remember to ask for his name.
“Oh wait a minute, what’s your name again?” I asked.
“Gerald.”
OMG.
I simply didn’t know how to react. He’s the guy who texted! Eeeeeppppp!
“Okay Gerald, see you later!” I turned around to leave. Someone that good-looking can’t be interested with someone like me. I looked at Kash and tried to send the message through eye contact, but she didn’t get it. Well, she looked at me, saying that she’s not getting what I was trying to tell her, so I shook my head. Then she went, “I have to go home and change for the evening service. Text me once your SOL is done,” and kissed me on the cheek.
I went back in to the church to attend to the SOL classes. I somehow couldn’t forget about Gerald. I texted Kash.
“Kash, I figured out who’s JAY.”
Kash didn’t text me back, but that’s fine. I’ll tell her when I see her during evening service.
I’d really like to know if Gerald was the same Gerald Jay who sent me texts. Too bad I deleted the messages and his number. They could be useful. I thought of one way to find out, but that will take a lot of courage.
After SOL classes, I told Edbert to bring Gerald upstairs. I went to the bathroom to make sure that I look okay.
I met Edbert upstairs, and I asked him where his “new friend” was, and he said he couldn’t find him. Really. Probably he’s really the person who texted me, and he figured that I FIGURED out it’s him, so he got shy and hid.
“Do you know Gerald?” Kuya Rommel asked before we got on the stage to play.
“Nope…” I answered. “I mean, I’ve seen him around but we’re not friends until now.”
“Ahhh.”
Well, I could say that I’m disappointed because he accepted my invitation, but bailed out the last minute. Now I know how it feels (I used to accept invitations and bail out the last minute, too).
A minute, literally, before we play, he showed up, in a jeans and a white collared shirt. He looked like he just had a shower and smelled really really good. I couldn’t help but to smile. He walked in and started looking for a comfortable seat. Tony showed up somewhere and led him in the middle part of the seats.
Tony actually took credit of my invite. Well, he probably didn’t know that I invited Gerald.
But there were things that needed to be done, and I’m gonna need Edbert’s help. I searched for Edbert without getting down from the stage (I couldn’t go down because we’re playing the opening songs already), and I found him. Good thing he was staring at me already so I tried to tell him to sit with Gerald through eye contact, like what I usually do with Kash, but he didn’t get it. Pssh.
Peewee was great.
Instrumentals was funny, because for the first time in my life, Kakay was unsure what to do.
“Ate Reg, please go first,” she begged, which was very unusual. She normally wants to go first in piano parts and her amps are always (and SHOULD be) louder than mine. She grabbed my instrument’s volume and turned it up.
“No, you go.” I answered, turning down my volume.
“No, you go, Ate. I don’t know what to do.” She said.
“Okay, let’s do it together,” I told her. I did my thing on the piano, expecting her to play along with me on hers, but she didn’t, so I flailed my left arm to her attention, and I did. She did play, but used very minimal riffs. I guess it’s my time to show off what I got.
After instrumentals I went back to my seat. Kash pinched me and asked, “Who’s Jay?” with a knowing smile.
“I’ll tell you later,” I smiled back at her.
Altar call: first time attendees were called in front so that the bishop could pray for them. Tony took Gerald to the front. Approximately, he’s taller than Rjo. I’m not a pervert or anything, but I couldn’t help but to admire his biceps. Haha.
“I’m so sorry God.” I closed my eyes and tried to block the temptation. I started to wish that he’s the unknown texter. I’d like to know, but I won’t do anything bad, you know. I think it’s the best time to test the power of my purity ring. I looked at it. “Remember what you promised,” I told myself.
I made up my mind, and I’ll do what I have to do after church. I will ask him straight to the point if he’s the one who texted me.
Unfortunately, the musicians had to play while people were making their way out of the building,so he was long gone after before I could get down from the stage.
I found Kash and told her that that Gerald Jay who texted me was probably Gerald because I bought prepaid credits from their store, and I was sure he asked for my phone number, which I thought needed if you’re buying prepaid credits. Kash poked me on the ribs, and teased me, “Yiheeeee! You’re kilig!”
“No! I had to ask him first because I’m not sure yet. Come with me!”
“Okay, in a minute.”
A minute turned into an hour. I couldn’t wait any longer, so I told Kash to stay where she was (she’s taking pictures with our other friends) and I left to go to the Big Blue House Store.
Gerald wasn’t there, but I asked for him. The lady called him and he went out. Oh, he put back on his old shorts and sleeveless tee that he usually wears.
He smiled at me, and I noticed his perfect teeth. Wow. I got shy to smile back at him because he’ll see my braces. I was about to ask him but then, Tony showed up to invite him to play basketball with them. I think Tony noticed me and being a gentleman and all, he told me to go first and tell Gerald what I needed to tell him, but I declined and insisted that he go first, which he did.
I eavesdropped, I admit. He’ll play basketball. Oooh. I decided not to watch the basketball game earlier because Rjo woudn’t be playing. He’s currently in Butuan City with his mom. But I changed my mind. I’ll go with my friends and we’ll see if Gerald will take off his shirt after the game. Kidding! Tony left.
“Hi, Kuya. I have a question for you,” I started.
“Okay.”
“And I want you to be honest with your answer.”
“As in now na, right here?” He asked, still smiling, but I could tell that he was nervous.
“Are you the Gerald Jay who texted?”
“Yes. It was me.”
“Ah, okay. I gotta go. Thanks!” I didn’t wait for what he’ll say because my vision got all blurry and everything; probably, I got so shy. I turned around and left in a hurry.
