Fun

“I watch plants grow,” I said to my friends when they asked me what I did for fun. All I got were blank stares. I really couldn’t expect more.

Call me weird, but watching vegetation grow is my idea of fun. It’s much better than going to bars, listening to deafening music and getting drunk to the point where your brain stops responding.

I don’t get the point of going to a cramped bar, with too many sleazy people and risk getting stabbed, robbed, drugged or trapped in a fire. If dancing with people you don’t even know on a sticky dance floor and in a smoke filled room is your idea of fun, then so be it. Don’t let me stop you, go on and frolic in the land of bars, bouncers and drunken people.

I have never been a fan of parties. I get uncomfortable with too many people around me, especially in a cramped place with no fire exit or real exits to speak off (unless you count the whole you crawled into).

Socializing has never been my best ability. I’m not, as they put it, a “social butterfly”. Perhaps I’m a moth.

At social gatherings, I crawl into a corner and nibble on hors d’oeuvre. The most meaningful conversation I might hold would be with waiters distributing fermented grape juice and tiny cheese balls on toothpicks.

I have more fun with small groups than with groups of 50 or more. One of the reasons may be because I easily forget the names (and faces) of the 40 other people I meet at gatherings. However, wearing nametags help.

Aside from watching plants grow, counting rain clouds and the cracks on the pavement, I do enjoy going out for karaoke. Then again, who doesn’t love karaoke? Virtually every Filipino loves music, no matter what genre or who the singer is.

I’m a highly incompetent singer. I cannot sing to save my life – but that doesn’t stop me (or any other vocally inept person for that matter) from belting tunes off-key.

We all have our own ideas of fun. Give me a spot on the beach, a good view of the sea (and perhaps, a good view of a beach hunk) and a good book; and for sure I’ll have the time of my life. Where I enjoy the beach and watching plants grow, others go to bars and dance to loud music (and get totally wasted).

It varies from person to person. Don’t mind me as I crawl under the table at social gatherings and talk to the dust bunnies down there. That’s my kind of socialization.

Speaking of fun and having a good time, the ‘Zup crew met up last Wednesday for the section’s anniversary. Everybody had a great time, especially finally putting faces to the names we always see on print. It was all smiles and laughter over ‘grand slam’ pizzas, humongous chocolate chunks and pitchers of iced tea. To another great year!

Sinulog '07

Last week’s Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) summit has been exciting and the talk of the town for several months, and now with that finally behind us, we eagerly await yet another big activity that we have come to know and love every year: Sinulog.

Sinulog is definitely in the air. One can practically hear the familiar beat of the Sinulog in the air, reverberating all around. And you bet, as the day draws nearer, the beat just gets louder beckoning you join in on the fun.

With Sinulog 2007’s official kick off last January 12, one can be assured that every day and night until the Sinulog Grand Parade on the 21^st will be fun filled and totally worth remembering.

Cultural Shows, street parties, firework displays, the grand parade these, are just of the few things one can enjoy during Sinulog. But hey, it’s not only these events that make Sinulog extra special, there are a lot of other things one can do during Sinulog which are worth remembering and sharing to your friends once classes resume.

Walk great distances. As if partying and dancing is not enough for your feet, you have to walk great distances during Sinulog. Imagine walking the entire carousel route, now that would be something worth bragging about. Nothing’s better than walking the route at night, after the grand parade because you’ll just end up anywhere where the beat of the music takes you in search for a party and good time.

Food consumption a.k.a. the Pit stops. While walking for great distances, it can’t be denied that your body would need nourishment. It’ll be easy for you to find stalls selling great tasting food that would fill your stomach and keep you going at very affordable prices.

Photo Opportunities. While walking the entire carousel lane, be sure to take lots of pictures. It’s not everyday you would find people dancing on the streets, floats gliding down the road and higantes and puppets slowly walking down the streets.

The hennas, the t-shirts and the hankies. Buy souvenirs. It’s a must to buy a souvenir every year. Get yourself a shirt and a henna tattoo, after all, Sinulog 2007 only happens once a year and what better way to remember such memorable year than by buying a remembrance and keeping it forever.

Remember that Sinulog is all about having fun and letting loose. It’s the most awaited event of the year and just keeps on getting better and better. Get your walking shoes ready, prepare your camera and pack a lot of water because you’ll need it. Sinulog 2007 is definitely here and it’s time to have some fun. I’ll see you on the streets!