Thursday, April 10, 2014

008: REDxSUMMER: Home is whenever I'm with...

              

                  Is it freak coincidence that every major #REDx gathering happens a day after a major event that I have to attend to? Last Christmas, #REDx happened the day after my best friend’s wedding. Now, #REDxSummer happened a day after my graduation. Freak coincidence or not, I still decided to join the summer getaway but now with a partner, @MoymoyOfficial. Oh yeah.

                People who attended #REDxSummer probably witnessed how tired I was. From Laguna, we travelled to QC around 8 PM. We stayed at Dad @dvocateHIV’s home but I wasn’t able to sleep which made me even more tired. I wasn’t late this time, but I was really exhausted that I had to sleep during the bus ride, even though people are playing games. Sorry District 2.

                Before the said event, the organizers announced the additional members to the Districts. After several confusing updates, @Kaskade08, @Pozandliving, @RheynJhay, @JPositiveLife, and Niño were added to our rowdy bunch. We chatted and prepared for the event, even arguing about our district’s mantra and putting paint on our faces for added emphasis on our cheer, which was ultimately futile since new tribes were created when we arrived at the island. Gaaarsh. That was really frustrating. I just hope that during the next #REDx event, the organizers will group us according to the original Districts, because that will only show who’s the best District in #REDx. I bet you ten to one, it’s District 2!

                I won’t write about all the games we played that day. All I can say that it was exhausting! However, as tiring as it was, it was really fun to play with my new tribemates, Blue Tribe. I wasn’t able to remember all of my new tribemate’s names, but it was fun working with you guys. Apir. One game that I can’t forget was when we were asked to soak our clothes in seawater, put it in a 1.5 bottle, and the person who’s able to fill it to its mouth will pour it on his body. Unfortunately, it was my turn when our bottle was full, so I had to do a scene while “showering”. While we were playing, I noticed that the bottle’s content turned a weird blue shade, which didn’t happen with the other bottles. Turns out it was previously filled with gasoline, I guess.

                Another one that’s worth blogging was the “human centipede” game, or whatever it was called - it was the game from hell.

                People started yelling “Amoy gas!”, and I realized it was me. Great. I had to stop playing and take a loooong bath to get rid of the smell. So much for the “Late Kid” during #REDx, I was now “Ang Batang Naligo Sa Gas.”

                The meal was sumptuous and I ate like there’s no tomorrow. Can’t really blame me because the activities were tiring plus we were technically being burnt by the scorching sand. Good thing I didn’t get too sunburnt. I really liked our merienda, Turon with Buko Salad and Cherry on Top. It was delicious, and what made it more fun was when we goofed around with the turon’s “twists”.

                Lumpiang Gulay, Lumpiang Shanghai, Lumpiang Togue, Cheese Stick with Buko Salad and Cherry on Top. Turon with Cream Dory or Carbonara and Cherry on Top. The list and twists were neverending.

                @Pozandliving and his hubby @sadface_21 helped us build our tent. We even joked that we’re neighbors and @sadface_21 was my “Kumare”. That was fun.

                My partner, @MoymoyOfficial, was chosen to be their tribe’s contender for Miss REDx Bikini Open, and I didn’t really expect that he’d do it. I bursted out laughing when he started with that famous line from The Legal Wife, “Nicole, akin lang ang asawa ko!” I know that Moymoy is an avid fan of Angel Locsin, so it was a no-brainer that she’ll be his “peg.” Oh well, I’m still a proud boyfriend. I hope I can do that too once #LittleMissREDx happens. LOL

                After the bikini open, we gathered around the bonfire. Bodyshots happened. Some of the attendees lit up paper lanterns, while the rest of us got a tealight candle in a cup, and let it float on the sea. @jonstaycool said that it symbolized things that we would like to let go of. Indeed, as I watched the candles slowly sailing into the vast sea, it felt like I should let go of my worries and apprehensions in life. And just enjoy every bit of it.

                @Kaskade08 did an awesome fire dance while the event’s theme, “Free” was playing. I watched as the flames twirled and glowed in the dark. It was a majestic sight, and I was mesmerized.

                We were able to have some well-deserved R&R after all the activities, but I was just TOO tired to function, so I went to sleep after finishing a bottle of Red Horse. I just wish the fan that my hubby brought didn’t get lost. The weather was humid, and I wasn’t able to sleep well.

                I know that kidWolf and BV’s “Free” was blasting ever since I went inside the bus up until we went home, for it was the theme song for #REDxSummer (which I suggested), but it felt like Edward Sharpe and the Magnetic Zeros “Home” would be fit better for this blog post. Wanna know why?

                I have been through a lot of personal issues and struggles, more than a PLHIV, but as a person. Despite all of these, I still anticipated for the #REDxSummer event because I know that it is a good way to unwind, meet new as well as old friends in our showbiz circle. The #REDx Christmas event reminded me that I am not and will never be alone in this battle with HIV - I have brothers. Through #REDxSummer, I realized another thing.

                Be it a resort during the Christmas or an island during the summer, I know that with #REDx, I have another family waiting for me – the “Late Kid” and now, “Ang Batang Naligo ng Gas”. It felt like I have a home whenever I’m with you guys.

                With #REDx, I am home.

P.S. 
You might wanna listen to Edward Sharpe and the Magnetic Zeros' "Home". Here it is. Enjoy!



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