Being Noel: What is like to be born on Christmas

Before anything else I would like to say that is GOOD TO BE BACK! Damn it has been a while since the last time I blog. I do plan to start blogging in a constant basis next year as I feel like I have a lot of unexpressed ideas. I will probably post about it and some plans I have in mind before the year ends and hopefully everything pushes through. I do miss blogging, but writer's block has been a common issue for me before so it's nothing new. 

So going back to the regular schedule, we are only one day away from Christmas. Looking back, I've only made 2-3 posts about Christmas (and one of those is about being heart-broken, pffft). I want to write something meaningful and with depth about Christmas that after some thoughtful reflections (and after reading a few Christmas articles), I realized that "Hey, I am practically a walking Christmas topic, why don't I talk about myself?" And shall I did. Unbeknownst to some of you, I wasn't given the name Noel just so I will be named Noel. Noel actually means "born in Christmas" and yeah you might have guessed it, I was born on Christmas day. Now, I don't want to go to the biblical history of December 25 nor the other implications that it shouldn't be the holiday that we know today. Let's just stick with the story and go along with it (because at this point in history no one cares to change it).

Anyways, tomorrow is going to be my 24th birthday. Pretty much that is 24 years of my life celebrating Christmas and my birthday at the same day. As a kid, its always a kicker whenever someone finds out that I was born on Christmas. "Wow! You were born on Christmas? Sweet!" Now, a lot of people are born on particular holidays, but there is always something special whenever your birth date says December 25 or as what I call Christmas-born. Being delivered on this day isn't that rare as well, a lot of people are born on Christmas and yet are just regular joes. But as a Noel "Born in Christmas" person, I want to share with you all what it's like to be born in Christmas. So here are five things that you will most likely experience if you were born on Christmas: 

Hitting two birds with one special stone

1. You only get one special day - As a particular year starts, most people look forward for their birthday. Some, especially when its the "-ber" months, look forward for Christmas. Some, which pretty much is everyone, looks forward for both. See, most people have two special days to look forward to (unless you don't believe in Christmas and don't care about life) while us Christmas-born only have one special day to look forward to (unless we declare a day special in which I think we can). And as we all know, when its your birthday or Christmas, there is one thing that is usually common which brings us to...

2. Gifts. You don't get that much. - A lot of people say that Christmas-born people are the most convenient and money-saving people to give gifts to. Why? It's because all you need to do is get that person one gift. Now, I often hear these from people saying "Well you might only get a few gifts but it is open very special right?" While that might be the case, I've only experience that from my tito who gives me 1,000 pesos while my cousins get 500 bucks. But they get 500 bucks on their birthdays so it is more of fair play. Nothing really special and the rest gives me just regular gifts. I am appreciative with whatever I get but yeah, gifts don't often come along that much. There's no "Hey, this is the only thing I got for your birthday, I'll make it up to you on Christmas" and vice versa. You only have one day, you only get one gift (if they want to).

3. People tend to forget its your birthday. Sorry. - Look, majority of Earth's population is vastly celebrating on December 25. Everyone is with their family, friends and whoever you get to dance with on bars open for Christmas. Christmas-born people are usually with a particular group which is either family or friends so most likely you'll only be greeted by the people you are with, unless people remember you. And got to say, thanks to Facebook people have the chance to greet you on your special day. But here's the sad part. Unless you were the class jock or clown back in college, there's a huge chance they won't even give a shit to greet you even if you're name is on the today's birthday. But it's okay, they are not oblige to greet you. People are busy, they are out their celebrating and that's reality. On top of that, this day isn't really totally about you...

4. Its about the birth of Jesus, its about Christmas not yours. - Unless you are not a Catholic and doesn't believe in our Lord Jesus Christ (well most likely you wouldn't really care about Christmas), then you have to take a backseat to the big guy above us. As what I mentioned earlier, I don't want to go biblical if 12/25 is really Christmas or not. I believe it is so and that's it. He is the First Noel. He is the reason why we celebrate Christmas. On top of that, people use the imagery of Santa Claus and not yours (St. Nick, errr, yeah, he did something). It is essential to understand that though the special day is overshadowed, it is still special day to share it with Jesus. So I guess that going well for us Christmas-born people which is nice. Best of all, we get to...

5. You get the chance to make that day special for everyone - Christmas-born are often unsung heroes for the holiday season because everyone looks at you as a living, breathing representation of Santa Claus (especially when you're fat). You are often given the task to hand out small gifts to every one and though it might seem like a chore, isn't it the point of Christmas? Two years ago I decided to be a Santa Clause to my family using my own resources. Though I went with the assorted "perfume" gifts, it felt special because for a kid that used to complain about only getting few gifts, it means a lot to give some. It's not about what you get, its how about the smiles that you get from people (and the fake smiles because you gave them a pack of candies. Who gives pack of candies on Christmas? It's not Halloween).

Being born on Christmas day may depend on someone, Might be a good or bad thing, just a toss coin. But the most important thing to remember is to celebrate Christmas and what it is all about. You can be born in any day as long as you learn to give to others without looking for anything in return. As what an old song says, Christmas is the most wonderful time of the year, and I don't care who you are, Christmas is also the most wonderful time to be born. :)

Kasi idol ko magsulat si Pal, magtatagalog ako! (at kung paano maging manunulat sa internet)

Hello.

Bago ako magsimula, gusto ko muna magpakilala (in tagalog). Ako nga pala si Noel Christian y Manloza y Posas y Olalo y Yulo o tawagin niyo na lamang ako sa pangalang NOEL YULO. Ako'y dalawangpu't tatlong taong gulang at nag tatrabaho sa isang call center bilang guro (ewan ko anong tagalog ng trainer) dito sa syudad ng Dabaw. Sa aking mga taga subaybay (kung meron man), kadalasan nagsusulat ako ng ingles sa blog kung ito ukol sa mga bagay2x ng buhay ko (kasi ganun ako ka importante sa pananaw ko). Sa ngayon, iibahin ko muna ang timpla kasi...wala lang, gusto ko lng ma-iba.

DISCLAIMER: HINDI AKO MAGALING MAG TAGALOG. PERO ILANG BESES NA AKO NAPAGKAMALAN DATI NA GALING NG MAYNILA SO BAKA PWEDE NA RIN ITONG TAGALOG KO.

Sabihin na rin natin sigurong may tao akong hinahangaan ngayon. Pangalan niya pala ay ALVIN DOMANAIS or simply "Pal" na galing ng Maynila. Sa totoo lang di ko talaga alam bakit yan palayaw niya pero yun tawag nila sa kanya eh so yun na rin sinunod ko. Kapwa trainer ko si Pal at kahit halos araw2x kami nagkikita at nag-uusap, di kami ganun ka close. Magaling ang taong ito sa maraming bagay tulad ng rate codes (taga Comcast lang makakaintindi), pagkuha ng mga larawan (photographer ang boy na ito) at higit sa lahat, magaling mag sulat (sa internet. Maganda rin hand-writing niya.) Kakailan lamang nung nalaman ko na nagsusulat pala itong si Pal at may sariling blog. Tulad ko, minsan na lang din siya nagsusulat eh kasi busy sa trabaho. Ang malaking kaibahan lang sa aming dalawa ay kahit minsan lang siya magsulat, ala eh ilang daan na tao ang magbabasa ng blog niya pagkatapos niya ito i-post sa Facebook. Di ko alam kung artista ba ito dati pero sadyang ang daming kaibigan ng taong ito (kaya siguro pangalan niya Pal).

Ganyan man siya, pero daming babaeng nagkakagusto sa taong ito.

Pero hindi talaga dahil sa rami ng kaibigan niya kaya maraming nagbabasa sa blog niya, may angking talento talaga ang taong ito sa pagsusulat. At kadalasan ang mga sinusulat niya ay may kabuluhan or ika nga "Makes a lot...no, BIG of sense." Ewan ko, pansin ko lang na kapag aktibista ang isang tao kapag nagsusulat kakaiba talaga ang dating. Ilang beses ko na ito napansin sa ibang mga Pinoy bloggers diyan na may lahing aktibista rin. Dumurugo talaga ang ilong ko sa lalim ng tagalog nila na kahit ako medyo dinurugo na din ang ilong sa kababasa lang ng tagalog ko. At isa pa, kakaiba ang presentasyon ng mga sinusulat nila. May naka BOLD, UNDERLINE at STRIKETHROUGH (common ang Italic kasi ginagamit ko din eh). Kaya sa sobrang hanga ko sa pagsusulat niya, kinalulugod kung sabihin na kokopyahin ko ang istilo ni Pal sa post kung ito eh kasi sabi nga sa title ko, idol ko siya magsulat, eh di gagayahin ko siya. Alam ko may batas tungkol sa "Copyright Infringement" pero sana naman di niya ako kasuhan. Pal, san ka man ngayon, pagbigyan mo na ako at dahil diyan may free plug-in ka....

MABABASA NIYO ANG NAPAKA RAKENROL NA BLOG NI PAL SA: 

http://palaplap.blogspot.com/

 Salamat idol!

                                         - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -  (Oo pati ito kokopyahin ko)

Napag-usapan na lang man din natin si Pal tungkol sa pagsusulat niya, pag-usapan na lang din natin kung paano magsulat sa internet. UNA SA LAHAT...marahil di ka blogger. Siguro nakita mo lang ang post kung ito sa Facebook at naisipan mong "Aba, tagalog ang blog ni Noel, mabasa nga." Or siguro na pindot mo lang na walang kamalay2x at dahil na load na ay binabasa mo na lang. Matagal na akong blogger. High school pa lang ako mahilig na ako magsulat. Sa Friendster blogs pa lang ako dati kasi yun pa ang "Facebook" noon. Siyempre tumagalan, nawala ang Friendster, nag lipat bahay na rin ako sa pag-blog ko. Una kung sinubukan sa Tumblr eh kasi mahilig mag repost ang mga kaklase ko nang kung anong-anong pictures. Tapos sinubukan ko din mag Blogger kasi parang yung ang pinakasikat eh. At dahil di pa ako kuntento, nag Wordpress na ako para sabihin nilang tanyag ako na blogger na may tatlong blog. 

Motto ko sa blogging. AKA "Dahil wala ako kausap magsusulat na lng ako."

HINDI AKO TANYAG NA BLOGGER. PERO PANGARAP KO MAGING. Tulad niyo nagsimula rin ako na walang ideya kung paano magsulat sa internet. Kaya bilang blogger sa tingin ko responsibilidad ko na ipamahagi ang mga nalalaman ko tungkol sa blogging. Di naman mahirap ang pag blog. Walang math. Walang science. Pwera na lang kung yun ang gusto mo pag-usapan pero sa tingin ko boring yan. Mga simpleng tips lang naman ang ibibigay ko para hindi kayo mahirapan (at nakakapagod mag sulat ng mahaba kaya intindihin niyo na lang. Matatalino naman kayo. Uyyyy nag-blush!):

1. Internet. Basic necessity ito tsong. Eh kasi magsusulat kayo sa internet malamang kailangan niyo ng internet connection diba? Di naman kailangan mabilis ang net niyo kasi matagal mag blog. Kailangan mo pa mag-isip at kung hindi naman sanay mga daliri mo sa kakatype eh di okay na. TRUST ME, dial-up lang net namin dati pero nakaka blog ako kahit papaano. Mahigit sa lahat, magagamit mo rin ang internet pang research mo sa isusulat mo or di kaya pang hanap mo ng picture. Huwag na huwag ka lang madidistract at aabutin ka ng isang buwan para sa isang sentence dahil lang gusto mo manood ng Youtube (at porn. Kala niyo di ko sasabihin? Lokohin niyo pa lolo niyo alam ko!)

2. Blog site. So tapos kana manood? Okay, ang susunod mo na gagawin ay maghanap ng maganda site kung saan ka pwede mag sulat. Maraming blog site ang pwede mo pag pilian. Kung may Google ka, ang ma-inam mong piliin ay ang Blogger kasi Google integrated ito. Kung mahilig ka naman sa pictures, sa Tumblr ka na lang mag blog. Kung gusto mo naman na medyo sophisticated ang dating (at wala kang Gmail), sa Wordpress ka na lang. At kung choosy kapa at ayaw mo gamitin yung mga sinabi ko, eh mag search ka na lng. Siguro naman kaya mo na yan gawin diba? Ang importante ay kumportable ka sa pagsulat dito na site at hindi ka malilito sa paggamit nito.

3. Istilo...or STYLE. Ang tao iba't-iba. Ang iba mahilig sa komiks, ang iba naman mahilig sa cartoons. Ang iba gusto lang manood ng TV, ang iba gusto mag DVD. Ang iba gusto ng mestiso/mestisa, ang iba gusto ng exotic (tanungin mo ang mga 'kano kung bakit). For short, iba2x ang taste natin so malamang iba2x rin tayo magsulat. Kaya bilang isang blogger, kailangan may sarili kang style. Ano ba gusto mo? Gusto mo ba magpatawa at gumamit ng Arial? Or di naman kaya punuin mo ng BOLD ang mga sinusulat mo? Gusto mo ba maglagay ng pictures pagkatapos ng bawat paragraph? Gusto mo ba mag tagalog lamang or maybe you want to speak in English or cheng weng chu so wei papu (sorry, di ako marunong mag Mandarin). Kung ano man style mo, nasa sa iyo na yan. Ang importante ay marating mo kung ano man yung gusto mo iparating at hindi mag mukhang webdingsang mga sinusulat mo.

4. Ideas. Gamitin mo ang IMAHINASYON mo. Siyempre, dapat may topic ka sa blog mo. Ang dami-daming pwede mo pag-usapan. Pwede yung crush mo nung high school na binusted ka na di ka pa nakakasimula manligaw. Pwede naman kung paano gumawa ng flower pot (or kung sino bumasag ng flower pot mo). Subukan mo na rin ang physics ng aerodynamics. Or pwede namang links ng mga paborito mong "videos". Ikaw na bahala mag-isip kasi matanda kana. Basta may matutunan ang tao or matutuwa sila sa blog mo, okay na kung ano pang ilalagay mo. Basta huwag ka lang mag COPY PASTE galing sa gawa ng iba at sure ako di ka makukulong (pwera na lang kung walang nagbabasa ng blog mo eh di safe ka). Which brings us to...

5. Friends...pa Like read naman ng status blog ko oh. Kung hindi ka man artista or sikat na tao sa baryo niyo, siguro wala ka pa talagang fans. Siyempre, ang gawa ng blog ay hindi lamang isang diary (note to self) kundi isang form of literature na pwede basahin ng iba. At kung kailangan mo ng mga tao na magkakalat ng kalat blog mo, eh siyempre maghanap ka na tulong sa mga friends mo. Hindi lahat ng friends natin mahilig magbasa unless si J.K Rowling ka or Stephanie Meyer. Pero kung nalaman nila na yung taong nahihirapan makapasa sa English ay nagsusulat, ay, 6 out of 10 (based from actual feelings) ay babasahin ang blog mo. Minsan di na nila ipagsasabi sa iba na nagsusulat ka or i-click ang Share button sa Facebook pero makakaasa ka na binasa na nila blog mo, o ang unang talata lang pero at least binasa diba? Sa mga kaibigan ka magsimula at kung sweswertehin, dadami ang tatawa magbabasa ng blog mo. Ayos diba? Solid!

                                                   - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -

HULING BILIN. Ang pag-blog ay isang hobby lamang. Pwera na lang kung mukha kang pera at sa tingin mo ay may ginto sa sinusulat mo eh di go, make money rain bitch! Pero huwag masyado dibdibin ang pag-blog. Magsaya ka, magsulat ka ng mga bagay na makakatulong sa iba. "Blogging is a form of art" sabi ko nga pero hindi talaga ako sure. Sana ay natulungan ko kaya magkaroon ng ideya kung paano mag blog. I DO NOT CLAIM THAT THIS WILL HELP YOU TO BECOME A BLOGGER pero naman!!! Basic na lang yung pinagsasabi ko kaya go! Make you National Hero proud! Magsulat ka at para hindi mag-amoy isda...ang Tagalog mo! Yun ba yun? Yeah, go love your language! :)

Hanggang dito na lamang ako at medyo nauubusan na ako ng tagalog. Kung may reader man ako na tagalog, pasensya na sa mga wrong spelling and incorrect grammar dahil nung araw na pinamahagi ng Panginoon ang Tagalog, nasobrahan ko ata ng Ingles ang basket ko. Kung pasado na ang tagalog ko baka mag Part 2 ako ng post na ubod ng broken Tagalog. Kaya dito na lang muna at tuyo na ang utak ko sa kakatagalog. Salamat sa lahat ng nagbasa at sa uulitin! Paalam!

                                                                                Nagmamahal, 

                                                                                       Batman "of Davao City"

                                                                                                         

The Little Things: A Happy 1st Anniversary

Anniversaries. It's something that I would never imagine in my life I would get to celebrate. Sure, if I want to make my birthday sound grandeur I could always say its my anniversary of being a human being on this Earth, but that would just be plain stupid. I could also call my friendship with various people an anniversary but I wouldn't be able to tell when was the friendship really official. Anniversaries are usually celebrated only by couples, whether married or just in a relationship. Now those two things have eluded my thoughts for a very long time as I always had some struggles with my love life. Things change however when you have finally met that one person you can say you can be with. And though you end up being in a relationship, it's not like everyone can stay together for a good year to celebrate an anniversary so to actually reach that milestone would be special. 

You can claim it on your first week together but you can't really tell even if you have been a year together. 
Hey I can rhyme too.

So why am I talking about anniversaries by the way. It's because me and my girlfriend are celebrating our first anniversary. A first for the both of us (she had three previous relationships that weren't that long and I got zero) so today is a very special day. To commemorate this special occasion, let me tell you of a story on how I ended up having a relationship up to one year...

Don't worry, at this point at best my story would just be two episodes long.

It wasn't a long time go when I was still at my previous company working as a sales coach. I was doing sales assessment interviews before as part of my tasks (and grocery shopping I might add). One particular day, I was told that I would be doing phone interviews to applicants from the friendly city of Cagayan de Oro (CDO for short). As I was doing my interviews, I stumbled by the name O***** B***** (she doesn't like her full name to be put in the internet) or for short Mai. So I was assessing Mai and she seemed okay so I gave her an 85% (which was a passing mark) and I moved along to the next applicant. Around that time I just got into a failed attempt to court a girl and in a way still had a little bit of hangover from her. Anyways, I just went on my life and as much as I can enjoyed the single life (just the way I did it for the past 21 years at that point). 

As time went by, a new wave of applicants came into the account and due to an emergency, their trainer asked me and my co-sales coach to entertain the new class while he runs an errand. So there I was doing my usual "over the top" introduction when suddenly I stumbled upon a pretty face. During that time any girl that can catch my attention will most likely be on my "Get with Her" list. Luckily, I got her name from her trainer but it didn't cross my mind that she was that girl I interviewed before. I tried to look for her in Facebook but her name can't be found. So all I ever did was stare her from afar planning on how I could get her number.

It wasn't long when I finally got to discover stuff about her (still asked her trainer) and truth be told her religion somewhat took me aback. But for some reason I still had this itch to at least try and ask her out. Their wave was about to have sales training and I made sure that I get to be their sales trainer. By luck (or plainly convincing my mentor) I got to train her class. Of course, being a professional that I am, I kept my cool and waited for the right time. Good thing that opportunity knocked on my door as a wavemate of hers added me on Facebook, and being the Batman that I am, used that opportunity to look for her name and voila, tricky girl, all she did was reversed her name and added her right on the spot. So after my training with them I messaged her like a smooth talker and it wasn't long 'till I got her number. 

Tip: Never start off with a "Hi. How are you?" You'll sound like a pussy. A real talker starts off with using a topic that they won't have a choice but to respond to it. #TheGame

Of course after a short conversation I got to invite her to go out. Note, it was normal for me that time to invite any girl so I didn't take it as a huge thing as I didn't want to jinx myself. To cut the story short, we went out (though she initially didn't want to as I seemed like a playboy), ate dinner and had coffee. Pretty basic stuff for a first date. Suddenly, while I was listening to her life story and previous relationship, I got this message from God and I was reminded of all the times I got my heart broken and asking him why it never worked out for me, why couldn't I get a girl? And the answer was in front of me. Truth be told I wasn't really that sure what's going to happen. All I know that time is that I wanted to pursue her. Truth be told I know it was going to be difficult and challenging but I was up to the test. This was the reason why God gave me a heart that loves so much. And so, my journey began again for the sixth time but for some reason, I felt that my odds would be better this time around.

I started courting her after that and I was at her boarding house more than I should have been. We hang out most of the time, eat somewhere and honestly at that time I was a touchy suitor but she seemed the type that didn't mind (later on I found out she just didn't really know how to shout rape). It wasn't long 'till she had to move to another place as her previous boarding house was only going to be funded by the company for three months. So I helped her and some of her wavemates in moving out and I still kept going on. I wasn't really sure what I was doing that time but all I knew was that when she needed something, I'll always be there for her. Sure, it got me into trouble at work but as long as I can go and see her or get her something I will be there for her. During those times we were getting intimate already, but she still doesn't want to commit as she's not from Davao. To keep the story short, after all the drama, crying and singing "Little Things" (my song for her) to her, she finally said yes to me on the wee hours of March 16, 2013, and from there on, the rest was history. 

A lot of things happened in our one year being together. Most of the time we were in a long-distance relationship (or LDR) as she decided to go home and resign to rest. Still, we were always in touch and like any other couple, we still have our fights and dramas but through it all we always find ways to make it up with each other. She tried to come back and tried to get a job her again but after a month of going nowhere, she decided to go back to CDO to pursue her nursing licensure exam. I went to visit her in CDO every month after that and though the expenses were quite high, I couldn't afford not seeing her. She had her mistakes, I had mine, but through it all, we survived the one year of being together. I can't really recall anymore what we have been through. The one year felt like years when you look back. Overall, I am happy we are still together.

Now I don't have a letter for her like the last time but I just want to say that I'm not a perfect boyfriend and I will never be. I know that I wasn't as sweet before as people always change. I had to adapt and my perception changes from time to time. Through it all, my love for her never went away. I know I made mistakes and for some I shouldn't be forgiven but the fact is I never cheated on her and she will always be the only girl for me. True, maybe life would be a lot easier if its with another girl, but my life wouldn't be any better. And I am proud to say that I love my Baby Mai more than anything in the world. I thank God for being there always for me, to give me the strength to love her. To my family and friends who I may not seem to have an eye to eye with at times, still supported us along the way, thank you. 

One year. Anniversary. So yeah, I'm celebrating it, I have achieved something in life. But it's not much of a goal for me. This is only the beginning of what could be forever and I'm looking forward to another year filled with fun, joy, challenges and dramas. I'm okay with whatever goes along my way, as long as I have her, everything will be fine, as it always has been.

12 months. 1 year. Must have done something good. Or maybe it's just love. Love. Genuinely. Unconditionally.. :)

My Long Lost Love for Pokemon

Gotta catch 'em all. But why?

Any kid who grew up in the 90's most probably was expose to these cute "pocket" monsters or more famously know as Pokemon. Although Pokemon is still considered big today, I would like to believe that it wasn't as big when it came out. I'm no historian but pretty much Pokemon racked up a lot of dough in it's heyday and is still considered one of the biggest franchises in video game history, or should say entertainment industry. Over the years Pokemon has changed from video games to TV shows and it has always entertained a hug fan base of mostly kids all over the world. While at first I never really got the concept on why they are called "pocket monsters", they are attractive bunch of animal-like creatures with powers and the little ol' me just couldn't resist and get fascinated with this so called monsters. But like any other kid, growing up came into play and most likely I was going to outgrow something. And like any other form of child's play, Pokemon was no exception.

It all started here. The Pokemon game that indirectly told you to choose Squirtle.

Pokemon started as a video game for the original Gameboy. It started off with the Red and Green (Japan only) Version then later a Blue Version for international release. Now, I never got to own the original Gameboy but it was in 2000 that my uncle funded me and my sister with acquiring a Gameboy Color (GBC). Now during this time GBC was on its last legs as the Gameboy Advance (GBA) was slowly coming up from the horizon as the newest gaming handheld from Nintendo. Still, GBC was still a nice piece of gaming device during that time as it has a huge library of games. I was still 9 years old that time and to own a gaming handheld was a dream come true. A couple of months earlier during that time, a local channel in the Philippines aired an anime that was titled "Pokemon" and it was about a young trainer named Ash who owns a Pikachu and starts of an adventure to become the Pokemon Master. While the premise was simple, it introduced a lot of characters, specifically the original 151 Pokemon and from there on I fell in love with the show. Basically I was introduced to the anime first before the video game so when it was the time to choose for the cartridge that I wanted, it was a no brainer that I chose an in-1 bootleg cartridge that had Pokemon games in it.

Ohhh, look at all the pretty colors.

The cartridge contained Pokemon Gold, Yellow, Red and Blue version. Technically since I was the older brother I got to hog more so I got to play the Gold, Yellow and Blue version while my sister got to play the Red one only. I can't remember any much the details on what I did but as far as I know, I was mainly playing Blue because of the original Pokemon then I played next was Gold because its in color and provided a more dynamic gameplay compared to the first generation. As much as the Yellow version was a great port (and was heavily based on the TV show), I just wan't that keen on using a Pikachu as a starter Pokemon. Nevertheless, after countless hours playing Pokemon, I finished all three games and considered myself a Pokemon Champion (which was a huge honor that time...I think). It was a huge accomplishment for me as a gamer kid since I never saw myself playing RPG games. That time, it wasn't long 'till GBA was becoming mainstream and a new generation of Pokemon will come. Sadly, just never got the opportunity to have one and it killed any hunger I had with playing further Pokemon games. Although GBA emulators were starting to become a thing and presented an opportunity for me to play the 3rd-Generation Pokemon games, I felt that time that I have outgrown it and my interest with other video game franchises and genres grew and such my days as a Pokemon Trainer ended.

What's better than an emulator in PC? An emulator in your phone that's what.

It was only recent that my interest in Pokemon came back again after seeing my co-trainer at work playing the new Pokemon X (or Y, not sure) on his Nintendo 3DS. While I have given up already any plans I had for getting a 3DS (or any gaming handheld for that matter), him playing Pokemon got me thinking of playing again. And since I acquired a good Nintendo DS emulator for my phone, I gave it a shot. Instantly, I fell in love playing Pokemon again and while I played the Platinum Version which is quite outdated, it was the best piece of Pokemon gaming I have and since then I have been enjoying it. Although I could say to myself that I am far more mature when it comes to playing it (I don't delete non-attack moves that much), I still enjoy it as if I was still a 9-year old kid. Though I don't play it religiously as I did as a kid, it's nice to go back to those things that defined your childhood.

Pokemon has grown on its own as one of the biggest entertainment franchise in the world. I couldn't fathom how big it has gotten and I don't expect it to slow down any sooner. With gaming technology advancing these days, fans are yet to see a full 3D Pokemon experience. With that being said, I honestly can't tell if I'll ever pick up a Pokemon game and start playing it like my old 9-year old self. It's nice that anytime I feel bored I can just play in my smart phone but it's quite different when you are playing the actual game on its actual device and spend hours and hours training your Pokemon and engage yourself with tons of battles. Nevertheless, my love for Pokemon will never be gone and I will always be a Pokemon Master, Trainer and a fan. Pokemon will always be in my heart forever.

2014: "A Better Me"

So #Badass2013 technically didn't work out. I didn't end up swooping chicks left and right. I wasn't able to mold a well-chiseled body. I may have look cool on certain occasions but nevertheless I'm still that "quiet guy". 2013 wasn't the year I wanted to happen but overall was still a good year for me. For one, I got a girlfriend, which was practically the highlight of my year. As much as it ended a very long drought for me, it also caused a lot of changes in me. For someone who wanted me to be a badass, lets just say I cried more than a normal man should. On top of that, I transferred to a new workplace and got promoted quickly which was a nice thing, career-wise. I met a lot of new people and made a lot of  friends as well. So yeah, 2013 may have not that been "badass" as I hoped it would be but it was a great year nevertheless. So with 2013 ending and with the start of 2014, what does Noel Yulo have in mind? Well, I'm not going to make any promises, resolutions or even "gimmicky" transformations. For 2014 I'm just simply going to be "A Better Me". 

Reality wise I want a lot of things for myself. I know what I want to have, what I want to achieve and what I want to be. But these things don't happen in a snap of a finger. Sometimes you just have to take it slow and take baby steps making sure you achieve what you set out yourself to be. Truth be told I have slowly achieved some of them but I still have long ways to go. I'm in the process already of establishing a career, a love life and an identity. I make a lot of fuzz in the past about stuff that I want that I forget the basics. At my age I'm already living a life and all I need to do is just get better. Every day that you wake up is a learning experience and an opportunity to grow. I have set these goals in the past and maybe its time that I actually achieve all of them. I wanted a well-chiseled body, then I'll workout that. I want to entertain people like no other, then I need to do start making material. I want to be admired, then I have to do something that will turn heads. Wants that become needs, all it takes is just a lot of focus and I can pretty much say I am up to the challenge.

With all the potential I have, it's a shame why I haven't really gotten far in life, why I haven't achieve all I wanted to achieve, why I am not yet what I want to be. But maybe for now I just got to be who I am, still be Noel Yulo but a better one. I'm still young, I know what is right and wrong, I do both good and bad stuff, but I am happy with myself. I guess its just all in perspective what I need to do to be better. As 2014 starts I need to take every day as if its my last. Grab every opportunity there is, make one if possible and just do whatever needs to get the job done. I may or may not live up to my words for this year but I got 365 days to try. So yeah sure, 2014 can be an extension of Badass 2013, but what matters most is that its another year to learn new knowledge, experience new things and best of all a great opportunity to improve myself, take things to the next level, to be a better me.