Note: This is not listed in any particular order. Really. It isn't.
1.) Brian Casibang is born.
Correction. Make that Brian "Learnstorock" Casibang is born. It was the 26th of November and he came out of nowhere and surprised us all with his coolness, awesomeness and his general swellness. He's a swell guy. Don't mistake that for me saying that he's somewhat swollen in some areas. From where did he come? Like I said, nowhere, like he came out of some void or dread abyss that ultimately looks back when you look at it. He's way cooler than some guy whose name if you mention makes you have to hand a buck over. Why is his middle name what it is? Just because he's cool enough to handle a name like that, maybe. All we know is that we: Remember, remember, 26th of November.
2.) UTG Goes Global!The first-ever UTG trip out of the country trip happened this year, and a milestone that was. Under cover of attending the F1 Grand Prix, four select agents went to Singapore to perform reconnaissance on Little India, preparing for the take-over. Who went there, you ask? A team with specific functions was assembled. The roster: Weapons Expert Gunshow Pascual, Team Chef Edward Kanin, Tech Expert Paolo Perez and Chief Mechanic Beng Benganio.
The team brought back photos and loads of intel on the target area and was able to blend in perfectly with the throng of tourists traversing the streets. Particular attention was given to the visible assets. What did they have to say about the place though?: "Mabaho dun. Amoy curry."
3.) Two lines1st: "If you plan to do something, now's the time to do it."
After a few seconds, comes the next line.
2nd: "You don't have to do this."
'Nuff Said.
4.) Brian Casibang (as Mike Pehipol) sets a record 72 consecutive hours of consciousness
He's so cool, caffeine never wants to leave his system. He's so awesome, sleep won't touch him. No rest for the wicked? Well, he's wicked awesome. And that's why Brian Casibang set a record of 72 straight hours without a wink of sleep. Why did he do it? For the Lol'z. Well, more for our Lolz than his. Don't get too excited, though, as this is just a prelude to an even bigger record that's going to be set next year, when Brian goes for 100 hours. Or his one-handed fight with the Pacman. Or his blindfolded MRT surfing stunt. Whichever one he decides to go through first.
Note: One side-effect discovered, of staying up for 72 hours straight, was hearing the Simpson's opening tune in your head all the time. (Ca-siiiii-bangs)
It was an awesome thing to do, to put it simply. Was there really any point to it? Well, it was a cool thing to do. I wore a suit to work. I interviewed an applicant, while I was wearing a suit. It was cool. The guy got hired. It crossed my mind to do it all the time. Brian Casibang (as Mike Pehipol) rode the MRT in a suit. He was in the suit, not the MRT. Carlo "The Founder" Benganio went to school in a suit. So why does it go on the list?
Because it was something that the group did together, for the heck of it. We met some new people, got some weird looks from other people, and we were able to prove that we were awesome enough to go through a whole day in a suit. The prices at the bar were short of criminal, but the atmosphere was worth it.
6.) Brian Casibang (as Mike Pehipol) Goes on a Blind Date
We looked for candidates. We searched high and low and put out ads. We specified the need for a waiver and an accomplished last will and testament. And still, someone was brave enough.
We don't have any pictures of the said date, so don't tell me to get the fuck out.
Nevertheless, it happened, I shit you not, and because it happened the repercussions will ring out through the ages. Brian was able to show us all an example of what NOT to do on a blind date. He displayed his dashing moves, used the "I eat, you don't" play, the "phone-in-face" maneuver, and a host of other moves to go along with his patented styles.
This was an example of taking one for the team. Brian knew what not to do, and he showed us the catastrophic effects of doing exactly those things. He's such a swell guy.
Note: The blind date participant, is still in the catatonic ward of an undisclosed hospital in Metro Manila.
7.) Nalusuan Nights
Using tickets booked from early in the year, the UTG took a trip to Dick Island in the Visayas and enjoyed the solitude of the nearly deserted place. It was almost a couple of hours away from civilization, by boat and car, but the wait was worth it. The eerie silence alone, that you get during the sunset hours was something I would gladly pay for again. We met the captain, and his first mate, slept and got footage of Team Chef Edward Kanin snoring away. Also, we caught a glimpse of the famed superhero, Boy Yema. Just a glimpse though, as he was too fast to catch on camera.
Plus, we were also able to witness the preliminary shoot for the upcoming MMFF entry "Nalusuan Nights", starring Brian Casibang, and Katya Santos.
Note: The names on the poster are just screen names.
8.) Subic (2nd wedding in the UTG)
Another one bites the dust, and goes off into the dreaded land of Matrimony. Congrats to them if ever they get to see this. Of course, members of the group were in attendance, to grieve and celebrate such a sacrament. The much-awaited "Itigil ang kasalan!" moment though, never came, and that is such a shame.
Still, such an event merits enough attention to be put on the list, as it is no small thing at all.
9.) Edward "The Big Breakfast" Kanin asserts his supremacy in three different divisions
The challengers came, and they went, all with heads bowed in dismay, humbled and awed by his sheer power. He partook with a substantial emphasis of what was laid on the table, and when the dust had cleared, no prisoners were taken, no leftovers at all. This was how Edward Kanin defeated all contenders in the three different divisions (Ribs, Chinese and Yakimix Invitational), making him the undisputed Buffet Champion.
One such challenger who learned her lesson, was Krisca "Katutubo" Morales, a slender young lady with an appetite for buffets. Full of excitement and idealism, she began the challenge, only to end up in tears when her defeat was clear.
"Marami ka pang kakaining bigas." Edward told her. "And kelangan, isaing mo muna."
10.) UTG Receives contact from Another Dimension
Around June of this year, three members of the UTG, namely Gunshow Pascual, Emz Santos and yours truly were able to witness the escape of a small life-form from a hellish dimension. The refugee was a regular housefly, rocketing fast out of the dread-abyss, the open mouth of Mike Pehipol. Yes, it was Mike Pehipol, not Brian Casibang. Brian Casibang does not stand for such shit.
"We were just sitting there drinking coffee, when all of a sudden, a fly comes out of his mouth, all frantic and hurrying." Emz related.
"I think I heard it say 'I'm freeeeee!'. There's certainly some weird shit in there." Gunshow said.
The usual investigators of the paranormal were called upon to check on the situation. Dr. Piolo Pascual and Mikee Santos of PIMP (Pascual Institute of Medical/Medieval Paleontology) were able to provide their expertise and offer opinions on the said phenomena.
"Ika-nga ng pinsan kong si Guns, weird talaga shit nya." Dr. Pascual explained.
"Kelangan pa namin pag aralan to ng mabuti. Mahiwaga siya. At maitim pa." Dr. Santos (no relation to Emz) commented.
Now, as I said, these are just the events that in my opinion were worthy of the top ten. If you feel that other events were worthy of the list, feel free to suggest and comment.
It was an eventful year, after all. It would be totally dishonest for me to say that I wish the next one would be as eventful, but I can say that I wish the next year would be a lot better. It wasn't all bad anyway. Personally, this was a year for me to rediscover my own connection to the group, and also, cherish it and value it, unlike before.
So, in closing, I'd like to wish all who read this a happy new year. I'd like to wish us all more chances to grow together. You guys kept me going through a very rough patch, and I appreciate it.
