The Ego Episodes

Thursday, Jun. 12, 2003

Who's Who In The Ego Episodes

Me, Joycie

Before you cruise around each entry, here are some of the important stuff you need to know about me (may contain more than you need to know but then hey, more is better than less).

Born and raised in the Philippines, I spent my elementary and high school years in Davao City. It was in high school that I realized I wasn't the nerdiest person alive. Luckily, my friends are very interesting people and the fact that we still keep in touch proves it (You can find one of my best friends here.). Like every being who went to high school, I was given another name. They called me Joycie, thankfully not very far from my actual name (Joyce). Not wanting it to be buried deep in the recesses of my memory, I took it as my pen name in this diary.

In June 2000, I got a call saying that I got a scholarship to study engineering in one of the universities I applied to but did not really research for its track record and whatnot. Since my parents didn't have to fork out anything, I accepted the offer, forgot about the freshman orientation I attended in UP Diliman (and the Form 5 and the enrollment fee) and took the plane to Singapore. Alone.

Since I was still 16 at that time, legally a minor, I was given a sticker saying I AM AN UNACCOMPANIED MINOR AND THUS NEEDS ASSISTANCE FROM THE GROUND CREW. Needless to say, I was in awe upon reaching Changi Airport. And even more, when I reached the university.

Switching gears from speaking in Bisaya/Tagalog to English did dampen my ability to converse and meet people here. However, I felt the ubiquitous Singlish accent bothered me more. It's contagious though. In weeks I learned to insert my "lahs" and "mehs" at the right places only to realize that I'm in danger of being incomprehensible myself. I sought refuge in reading books from the school libraries, with their extensive collection of books from around the world, and started my paper journal in the Christmas vacation of 2000. I now use "lahs" only when I have to (make a joke, for example).

Fast forward to today. Since then I've learned how to commute using the MRT and the bus. I have yet to meet Donita Rose (and will stay alert for those school bashes usually hosted by MTV VJs) but I've seen Nadya Hutagalung in person so it's not so bad. I've come to love Singapore, the school (and its 24-hr Internet connection to which this journal owes its birth) and the people and started contributing to the community.

Ever since singing the first three so-fa syllables correctly (by some stroke of luck) at an audition as a first year student, I have stuck to the university choir for two annual concerts, one of which was chronicled here. Realizing that I have a knack (sort of) for this kind of thing, I joined the church choir and the Catholic Students choir in school. Who knew a girl who learned Whitney Houston's "One Moment in Time" at the age of 5 could be in a choir? 'Tis very different, I tell you.

Aside from my parents, I have 2 younger sisters, all in college. I'm almost 20 and life is good. How good? You'll read it here.

My friends, categorized for easier reading (Do not go philosophical on me with "categorizing" and stuff. Just...let it go.):

The Sisterfriends

Jussy - First female junior and fellow high school-mate to join me in the university. Since introducing me to the wacky world of "Friends", she has long been my partner in crime of watching and discussing the tv shows we love. I'm thankful for having known someone who gets me. That is what makes her my sisterfriend.

Nienna - Singing partner, my soul sister and the most level-headed person I've ever met. Dissecting tv shows is a passion we share that we never run out of things to talk about. She never fails to lift my spirit with words of encouragement. Her maturity is one thing I'd like to have and of course, her job in the tv biz. Having finished her master's degree here, she's going back home. All too soon, if I may say so.

Lenny - Closest Indonesian friend. Choirmate, chatmate, busmate, shoppingmate, ex-hallmate, joggingmate, rosarymate, wow...we've been involved in so many activities together. Knows me like a good sisterfriend does.

The Dudes

Tim - The genius. My batchmate and fellow book-lover. With his help, I've restrained myself from throwing and burning my Electronics notes to ashes. He laughs at my jokes and understands my shoulder-fetish. He came up with that term, not me. Not very far from the truth though, the genius.

Evad - Male version of Jussy (same high school, junior, Jussy's batchmate, one batch lower than mine). He doesn't read my diary but gets an entry title mentioning his name. The smallest "kargador" (lifts things despite stature) I know. Shares my love for CSI, but not Greg Sanders! He's a dude.

Recurring Characters

Roommie (a.k.a. Davey, Djoux), DOINC (a.k.a Guitar Guy, postgrad who looks like an undergrad), K - another postgrad who inspired me to Google a hairstyle.

HFTA Residents Hark and Hands - authors of INTIMIDATION! How To Scare Opponents With Just A Racket And Shuttlecock, Monica - fellow GG lover and really does resemble Friends Monica in her organizing ways.

The Kids (But Not Really) - They're two batches lower than mine. Read cornchild and berilacchubb.

Choir People Main Guy Conductor (a.k.a MGC, AlmostAPriest), Girl Conductor (GC, M)

Extras Stuff in my room, Coke Vanilla, Vending Machine with Coke Vanilla (Jag), TV shows

This is extra-long. I'm tired. I'll add to this list as we go along. Enjoy the eps! Or just read them, fine, your call.

Think I've forgotten someone? Let me know.

Did I just forget Liam? My faithful compie ("Hey! It's compUTER!" -- Liam) Liam??? If it were possible to have a non-living thing as a soulmate, Liam would be the one.

Note: I turned 20 last August 3. (updated: Dec. 30, 2003)

{ joycie at 5:26 p.m.}