BOUNCE WITH ME

Yup, been a bit quiet the past few days, but for good reason. Unfortunately, I was confined at NKTi again from Monday up till yesterday evening. We suffered a little scare the past few weeks because my blood tests were showing that my creatinine level was kinda going up. My doctor suspected that it wasn't rejection and that I was underdosed but we were taking no chances and he made me undergo an ultrasound. Luckily, we did and it uncovered a seroma (accumulation of liquid) underneath my skin and there was fear that it could be infected and it had to be removed by surgery right away. We checked in the very same afternoon and had the operation the next morning. Simple stuff, they didn't even have to sedate me - much to the surgeon's chagrin coz I was chatty the entire time!

Good news, the creatinine did stop going up so it wasn't rejection after all. So now, I'm back on the maximum dosage for my meds and have to do a steroid push for the next two days but it looks like I'll be ok. Was scary though and kinda disheartening to see the added costs this is having on my family. I'm trying as hard as I can to just limit my expenses to my meds so any additional procedures really suck. It doesn't help that I am taking this medicine for a virus that 90% of the Filipino adult population has been exposed to and I'm part of the unlucky 10% that has never been around it. I only pray that we just have to finish up our existing supply because it costs 90K per bottle and this lasts us a month!

I have to admit though that this last stay in the hospital was kinda disheartening. God must have sensed it and sent a phone call my way from my high school classmate, Sonny Pasimio. Sonny and his wife Ria have this beautiful daughter Erin, who unfortunately had a rare liver disorder for which she had to undergo a transplant as well. She's been doing ok as far as I knew but Sonny called to tell me that I shouldn't lose heart. Rejection episodes are normal for transplant patients. Even Erin had to face it. This was enough to make me feel foolish for reacting to my situation so pettily. I was actually asking God why he had to send this our way, even when we were already struggling.  I was so quick to forget the blessings he sent our way as we got ready for the transplant. And sure enough, the blessings started coming in again. My old officemate told me that our clients at HSBC had chipped in and given him a donation for me that he's been holding on to for a while now. I also asked my high school classmates for a little help and it looks like they are coming through as well.

God is good. I continue to ask you all for prayers as this road to recovery seems to have a few footfalls and twists and turns that I wasn't ready to face.

Oh, please check out erinsrainbow.multiply.com for pictures and updates on little Erin Pasimio. Hopefully, you can include her and her parents in your prayers as well. Thansk everyone!

It's 2:19 p.m. and the lazy afternoon quiet is pierced by the occassional rat-tat-tat of a sinturon ni hudas. I sit here at the computer and it slowly dawns on me that it really is New Year's eve. I celebrated last year with a bang, leading the crowd in the New Year's countdown at Eastwood with some of the other Magic Jocks. This year, I'll have to ring in the new year from my room since the smoke could be hazardous to my health.

But, I'm not looking at this year ending on a whimper. Far from it. This was quite an amazing year.

Professionally, I didn't win any awards but it was pretty good. Two of our client's major campaigns this year were both born from my ideas - HSBC's Mabuhay Miles TVC "Fairest" and their  Tuition Loan campaign.  If you want to see the TVC, follow this link:

www.youtube.com/watch?v=VUp6INkVAXs&feature=related

And check out my portfolio in my albums for the Tuition Loan print campaign we did.

I also got validated this year when my company saw fit to match the offer that McCann put on the table. It made me feel appreciated but little did I realize that the best was yet to come. I'd like to thank Bates 141 for everything that they did for me this year, especially after I had to take a leave from work. The assistance and the fundraising - not to mention the occassional message of support helped me and my family in a big way. I can't wait to come home.

Big thanks to Magic 89.9 also. They never pulled the plug on me all year and welcomed me back even when I got sick. One of the pleasant surprises I had while I was in the hospital was a call from Big D, who handles prgramming with Max. He asked me when I would be available to come back and do my Saturday show - which means that as soon as I can get my butt to Eastwood, the round mound of sound will be back! get ready to bounce with me everybody!

So now, we're a day away from 2008. We're also a day away from celebrating my first month with my new kidney "Pepe". According to the docs and some research I did on the net, the first 4-6 weeks after a transplant are the most critical and so far, we've been doing just fine. So far, no signs of rejection and I'm getting stronger each day. For exercise, I'm only allowed to walk and from 500 steps on my first day back home, I'm already going 9000 a day. That's roughly 4.5 miles! I'm gunning for  5 miles by tomorrow.

Anyway, I could go on and on about how this is a new year, it's also a new lease on life and yada yada yada. But to keep it short and sweet, thank you 2007. Had a blast! Bring on '08!

Happy new year everyone!

They weren't kidding when they told me I would have to be in isolation after having the transplant. I've been stuck at home since the 9th of December. Had a few visitors but wouldn't mind having more (hint, hint!). The hard part is finding things to do in the day to fill my time. Being the worst Lit major in the world, reading is quite a chore. The Gameboy advanced the J-boys got for me has been getting a good workout, but there's only so much video games once can play. I've been exercising and walk about 2500 steps a day (which according to the internet is about 1.25 miles) but that only takes up an hour. And I have more or less watched the DVDs in my collection (I still have a few unwatched ones, but they look depressing and I'm not suppposed to stress myself out too much.

Someone please save me. I'm appealing to your sense of humanity. I'm in no shape to go out and buy DVDs and all my funds are tied up right now. I'm hoping that some of you can donate a few DVDs to my cause. Something to help me keep my sanity. I have a wishlist - this can serve as your Christmas gift to me. Please, I'm desperate!

- I now pronounce you Chuck and Larry
- Rush Hour 3
- Kingdom
- Eastern Promises
- Balls of Fury
- Shot em up
- Superbad
- Heartbreak Kid
- Nanny Diaries

Got that out of the way. Whew!
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As for the recovery, been seeing the doctor for the past two weeks and so far, so good. No sign of rejection and all my tests are looking good. I just have a high blood sugar content but that's a side effect of the medicine. With any luck, by March 1, I'll be ready to rejoin the real world. Hope to see you al soon. Have a Merry Christmas everyone!

Back when I was in college, I had this sick fantasy that I would be at my own funeral. Just to see who showed up. Just to know who cared. Just to figure out if I really made a difference in anyone's life. Thank God I didn't have to die to find that out. (I had to lose my kidneys though and go through the pain of dialysis and an operation but at least I'm still alive!).

Yup, this is the Bounce, signing on again. 7 days since my new kidney was put in and the first thing I do when I get home is check out my multiply and send out a quick shoutout to all of you. First of all, it feels good to be home and alive and so far, the new kidney (I call him Pepe - don't know why)is doing okay. Been peeing up a storm and one thing i can say is that I am appreciative of all mothers who gave birth by C-section.

I am all the more appreciative of all of you. Thank you very much for all the prayers and messages of love and the financial support (keep it coming!- haha!). I knew I did more than just take up space and I'm so happy that I am alive today so I can spend more time with all of you.

Oh, and instead of wasting away my days at the hospital waiting for visitors, I can do it from the comfort of home. Look forward to you guys dropping by.

At 1 a.m. of Wednesday, my boss Bobby texted me and told me about this little shindig that my officemates at Bates 141 have put together for me. It's called "Bounce Back" -  a 90s party that will take place on Thursday, November 15 at the Embassy. I'm trying to find the wordsto express how I'm feeling. I'm teetering between amazed and humbled and I'd like to thank everyone in advance for the support and all the effort being put into his event on my behalf.

Well, technically, I haven't gotten them yet.

My doctor called earlier and told my mom the good news - we have a match. Seconds later, she bursts into my room and shouts "Jay, you have kidneys!" to which I almost replied, "Yes, but they aren't working." when I realized what she meant.

I'm glad we didn't have to wait too long. This means we can start preparing for the procedure. This means in three weeks, I can have a transplant done. This means no more frickin dialysis at 4 in the morning.

This means I have three weeks to lose 60 pounds.

I don't know which is scarier - the operation or the diet.

But I have kidneys! Praise the Lord!

I just got word a few hours ago that Francis Trillana, the head honcho at Lowe Inc., passed away this morning from cardiac arrest. My former boss Adele broke the bad news to me and told me that her last conversation with him was about me. He asked how I was doing and told her to remind him about the gift he was planning to send me. He said he was getting forgetful in his old age.

I got really affected when I got the news. I was lucky enough to be able to work with him when he still had an active hand in the day-to-day operations of Lowe (Lintas) and every year, I looked forward to our verbal sparring every time the Ateneo-La Salle games would roll around. And now he's gone...and it feels kinda wonderfully weird that just days prior to his death, he was thinking about my fight to live.

Anyway, Godspeed Francis Trillana. I'm sure they have thoroughbreds in heaven waiting for you!

By profession, I'm a writer and a broadcaster, so I make a living with words. At this moment, however, I am at a loss for them because of the sheer magnitude of generosity and support I've been getting.

First off, from Bates 141. I've been blessed to work with this company that has extended every bit of help to me and my family, from the day I checked into the hospital up to today. Most companies would have dropped me faster than a hot potato but there they are, standing behind me, extending me every benefit imaginable. I can't wait for the day that I can get back to work! I miss these guys.

Secondly, from my dad's relatives and my mom's batchmates. My dad's cousins have been sedning loads of cash that have totally lightened the load when it comes to my dialysis nd other treatments. My mom's classmates have also jumped in to lend a hand, pledging to raise a million pesos for my transplant. Wow.

And finally, I am reminded of a line from the musical "Sound of Music." It goes "Somewhere in my youth or childhood, I must have done something good." I say this because of how a company I left in 2003 is rallying behind me as well. The fine folks at Lowe Inc. (formerly Lintas) have been great. Once they found out about my sickness, my old officemates (thanks to my old boss Adele Estrada) have been sending some love my way as well. In fact, I'm writing this, minutes after opening a package sent to my house by Adele. In it were letters of encouragement and support from a lot of my old officemates (and even people I've never met). There were even some cash donations. I'm a little overwhelemed by this, considering that it's been four years since I worked there but as Mother Adele says, I am loved and I shouldn't be surprised.

Thanks everybody.

Where to begin? Where to begin? How about...
QUENTIN TARANTINO IS COMING TO MANILA!!!
Quentin Tarantino,brilliant mind behind Pulp Fiction, Reservoir Dogs and Kill Bill is set to receive a lifetime achievement award at the 9th Cinemanila Film Festival! Cinemanila will be held at the Gateway Cineplex 10 at the Araneta Center on August 8-19, 2007. Tarantino will make several special appearances during the entire run of the event.

Ok...breathe Bounce.....breathe....

Wait! There's more!
NEW STAR TREK FILM! SYLAR WILL BE SPOCK!
For those of you who have been living under a rock, Sylar is the character played by Zachary Quinto on a little show called Heroes. After months of speculation, and probably due to his uncanny resemblance to Leonard Nimoy, he will be playing the role of Spock! The new Kirk has not yet been announced but this film will be directed by Lost's J.J. Abrahms. Leonard Nimoy will also make an appearance in the film as an older version of his Vulcan character.

Wow. Just wow. Tarantino and a new Trek film? Yay! My inner nerd can hardly wait.

It's 3:21 PM. The creatives area is empty and I virtually have nothing to do.

At least I'm not stuck at home. I officially returned to the real world at 9:17 this morning when I stepped into the office and let loose a booming "Honey I'm home!" greeting that was met by welcoming hugs from the officemates I missed so much. Of course, I had to settle down and reclaim my life. Cleared out my inbox. Got briefed on new projects. Fought off the temptations to smoke from Macky, Dan and Igor. Ate a healthy lunch for a change.

It's 3:26 and I still haven't smoked. That's cool.

Anyway, glad to be back. Really.

Friday night. 6 pm. I was in a rush to get home. I had to attend the SPEED year-end get-together and I couldn't get a ride. The rush hour traffic was already building and every single cab and bus I saw was full. Great.

Fate then threw me a bone. This slow moving cab stopped beside me and the passenger asked for directions to Trafalgar Place on De La Costa. I really couldn't describe the route they had to take but I could have showed it to them if I were in the cab. Then an idea hit me.

I volunteered to take them there if they agreed to give me the cab afterwards. Thankfully, both passenger and driver agreed and off we went to Salcedo Village. I must say, I felt like I was in the Amazing Race, scrambling for a cab, trying to reach the pitstop first. I congratulated myself on my slyness as we passed other desperate commuters trying to hail cabs.

Once I had the cab to myself, we then proceeded to take my shortcut home. We got to Nagtahan in good time, avoiding the build-up along South Super and Quirino. But then, the cab finally came to a halt at the stoplight before the Nagtahan flyover. While waiting for the light to change, I was texting Kelly, asking her and CJ to play me some Kyrie Eleison when suddenly, my door flew open and this dark figure made a grab for my N70 phone. I instinctively held my phone away (as well as got a good grip on my bag whuch held my 80,000+ worth office-issue macbook) and let out a manly yell "Hoy!" Somehow, this scared off the guy and he scrambled off into the night, leaving me thankful that I wasn't hurt and nothing was stolen. I was additionally thankful that I didn't let out a girly scream when the guy forced his way in.

Yes Bubbly, I will always lock the door of my cab from now on.

Last weekend, I got the chance to board by myself for the first time in four years. It was like riding a bike and I spent the next few days basking in the afterglow of that enjoyable experience. Then last night, I told one of my oldest friends about it and he started telling me that Magic was taking advantage of me. That since they don't pay me a cent for appearing on air every Saturday night, I'm being exploited.

Well, that ruined a perfectly good moment. No offense to my friend but I guess you really can't understand unless you've been there. I was a magic jock for less than half a year but that was enough. Although I belong in advertising, the world of radio still had a pull on me. There's something about the way people feel good after you play them a request or greet them on air. It's about tripping on music and sharing yourself with a captive audience. It goes beyond money and I'm so glad that Max Speed and James Bang haven't pulled the plug on me yet.

As I see it, I do what I do for the joy it gives me and my listeners. When I read their comments and messages on friendster, you feel that in a small way, you have touched someone's life. It's like sound tripping and hanging out wth your firends, only that you have an audience. It helps me get my radio fix without having to give up the lucrative day job.

I could go on explaining myself but I'd rather just let it go here. Tune in if you have the time. I'm the guy who's having the time of his life from 6-9 pm every Saturday.

It's nice to know that somehow, someway, somebody remembered you. Whoever posted this, thank you.