You know how it could get uncomfortable when your embarrassing moments are told by other people? I sure had my share, that's why I thought it would be better that these stories come from me. So here I am, about to blurt out my experiences to the rest of the world.

Summer of '91

At the site of Our Lady of Manaoag, there used to be a big tree surrounded by sinks. While washing my hands, my cousin took the sink to my right and said she wished she could brush her teeth. I reacted quite violently and told her NO WAY! Why would she want to brush her teeth outdoors? Why not wait until we could find a decent public toilet where she could brush her teeth in "private"? Imagine brushing your teeth and gargling in front of strangers! No decent lady would do that. It is simply not done!

She started acting really funny and was discreetly motioning towards my left. My eyes widened in surprise as I turned and saw the woman on my left brushing her teeth, giving me a look that made me quickly run back to our van and hide.

4th Year High School

We didn't have CAT then, but we were required to learn how to march and to issue & follow commands. We were given practical exams to see whether we all learned it by heart. During one of our practice sessions, our platoon leader picked out students to give them a chance to command the group. I was one of the luckier few and I had the chance to go first. The very first command I issued had the entire group bursting into laughter - and without permission.

The command - "humanda na"

But it was issued the same way a platoon leader would command "pasuloooooong-KAD!"

"humandaaaaaa NA!"

Christmas Season '98

Greenhills Shopping Center, tiangge area, Christmas season. I just got out of an illness so I was really weak. After 3 hours of shopping for presents, I've had enough. I was tired and I was hungry. At the first opportunity, I asked my mom if we could eat. "Mommy, gutom na ko." She said it won't be long and they'll be done soon. So we continued walking.

While walking, my vision started to get blurry, but I didn't want to close my eyes because I knew that the minute I do, I was going to pass out. So I was trying my best to keep my eyes open. In the meantime, I had that conversation with my mom again. "Mommy, gutom na ko."

"Sandali na lang 'to anak. Matatapos na tayo," was her reply.

So on to the next stall we went. At the third stall, I had to grab her shoulders. I was really hungry and I couldn't go on without food anymore. I didn't even finish what I had to say. "Mommy, mommy..." was all I ever said while slowly sliding down her side towards the floor. The last thing I heard was my mom telling me, "ano ba yan? ayoko ng ganyan."

Next thing I knew, I was sitting on a low chair, my mom was fanning me and there was a lot of strangers looking on. I heard someone said, "ayan na sya, ayan na sya." At that time, all I wanted to do was run.

I moved my eyes a bit to the left and saw my brother and sister looking at each other, helpless with mirth. As they helped me off the chair, my brother said, "nakakatawa itsura mo. Hinimatay ka ng dilat."

Greenbelt 3, May '07

My officemates and I were at the Time Zone, waiting in vain for one of the karaoke booths to free up so that my colleague could sing his heart out. Unfortunately, we weren't destined to sing that night. So we slowly made our way to Cold Rock.

I wasn't thinking, I wasn't aware of my surroundings. All I know is that someone entered through the sliding glass door, and I had to get through it before it slides shut.

With my head held high, I made my way towards the door. When I was just a step away, it started to slide shut. I gestured with my hands for the sliding doors to open in true Jedi fashion, but it didn't work!!! I quickly looked 'round for my friends and noticed them passing through the other door, which was clearly marked "EXIT"!!! None of them even thought of calling my attention. They just watched me make a complete fool of myself, let other people witness my embarrassment, and laughed their butts off on the other side of the door.

Thanks though to one of my colleagues who went back to get me and led me to the "right path!" Hmph! Some friends you guys are!!!

Big Brother, Salcedo, June '07

My colleagues and I headed off to Big Brother to have lunch. Our table was by the floor-to-ceiling glass window, and I was seated next to it. As we were paying our bill, my 1 peso coin fell to the floor. I told my colleagues I got it, and slid my chair a bit to the right. I was being careful. Given the number of times I've embarrassed myself lately, I HAD TO BE CAREFUL. So I slowly bent to the left to pick up the coin when I bumped my head on the glass - HARD! Man, it really hurt! I felt the glass shook. And I couldn't look my colleagues in the eye. Hehehe...

Everyone has their share of embarrassing moments - It could be slipping on the stairs, tripping over a banana peeling in front of your crush or being caught acting funny without you being aware that you're actually acting funny. At the time when it all happened, all we wanted to do was vanish from the face of the earth forever. But we never did, and we had to face endless teasing remarks from everyone who witnessed your every move. It could be embarrassing for a while, but when you look back on those times, all you could do is laugh silently to yourself, grin into space maybe, or just smile.

Labels: , , ,