Pinoy Life At Large

Comment from Cafevida
Time: October 22, 2008, 9:36 am

When I was still a student, I wanted a Jansport backpack. For as long as I could remember, it’s what I wanted. But we weren’t rich folk; yes, of course we could afford to buy one, but I was brought up thinking that I shouldn’t always go for brand names or go for what the cool kids had (pangit ang gaya-gaya). Also, as a child, I didn’t buy things for myself and I was also brought up not asking for things (nakakahiyang humingi). Later on though I was thrilled to buy my boyfriend (now husband) a Jansport backpack. I remember having such a goofy grin on my face as I bought him a blue Jansport backpack - because it was something which meant a lot to me, because I never had one, because for me it was a wonderful gift, and because when he wasn’t using it, I’d definitely borrow it. When we got married later the following year, I found out he had left his bag at his parents place and so I never saw it again. Oh well. Foiled again.

Comment from edelweiza
Time: October 24, 2008, 2:34 pm

I am the type of person who never leaves the house without a bag, may it be going to work, to the supermarket, to the mall or simply a night out with friends. By that, I mean a big bag that can house all my basic essentials, from wallets and mobile phones to kikay stuff and extra shirts. Funny because my friends would tease me if I’ve got rocks inside my bag. I never give a damn. I don’t care what other people would think of me. I may look like a traveler all the time but it’s fine with me. I know my sturdy bag understands that I always want my things within reach, blame it to my “girl scout” mindset. My bag is not just my companion every time I carry it on my shoulders…it’s a part of my individuality that defines who I really am.

Comment from monesev
Time: October 28, 2008, 5:12 am

Did anybody steal your wallet or any valuable things from your bag? When you’re traveling or passing along unknown street or city, how do you keep your attention in your bag or belonging?

I remember, it was in my college years. I travel 1 to 2 hours back and forth to my house & school back then. In my way, I have witnessed and almost been victimized by bag thief. As I can recall, it happened more than twice to me. Luckily, I was using a soft backpack then. When this robber/pickpocket/thief (whatever you call them) tried to open my bag, I instantly felt and caught them in action. I have saved the valuable items in my pack!

That’s why, even now that I’m already working in business/corporate world, I don’t use shinny, chic nor too attractive bag. I still travel more than an hour every day to get to my office and to get back home. Better be safe and free! I always grab and go with my most comfy secured black backpack.

Comment from Ana Carina Kalaw
Time: October 29, 2008, 9:05 am

Back in college, my black backpack has always been my constant companion when traveling back and forth to Manila and Batangas. I remember stuffing it with dirty uniforms, crumpled test papers, kikay loot, thick manuals for class and dozens of bus tickets. My mother would always reprimand me that my bag is so messy, its like a jungle of garbage and the only thing missing from it is a snake. My bag is really disorganized that oftentimes i could not find my big wallet because it was buried deep into the swirl of my jumbled things.
One unfortunate January morning, after the Christmas break, the jeep that i was riding was held up. They opened my bag and tried to look for my cellphone and wallet, but thanks to the heaps of crumpled papers and bus tickets they were not able to get anything from me.
My bag and I have shared seven wonderful years together, that up to now, even if the zipper is broken and in need of a repair i still keep it in my room.

Comment from katrina nano
Time: November 8, 2008, 2:11 am

My mom gave me this Jansport backpack way way back. It’s huge and white. I didn’t like it cause it looks so big and just for boys.And back then,I didn;t know Jansport is like a little expensive.And so Im left with no choice but to wear it to school. So my classmates were like teasing me,”why do you carry those big backpack”.And I was very ashamed on it.But there came a time they’ve been in on school, so i was like”Ha! Im the first one who got them” ..Like a proud momma. :)) I useit everytime me and my family go out of town.It has alot of use not just for school,but for everywhere. It’s really cute and useful in so many ways.
And since Jansport backpacks with cute patterns on it are so in trend right now for students.I am planning to buy one.So i google-d where i can find them. And here you are being an angel giving away a free backpack.:)
Thanks for this contest

Comment from Lesley Herrera
Time: November 9, 2008, 12:06 am

Let me share the story of my old trusty backpack and our experiences together. My backpack and I met when I was in college while it witnessed numerous sleepless nights doing projects. It bore the weight of all the things I needed and was with me during my workouts in the gym when I was trying and failing to shed some pounds. It accompanied me again when my husband and I went on our honeymoon and other out of town trips and even when I was at the hospital giving birth. My backpack bears the mark of wear and tear and the straps are witness to the heavy weight that it lovingly and unfailingly carried throughout the years and various stages of my life. Sad to say, the time to say goodbye to my reliable old friend has come and no more washings and repair can salvage him. But I will never forget what this bag means to me and the memories that we had together.

Comment from Rowena Wendy Lei
Time: November 9, 2008, 10:02 pm

Me and My Backpack, a 7-year old boy’s story as told to his mom…

Everyday I bring a backpack to school. I don’t really need to because I have a big stroller bag, but I still do.

I wait for my mom to pick me up after school. She says she cannot park if she goes there early so she picks me up at least thirty minutes after the bell rings… if it rains it usually takes her a lot longer. This is the time I open my backpack and get my snacks and drinks. I also stash books I borrow from the library in my backpack so I have something to read. I also put my wallet in my backpack so I can buy food or drink from the canteen in case my baon runs out. My backpack is my friend, it holds everything I need until my mom comes to get me. It keeps me company while I wait, and I can’t imagine being without it.

I love my backpack, even now that it’s a little worn I wouldn’t exchange it for any other bag in the world.

Kenshin Lei, 7 years old — as told to Rowena Wendy Lei

Comment from jprp
Time: November 9, 2008, 11:42 pm

Well, my story with Jansport may seem a bit… chickflick-ish but here goes.

College started quite interesting for me. I attended our university’s three-day Freshman Orientation Seminar in order to get to know the way of life in the university, and also, to familiarize ourselves with the people we’re going to spend the next four years of our lives with — our blockmates. I got there early, and while waiting for the entire thing to start, I looked around, searching for familiar faces. So when I turned back around facing the stage, there I saw a new blockmate. I noticed that she had with her a Jansport bag that I wanted when I was a bit younger. So I asked her where she got it and our conversation took off pleasantly - asked her where she’s from, what High Schol was like for her, why she chose the course we’re in and all that. So automatically, she became my closest friend. Funny though, she told me that she had been eyeing my bag (also Jansport) and had been wanting to ask me where I got since she always looked for it but never saw it anywhere. So I decided that since we each wanted the other’s bag, why not trade it for a week, right? So there. And without me knowing, we really got close and eventually, became a couple. Until now! We’re still going strong, and we’re both in Medical School, with the same bag when we first met.

Cheesy? Well, maybe for some, but I could say that Jansport paved the way for me to recognize and share the beauty of love and life.

Comment from Anna Kat
Time: November 9, 2008, 11:55 pm

I do consider myself a brat. A certified one at that. Even my relatives say so. And now that I think about it, I remember one incident that clearly proves my point.

My cousin who was studying here in Manila was staying with us while she was studying for the board exams and that the same time, working. One day, she introduced her boyfriend to the entire family and I noticed that he was carrying a red Jansport backpack, with suede leather bottom. The instant I laid eyes on it, I saw hearts. It was absolute love. So the family with the boyfriend hung out for a while. And when he left, I told my cousin that I truly adored his backpack (and liked the boyfriend, of course!) and she laughed at me, saying that I would “brat” my way into asking for it. Of course, good-nature took over me and said that I wouldn’t and was just gushing how much I really like it. What surprised me was, the next week that the boyfriend came over the house, he handed me a paperbag and when I looked inside, it was the Jansport backpack that I love! He was really thoughtful! That’s when I noticed he was carrying another Jansport backpack, but not the same one. When I asked him what happened, he said that the one he gave me was what he owned. I stood there gaping and could not thank him enough. So when my cousin and him got married and lived in the UK, I vowed that the next time they visit, I’ll give him a surprise. My search for the same backpack he gave me was hard, but worth it. When they got here to visit in 2006, I surprised him by giving him the same backpack he gave me, but this time, of course, it’s new. He was really surprised and thanked me profusely. I couldn’t be happier for them. They’re just so cute together.

I may be a brat, but I do know how to be a nice girl at that.

Comment from jas
Time: November 19, 2008, 12:41 am

so who is the winner?

Comment from Arpee
Time: November 19, 2008, 4:40 pm

to jas: my sincerest apologies for the late post. the organizers have chosen Anna Carina Kalaw as the winner. i will do a blog post on it tomorrow. again please accept my apologies for the late announcement.