The Poetics of an Odd (wo) Man out

for x number of weeks or even months, i didn't play futsal. The regular tuesday and friday rendezvous was put on hold for some reason. Then one email changed all that.. (parang suspense naman ang dating...) It was Jay and JC who volunteered Jerz, Blue and I to organize the game. Of course we were surprised by this and also excited. It was then, we realized how much we miss playing this game and the futsal people. Then after recruitments here and there, sir leo's blasted futsal ad email, and some pangugulit, we were on our way to our first game again since time memorial. While we were playing, running and sweating, I'd realized how much i miss doing this. It was nice to kick some balls, to feel the adrenaline rush, to be out of breath, and to see old friends again.. There's some comfort and a feeling of belongingness in that court While we were playing, it's so natural and comfortable despite the fact that we haven't seen each other for some time. It's as though we didn't really have a long break from futsal... jc was his usual pang-aasar mode... then there's Jay who scares us.. just to steal the ball, road runner, the ever fast and good player, pao who plays like a pro, Jerz whose kicking skills and good defense earns her the title,"great wall" Blue who shot the first goal and earned the title as per JC, praktisado, Jong who wishes for cigarette while playing the game, Ryan “manok” who now uses long socks but still plays great.. lance and that other guy, whom I called shorts for some reason, whose tagged team prowess made them unstoppable..

Of course, there are new faces… harry and his friends, who plays well despite his warning that he is a newbie…. Mandy who carries the ball well, Sir Maenard “leo martinez” who plays futsal barefoot but still manages to steal the ball and shoots goals..

It’s a good thing that futsal is back for good. It gives me an outlet to release the stress especially after a long and tiring day at the office.. It also gave me a chance to be reunited with my friends.. ..

Thank God for futsal. Bow.

Sana bumalik na sina Dex and Jannin para mas masaya.