The Miracle of the Spicy Beef Noodles

Maybe it’s midlife crisis, though I am well over that. Return to childhood? Perhaps.

At the beginning, it was just my Epiphone acoustic guitar needing a preamp. With its passive pickup, the sound just does not come up well even when plugged in an amplifier. It genuinely needs pre amplification. The best value for money I saw was an ADI 21 by Behringer. It’s an Acoustic Amp Modeler/Direct Recording Preamp/Direct Injection Box all rolled into one. It’s what I need.

And then I saw Mike’s amPlug2 from VOX. It’s what he uses when practicing with his bass. I thought it would be a better choice, being small and can easily fit into one’s pocket. When I told him about it, we both got excited and I was already making plans of getting one the following weekend.

But the weekend seems so far out into the future. Sooner than I imagine, I found myself at Audiophile in Alabang ready to purchase my very own amPlug, only to find out the model I was after was not available. Undaunted, I continued on to other shops to check if they carry what I wanted. No joy in that. In fact the other music stores I visited never heard of an amPlug. I wonder why they remain open.

It took several days for my frustration to ebb. But as if that agony was not enough, I was also scouring the net for a guitar that would fit the amPlug I was planning to buy. Supremo Natural from D&D Custom Guitars looks the business. To think I only wanted a preamp for my Epiphone, now I am planning to buy a whole different set of caboodle. I really went crazy last week.

And then this mid day encounter with Luk Yuen’s Spicy Beef Noodles. Yes, this fire starter of a noodle soup can shake one out of his reverie. A few sip of this potent reddish concoction can bring one back to reality, as it did to me. Am happy to report that I am now a hundred percent back to my senses.

You see, what I have is an acoustic guitar. It does not need a mini amp but an honest to goodness acoustic amplifier, if my intention is to cause havoc in our complex or to perform in venues like the SM Arena. On its own it is already loud.

Mike’s bass guitar, on the other hand, needs an amplifier. The only means to avoid a neighborhood uprising during his solo practice is to use an amPlug connected to an earphone.

I never imagined things will go out of proportion. I am so relieved I came out of this maelstrom without any purchase for if I did, it will, for a long time, remind me I am several thousands of pesos poorer because I allowed my brain to take a holiday.

Midlife crisis? Nah, something more bewildering. 

Champions

Last Sunday, my friend Harry entered his very first multisport event. A milestone for him since it was also at the inaugural event of the Power Man Duathlon Pilipinas which some say is more difficult than the Iron Man series. There is no better way to launch one’s self into multisport, if you ask me. If I have to aim for a goal, I will aim for the highest. Harry did.

He started the arduous journey into becoming an international level athlete just a month and a half prior to the event. He was never a runner when decided to join. He literally started from scratch and he persevered.

He finished the 10km run/60km bike/10km run in 4 hours and 13 minutes. He placed 12^th in his age category and 74^th overall. We all were over the moon when he crossed the finish line. It was an awesome victory for him and for all of us who supported him. His mentor and coach Val Arciaga was very satisfied with the performance of his mentee. August Benedicto, a 3 time Cobra Iron Man Elite Champion and who grew up with Coach Val, was so impressed with Harry’s time. According to him, 4 hours and 13 minutes for a rookie is beyond expectation. Coming from a champion, his words lifts all of us.

But it was not all cheers that met Harry on his road to victory. During the pre-race briefing the night before, members of the organizing team were very vocal with their opinion that this race belongs to those who have several multisport races under their belt, trivializing those who have none. I am not sure if it was their idea of branding.

And the week before, a lady owner of a multisport shop in Sta. Rosa was sardonic when she learned Harry was joining the inaugural event. Faith in the human spirit, it seems, have been replaced by cynicism and an elitist attitude appears to have owned this sport.

Coach Val told me the 11 who finished before Harry in his age category have been in multisport for years. Harry making it to the same level as these athletes in less than 2 months from square one is greater than amazing.

On the drive back to Manila, Harry’s exemplary effort made me look at my own goals and my current state of sustained indolence. For so long now I have excused myself from doing two things I love: writing and biking. I describe it as being in the doldrums but in reality, is one among those silly excuses I have collected as a way of explaining myself in case somebody asks. I really need to get back my flow.

Like Harry, I need to push myself and aim for the highest. I need to listen to that voice that, in spite of the pain, urges me to watch my breathing, my cadence, my stride. Like Harry, I need to follow through even if it means having to do that lung-busting uphill stretch over and over. Like Harry, when the going gets tough, I need to whistle with my coach as we climb Southpeak in San Pedro, to take my mind off my labor. Like Harry, I need to believe I am good and that all will be well.

Thanks for that one, Harry! And once again, congratulations brother!