This entry is part of Shai Coggins’ 52 Weeks of Community blog project. The task: Interview anyone — family, a friend, your dog, anyone — and post it on your blog.
I chose to interview one of my favorite bloggers, Mr. Jay David, more popularly known as Batjay. I’ve always enjoyed reading his blog because not only is he incredibly funny, he is also very witty and one of the warmest friends I have. I asked him 8 questions. This is his answer to my first one. I asked him:
If you were to come face-to-face with your 12-year-old self, what would you tell him to START doing?
He chose to write a letter to his younger self. I hope you enjoy reading and learning from it as much as I did.
Dear 12-year-old self,
In a few months, you will be graduating elementary school. Exciting isn’t it? Soon you will be wearing long pants to school. I know you’re horny and think of girls every five minutes but take it easy because you’ll get all of what you’ve been fantasizing soon. One more thing: the priests in school always tell not to masurbate but you know better. Just tell them what they want to hear and do it anyway.
Mom is thinking about moving to Isabela with dad because she’s heard rumors about his playboy life there. You will actually go with her and study for a year with Dennis. You’ll get to meet interesting people and will be sent to different places so don’t worry about leaving Manila. Just say yes when mom asks you to move.
After a year, daddy will leave you. That will hurt really bad but you know what, it will make you stronger later on when you grow up so take it all in perspective – you are still alive and there’s a whole future ahead of you. Be kind to him even if he screwed up because he will pass away in a few years. If you can, spend more time with him. I know it’s hard considering what he’s done but you’re not the type of person who holds grudges. Well, actually you are the type of person who holds grudges but make allowances for this one. Believe me, you will regret it later on if you don’t.
Please take good care of your teeth so that your forty two year old self would not pay a small fortune much later. Believe it or not, in the year 2007, the cost of dental care will knock the shit out of you.
Oh and stop smoking. I know you are beginning to experiment with tobacco. It’ll start with the occasional cigarette but in a few years time, it will become a bad 2 pack a day habit and it will take you more than 20 years to find the courage to stop.
Be good and eat more vegetables,
Your 42-year-old selfPS I forgot to tell you. You will have a dog in the summer and you will call her Pek-pek.
Stay tuned for the next parts of my interview with Batjay! 
Note, added 12/5/08: Read Part 2 of the interview here.
Hi! I'm Toni Tiu,
and I've been blogging at
at Wifely Steps since 2003. This started as a blog to help newly weds adjust to married life. It has evolved into a home and parenting blog. I write about things close to my heart -- good eats, good reads, family, marriage, and the little things that make everyday happy.
sha
December 4, 2008 at 10:06 am (15 years ago)classic bayjay!!!!
shas last blog post..cinnamon & honey frosted banana cupcakes
ibyang
December 4, 2008 at 10:56 am (15 years ago)si batjay talaga…he’s writes so sensibly and very very funny hahaha.
ibyangs last blog post..Litratong Pinoy: Eksayted! (Excited!)
bem
December 4, 2008 at 12:34 pm (15 years ago)i enjoy reading his blog too. he is so witty and very sweet-y to his wifey .
i love the daddy part of the letter – teary eyed ako.
bems last blog post..this one goes out
blue rose
December 4, 2008 at 12:48 pm (15 years ago)hahaha. katuwa naman si batjay.
i enjoy reading this one. thanks for sharing toni.
blue roses last blog post..the holiday fun swap
sheng
December 4, 2008 at 1:42 pm (15 years ago)The letter alone knocked me on my seat… how cool…
shengs last blog post..My Heart was Crushed
Junnie
December 4, 2008 at 4:09 pm (15 years ago)i spent a considerable time with Batjay in Toronto until 4 am…no we didnt sleep together…with him, there’s no dull moment…this letter is indeed a revelation…galing talaga…proud to be your friend and batjay’s friend too…
Em Dy
December 4, 2008 at 4:28 pm (15 years ago)Reminds me of Doc’s letter to Marty in Back to the Future. Funny read. Insightful too.
Em Dys last blog post..My 2008 Christmas Wish List
kreez
December 4, 2008 at 5:05 pm (15 years ago)haha! he’s so funny, i’ve really enjoyed lurking on his site, i can’t help but smile right after i read his posts! Thanks for this post toni, it made me smile.
Jeanny
December 4, 2008 at 8:33 pm (15 years ago)I always love reading his blog (and his wife’s too). He is so cool and funny with sense
glenville
December 4, 2008 at 9:42 pm (15 years ago)that letter is both funny and touching
i can definitely relate with some parts (except the bastos ones hahaha!).
glenvilles last blog post..Fitness Frust (for Frustrating)
Mimi
December 5, 2008 at 12:09 am (15 years ago)This was hilarious. Can’t wait to see what else he comes up with.
Mimis last blog post..Power!
witsandnuts
December 5, 2008 at 12:17 am (15 years ago)That’s a great balance of humor, sensitivity and humility. I occasionally check his blog and he writes so well.
witsandnutss last blog post..The weather has something to do with all these
mari
December 5, 2008 at 6:20 am (15 years ago)LOL! funny talaga si jay. there’s more to the funnyman in him. may lesson ang kwento. personal pa.
maris last blog post..Party theme: masked men and women
michelle
December 5, 2008 at 12:31 pm (15 years ago)hahaha…very funny! Now I know where to go when I feel sad. Thank you for sharing this Toni.
michelles last blog post..3 Word Thursdays #6