AZRAEL takes a bow

I started blogging sometime in 2004. Friendster, Xanga and Blogspot where my early platforms of choice. I didn’t know anything about blogging then, just wanted to vent my frustration and anger thru writing but sadly, I wasn’t really able to say what went through my head at that time. I always had this problem of having too much thought and ideas flowing thru my head, yet saying too little. I just can’t seem to articulate what’s really on my mind. I wasn’t born to write. I don’t possess the knack for storytelling nor am I exceptionally proficient in weaving my thoughts into readable narratives. But the passion for something else stimulated my yearning to at least try writing. And that something else, is my craving to be heard. It didn’t really matter to me then, if there were people reading or listening. I just pretended that I had readers who could relate to what I was trying to say. My style, how raw, brutal and unrefined it may be, showed sincerity and came from the heart. And I would like to believe that because of this, I have successfully bared my soul and opened up my mixed-up world to those wanting to know what azrael is all about, hence gaining readers along the way.

Having strangers tell you that they can understand what you are saying, and could relate to what you wanted to impart is heartwarming and inspiring, thus encouraging me to go on much further. I didn’t really know what direction I should take my blog when I moved to wordpress july this year, but found out that using my DJ skills and past experiences related to it, made it easier for me to reach out and gain acquaintances at a rapid pace. I found myself connecting to people miles away from where I am, and sharing with them my everyday musings and rantings. I found joy in reading their own entries and I became a fan to most of them simply because they are that damn good. This was all I wanted in the first place. A sense of belonging. A feeling of acceptance. An online relation with people who speak up their minds in their own creative, funny and sometimes crazy way.

But my elation didn’t stop there. I got more than just the euphoric sense of belonging and being heard. I was handed awards, recognitions, and ‘thank you’ entries left and right. I have progressed. From being the awkward blogger, my peers elevated my status to being ‘one of them’. The praises and accolades I got from these great minds truly gave my blogging life a different meaning.

… AZRAEL humbly and unpretentiously bows head…

I am thus accepting the recognition and appreciation you have given me with pride, honor and humility. Let me thank you one by one.

Malen: for giving me a Blogging Star Award for Creativity and Talent

You’re truly one of a kind Malen. I don’t know much about you, but I see a beautiful soul inside that funny persona. I would love to know you more, and perhaps you can explain to me how to properly ‘nosebleed’ while making fun of almost anything at the same time. Thank you Malen aka Chuva aka Lotlot aka Harlene.

Defpotec: for Awards.. rewards.. atbp 2007 - Best in Music Category

Now here’s one truly funny guy. Check out his blog to see what I’m talking about. In spite of his busy schedule being a slave to his boss at the office, and being the object of attention of all the babes in the gym, he still managed to honor people that he found deserving. Thanks bro. U d’ Man.

JeanGr3y: for I Love Your Blog Award

Although we don’t talk that much Jean, be it known that I have always admired your strength and courage in the face of adversity. You’re one of the truest persons I have known. Thank you for this. And god bless you always.

Iris: for another I Love Your Blog Award

I was surprised that I got this award from you Iris. Then I realized we both have something in common. And maybe that was the reason you liked my blog in the first place. We both have beautiful baby daughters in Mia and Aila. Enough reason for me to take a peek at your blog as well every now and then. Thanks for this.

Jovi: for Egel Nest Award for Blog Excellence

Jovi my dear, dear Jovi.. Thanks for this award. Mind telling me where I really excel at? Hmmm.. sex? ok ok forget I ever said that. You and I go a loooooooong way. Glad to have found you again after all these years. I am proud of you too. Now lets take that mutual ’sense of pride’ feeling towards each other to the next level, and meet up december ok? Bad azra.. Bad bad boy…

Maru: for the Thank You Bespren entry

How do I thank thee my one and only bespren maru? Let me count the ways. Ok, I take that back coz I can’t. If I literally started counting, I wouldn’t be able to finish this entry at all. You mean so much to me, and you know that already. Even if we didn’t get to flirt with each other, you will always be an object of desire for me. I lust you!

Ella: for being Ella’s Flavor of the Month for october

Ella sweetheart, this recognition errr.. uhmmm.. award? Darn.. I don’t even know what this is hahahaha! Seriously, this is the one that really surprised me. I’m a big fan, do you know that? And having my crush (yeah, that’s you) post an entry about me is truly overwhelming. I would like to fool myself into thinking that this is an award of some sort. Every award deserves a prize right? Can you be my prize? Even for just one month? lol

WordPress Pinoys: For being Blogger of The Week (Oct. 10 – 17, 2007)

Whew! This one scared me to death. I didn’t expect my fellow bloggers to recognize me that soon. I believe I have made an impact to engender such great recognition from my WPP peeps. The response I got was so awe-inspiring; I can’t help but pinch myself to see if I’m having a dream. Ok, that sounded too overstated. But nonetheless, I humbly accept the acknowledgment from WPP, hoping that I could continue on writing things that would amuse and interest you all. Thanks WPP. And thanks to the man responsible for bonding us all, Chuck. Appreciate it man.

And lastly, Trish: for just being there when no one else wanted to.

I wouldn’t be blogging if not for. You were the one who inspired me to write my first entry. You were my first reader. My first admirer. My first fan. Although you didn’t give me any award or recognition just like them, your presence was enough for me to continue writing the best way I can. At times, you opted to stay away from the limelight, but firmly stood by me and weathered storms that came our way as well. I would like to think of you as the ultimate reward. The grandest trophy of all. The shiniest medal that I would love to wear with pride every single day. Thank you. I heart you.

…. And once more, AZRAEL takes a bow…