Philippine Blog Awards

"And for our next award tonight, we shall now give out the Pinoy Blogger of the Year Award," one of the presentors, John Knight, announces.

"Exciting na talaga itong awards na ito, John. Pati ako kinakabahan na," Kuya Germs ad-libs.

It’s the Philippine Blog Awards. From 667 entries, it was trimmed down to 110 blogsites. Then, further cut down to 52 finalists. And tonight, the top three finalists for each category are being recognized.

"And the nominees are…"

"Sean for lengthofwords.blogspot.com." Camera 1 focuses on Sean seated on the front row.

"Sol for teachersol.blog-city.com." A video feed of teacher Sol live from Washington DC appears on the giant screen on stage.

"And last but not the least, kulotski for kulotology.blogspot.com." Cameramen search for kulotski from the crowd. His seat is vacated. Where could he be?

Inside one of the cubicles of the men’s room, kulotski can barely hear what is going on on-stage. Face contorted, hands clasped, as if in a very deep prayer, he concentrates. Damn, diarrhea strikes again. And what a timing!

"Nandyan lang siguro sa tabi-tabi yang si kulotski. Magpapakita rin mamaya yon. Naaalala ko pa nga yan nung bumisita sa Master Showman yan nung pino-promote itong blog nya," Kuya Germs stretches, hoping to buy some time for kulotski to appear.

But no luck. The awards presentation must go on.

"And the winner of the Pinoy Blogger of the Year Award is…" John Knight pauses as the canned drumroll blares out from the speakers.

"Sean for lengthofwords.blogspot.com!"

Crowd applauds as Sean takes centerstage to deliver his thank you speech.

Inside the men’s room, kulotski can vaguely hear what Sean is saying on the mic. But the feeling of relief has finally dawned on him. Relief that all of this is finally over.

(Fiction)