I was probably 14 years old when we had our very first TV set. National was the brand, B&W, 14" (an inch for every year of my existence), and remote-controlled. My Tatang would order me to change the channel, I rise from the floor and change the channel -that’s how it was controlled remotely. That TV defined somewhat the person that I am now. I am a Celtics fan because it was then when the 1974 NBA Finals was shown and they were champs. It was the first time I watched a series of any kind. Although Kareem’s sky hooks were deadliest then, I chose to root for the winning team.

'Eight Is Enough’ made me want to have a big family of my own. Now I have 2 kids but raising them was like raising 8.

'James At 15' made me promise myself, I will learn how to swim. We didn’t have a swimming pool then (and now). My Tatang was too busy farming rice he didn’t have time to excavate. I enrolled in MILO when I was 29. Promise fulfilled.

'Batman & Robin’ made me want to wear my undies over my pants but Inang would not allow me.

'Combat' made me hate the Germans. Now I love BMW, Bosch, Adidas, Nivea & Paulaner. This hate die wasn’t forged.

Now, I hardly watch TV except live sports and when casting Netflix or musical shows on Youtube. I have better things to do than to be influenced by an idiot box. Wait, do they still call it that?

Here’s to those 'Wonder Years.’ Cheers!

#MyCafeNotes