Dear Readers,

I don't know if you'll be skipping this chapter, but I am publishing this as I also wanted to record the journey I've taken for this story. As I've mentioned in the Author's Note of DEAD RECKONING dated last 5 February 2023, the idea for this story came in an influx. During the researching and writing, I've been like a giddy kid to write about the things I love the most: history, geography and aviation. To add, I could relate myself to Lt. César Basa; because I've also wanted to take Chemistry before finally deciding an aviation course and be a pilot myself. Since my parents would certainly disown me if I decided halfway Chemistry course that I also wanted to be a pilot... You know what I mean. So, here's the incredible journey that led for this book, and this would certainly be updated for further achievements or whatsoever.

Even early on this telling, thank you for giving me and this story a chance! A chance as well to learn about one of the unsung heroes such as Lt. César Basa, the time of an American-occupied Philippines, World War II, and the sad history of the Philippine Army Air Corps for the starting years of the Armed Forces of the Philippines and the Philippine Air Force.

xoxo,
Capt. J

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04 February 2023, Saturday: I and my family were on our way home from Century City Mall (after playing Pym's Particle at Mystery Manila) and AyalaMalls the Circuit (after an unsuccessful search for the board games café there that ended to eating at the night market), when a Qatar Airways QR928 | Boeing B77W (B777-300ER) was flying quite "a little low" over Binakayan, Kawit, Cavite at about 1,500 ft and descending. (I know that it was just the right altitude as per the RPLL ILS charts, but I deemed it to be flying too low probably because of the barometric pressure that led for true altitude to be lower than indicated altitude, anyway...) The idea of writing another "x Reader story" crossed my mind again after two years and six months that Dead Reckoning was completed and had been a success. I came back to my old notes and found the fitting new subject (new victim?) for the story: Lt. César Basa, to whom Basa Air Base was named. Hell, he was only twenty-six years old when he died, two years older though than Goyo; nevertheless, let's do this.

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05 February 2023, Sunday: I slept at about 3 in the morning because the ideas kept my brain awake. Yeah, I have the perfect plot twist for this story already as early as today since I didn't want to repeat how Dead Reckoning's bomb shell of a twist was.
When I finally slept and woke up, I've decided to write the Author's Note at Dead Reckoning asking for the support of old readers (but, hell, I'm gonna write this story without any care if it would be read; because I was set on writing this). I've worked on the first notes of OneNotes (theme, title, characters and researches) and started researching more about Lt. César Basa from 13:00LCL until 16:00LCL.
I've gathered enough researches where he was mentioned (from the diaries of Ramón Alcaraz and Felipe Buencamino III; and the history of the Philippine Air Force at the official gazette) and also a timeline of events leading to the Fall of the Philippines. And then discovered about the 6th Pursuit Squadron of the Philippine Army Air Corps. I also found photographs of PAAC as shared by Pinoy Aviators at Facebook and by the Presidential Museum and Library PH (2010-2016) at Flickr. (Okay, for the record, I don't know. I was starting to be bias but mas may itsura si César kaysa kay Goyo? And due to the name, I remember a manhwa character named Cesar, too? Okay, it might be my bias perspective, really, because, well, pilot. 🫠)
Also, been scrambling through Dictionary of Aviation; since if I've used an aviation term for Dead Reckoning, it was much more fitting to use one now as well. And upon scrolling through the first few pages alone, I came up with Artificial Horizon, and stick with it for the title without even browsing for the next pages; because, I knew that it was fitting for César the same way that Dead Reckoning was for Goyo. I would definitely explain the reason when we get there!
And to reveal as well, I've started "Chapter key points", and guess what? I've first noted the last 6 chapters of the story. Yeah, I know how this story was to end. And as a head's up, it was only a happy-tragic or tragic-tragic ending.
I've shared it to my close friends, and they know me. I could gather all necessary researches in less than half a day. Which I did.
And created this Wattpad story already as part of the drafts, and the Introduction part. And also created the cover with a matching one for Dead Reckoning. Hell, I was excited for this!

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06 February 2023, Monday: I struggled with researching about the rest of the 6th Pursuit Squadron. Thankfully, Pinoy Aviators was a lifesaver about featuring at least those members that I was after for: those who've been credited to fight along with Lt. César Basa (because, as per Del's words, "siya main character ih". Well, this was about a silly thought about a group photo where Lt. César Basa was the only one not in full flight gear; and they looked like some boy band. When majority of their group photo was really like that of a boy band!) And with that, there's the mixture of laughter and sadness on reading their accounts and what happened to them.
Hence, I've written a note at my OneNote titled "Outcome of the characters". Majority of it was sad, especially with how PAAC fighter pilots were the very first ones inducted to the USAFFE and be the first ones to be dissolved as early as the end of 1941 (which was just less than a month since the Japanese started their invasion. Yeah, sad because the bibi planes... 😭)
I've finally told them about Lt. César Basa. And his accomplishments and achievements. Not only as a pilot but as a student. I worked on trivia about detailed records about his education, and the strange stories about non-agreeable three records of his demise; and also my assumptions for creative liberties in the story regarding his family and status based on what I've found and gathered. You could read more about my detailed research about him at the chapter "Lt. César Basa (1915-1941)" and "The Creation of AH".
Also made a Spotify playlist for Artificial Horizon already; with 75 songs and a duration of 4 hours and 48 minutes. Some could be eliminated, and a few others could be added. The finalized one would certainly be after finishing the entire story as I planned to note songs inspired per chapter. And yeah, it has a cover soundtrack. And the cover soundtrack for the Dead Reckoning playlist was also changed at this time, too.

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07 February 2023, Tuesday: I started searching about Lt. César Basa in Google Books and well, sadly, most books were only previews and just texts. I was desperate to gather them and compare. I was itchy to find more information, and started writing chapter key points for chapters 1 to 5 (back then, it was the chapters, but who knows how, during the writing process, I'll decide to cut them into more chapters. Yes, the key points were too long in my opinion). In the end, I only found a few more about how active Basa was as an Ateneo student, and was at first in doubt if it was truly him. I've also found a photo of the Ateneo Basketball team for the NCAA 1938, where he was mentioned to be a player, too. But I can't deduce who he was because it was quite blurry and jerseys back then were quite... sexy that I was like an idiot looking at the photo suppressing a laughter. I mean, be my guest and look.

Source: Olivares, Rick. "The Last of the Blue and Whites: A Story of the 1937-38 Ateneo Basketball Team ." Bleachers Brew, 16 Aug. 2008, https://bleachersbrew.blogspot.com/2008/08/last-of-blue-whites.html.

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08 February 2023, Wednesday: I continued on my desperate search for more records and continued writing the chapter key points until chapter 10 (again, it might differ but I was starting to like the flow of this one.) I've also started a new note for "Locations" since I wanted to mention existing places at that time, and not just took creative liberties but stick to reality as much as possible. As I was writing the key points, I realized that Artificial Horizon was way too different from Dead Reckoning. The major difference was the relation of the reader to the main character at the beginning; and decided to switch the target audience to New Adult; because, yeah, I couldn't guarantee that this would be ideal for the young? I mean, I don't write explicit scenes as such; but to be safe. And also, it had been years since Dead Reckoning; I assume that my readers from back then were all grown-up, too, for this new telling, right? Because, hey, we're all growing up; and we have a much older main character out of Lt. César Basa, too. You can't blame me because one of the reasons I actually wanted to be a pilot was of the uniform (You know what I mean about a man in a uniform...)
I've finally made a Canva template for chapter teasers (to be released on my Twitter a day before the next chapter was to be released), and chapter headers.
The titular chapter was already set to one of the chapter key points. I've planned to list aviation terms to serve as titles for this book's chapters.

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09 February 2023, Thursday: As my records were leading nowhere, with me being curious about the inaccessible books available online, I've decided to go to the Philippine Air Force Aerospace Museum. About to head to NAIA Terminal 3 tomorrow but learned that they were only open until 4pm so I've asked my friends whoever was available to come with me. And yeah, a few of us were free on February 14. Not because we're bitter; but because I wanted to put a finality on my research to start on the project.
The last place I could go was at Villamor Air Base (which was only open from Tuesday to Friday), and also, perhaps, access records at the National Library. Got the date set already, and confirmed answers from both locations. Then, when I head to the catalog of the National Library, the books I've been after for weren't available. At all. As in, they have no record.
So, I searched for Philippine Air Force Library, which Google said to be in Lipa? And heck, Lipa was too far away from my location; the very reason why I was planning to stop my researches after Villamor because even Basa Air Base was too far. But, guess what ray of hope I saw? Filipinas Heritage Library has a record about the history of the Philippine Air Force; and it was situated in Ayala Museum, and my mother and sister were heading to Makati on Saturday, and the library has a wide collection of books about World War II and the books I was after as Basa was mentioned on the books shown by Google. Yeah, after finding about 20 books where he was mentioned and 10 other books of interest, I've booked an appointment for Saturday even for the cost of PHP 400. Found myself to be so invested in this project more than I did for Dead Reckoning, to be honest.
I've also started listing possible chapter titles based on the Dictionary of Aviation, and it felt like searching for chapter titles of the FLIGHT series, too. Anyway... I am definitely excited to go to the Filipinas Heritage Library.
P.S. Even the idea for this chapter was conceptualize on this day. As well as the chapters: "Lt. César Basa (1915-1941)", and "Sources & Credits".

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10 February 2023, Friday: Finished my list of books to see and read at the Filipinas Heritage Library, and I am excited. I continued checking for terms from the Dictionary of Aviation that could be all used as chapter titles. I've been quite busy today that I wasn't able to do much; not to mention that I've decided not to continue writing the chapter key point as I wanted to read more materials. Who knows how much more I could find out from those books?
By the way, I've also given the reader, in my version of the story, a name. At least. 👀
And, also, I start asking myself: it is American regime, so how do Filipinos speak—pure English, pure Filipino, or Taglish? 🤔

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11 February 2023, Saturday: I've spent five hours at the Filipinas Heritage Library, from 1300 until 1800, and after about thirty to forty books, I could say that Basa remained an enigma to me. True, there were new things that I've discovered and learned; and also found two new photos of him and the 6th Pursuit Squadron (a College graduation photo and a military ID photo, I guess?), and finally settled the members of the squadron he was definitely closest to (since I've also found a list of military pilot graduates per year, and there he was, indeed). Spent 86 pesos for the photocopy, but it was worth it. The resources that I've took and would be with me forever as I scanned them back home. The only reason that I said that he remained an enigma was because most of the things that I've found online were also what was written on the books; and to top it all, it was indeed true that everything about him remained contradictory, especially that of his death. I guess my last option was to visit the Philippine Air Force Aerospace Museum at Villamor; but I could finally continue with the chapter key points because I have a background of how their lives were as part of the 6th Pursuit Squadron. Because, as per Col. Villamor's words, every other Filipino fighter pilot wanted to be them (6th Pursuit Squadron). I mean, the vibes; yeah. And also found an interesting touch of history that made me baffled: was Rizal City back in 1948, Rizal Province now; and if ever, where was it exactly?

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12 February 2023, Sunday: I've scanned all the photocopies that I've recovered, and as I was scrolling through his pictures, I wondered how could a man be so different in all photos? I mean, I even asked my younger sister if she could help me, and she asked me in return if I was sure that it was all the same man; to which I answered, "I am sure of the four photos because he was mentioned to be the man on the picture, and I even doubt one of it because I have a feeling that it was a mistake by the writer (even though said writer had been Col. Jesús Villamor himself). But I have assumptions that this man on the photo was also him because of the bracelet..."
Below were the said photos:

Sources: (1) Villarroel, Hector K., and Carlos Quirino. Eminent Filipinos. Philippine Textbook Publishers, 1965. (2) Presidential Museum and Library PH (2010-2016). "Lt. Cesar Fernando Basa." Flickr, Yahoo!, 30 June 2015, https://www.flickr.com/photos/govph/19293063681/in/album-72157655193750366/. (3) Presidential Museum and Library PH (2010-2016). "Lt. Cesar Basa Posing on His Plane." Flickr, Yahoo!, 30 June 2015, https://www.flickr.com/photos/govph/19102903039/in/album-72157655193750366/. (4) Diano, Eduardo. "The Air Battle over Batangas Airfield, Batangas City on December 12, 1941." Pinoy Aviators, 27 Aug. 2019, https://www.facebook.com/PinoyAviators13/photos/a.629572590410317/2551041041596786/.

My sister's comment was, "Are you sure they were all the same man?" Well, aside from being sure because of the sources; the strong set of eyebrows gave away that much; and the facial structure (according to another close friend). Here's where I was doubtful then:

Source: Villamor, Jesus A., and Gerald S. Snyder. They Never Surrendered: A True Story of Resistance in World War II. Vera-Reyes, 1982.

Because, at first glance, I already knew that there should be a mistake. Basa was never that babyface as I remember from the photos, and yeah, the strong set of eyebrows I mean. I trust that the comment was interchanged between him and Lt. Antonio Mondigo, who was a half-Filipino and half-German with the babyface features of a mestizo. Not to mention that the ears, guys. Yeah, the ears. Just look at his graduation photo. And even my friend said that there was definitely a mixed-up because he even agreed that based on the photos from above, there was no doubt who was who.
And here comes my other assumption of a photograph of him.

Source: Presidential Museum and Library PH (2010-2016). "The Philippine Air Force." Flickr, Yahoo!, 9 Feb. 2023, https://www.flickr.com/photos/govph/albums/72157655193750366.

For once, I am sure that the bored watcher of the game was Mondigo. And the one playing the black pieces was Basa. As I've mentioned, this was a wild guess alone; but that bracelet surely wasn't a military issued one. There was no mention of it as part of the uniform through the words of Col. Villamor in his book; hence, I was sure that accessories were all according to the preference of the pilot. Even my friend said that "the side profile was familiar to the other photos". With that being said, regarding the bracelet, look at that photo of him smiling in front of his plane and notice the bracelet on his right wrist. Well, again, crediting the above photo to him was a big question mark. I needed other's opinion about it, too.

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13 February 2023, Monday: So, I've interviewed my friend regarding my theory, once more for finality, and he said, "Villamor didn't know his own troops?!" And I laughed; because we agreed that there had been a mistake with the captions concerning Mondigo and Basa. He also agreed that it was Basa who was the player of the black chess pieces because of the side-view profile; than that of my own deduction regarding the bracelet. I was much more interested on who won at chess; and also the cards (since there was a photo of the 6th Pursuit Squadron playing cards; but it was quite blurry and almost unidentifiable who were on the photo).
I've also rewritten the chapter key points after finding new information as well to add. And the ending remained the same. It was meant to be sad. Also told my friend about it that he should read it, though his was different because he wanted a main character than a reader (so he'll certainly have the original copy of mine, too). I also admitted to him that with this, I was bound to make the most gruesome ending ever in my career as of date. Well, I couldn't shy away from history, at all.
I know that it was wrong to swear and not live to your expectation. But if you've cried buckets with Dead Reckoning, you'll certainly cry twice or even thrice the number with Artificial Horizon. Because, just writing this chapter key points was enough to make me cry; what much more when I am already writing it? I didn't even feel this much sadness and urged to cry when I was writing Dead Reckoning.

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14 February 2023, Tuesday: Still writing the Chapter key points, halfway done based on the timeline, and I could swear that I was a crying mess. All I could say was that I love planes, and this was really bound to be a rollercoaster ride. 😭
I've visited the Philippine Air Force Aerospace Museum today with two of my closest friends, and I've already introduced to them Basa beforehand, and right by the entrance, which was in honor of Col. Villamor and his troops, of course, there goes our boy. His popular portrait could be found there, as well as the group photo of the 6th Pursuit Squadron where he stood behind Villamor, noted to be his last known photograph. I've inserted my own captured photo of the said picture below, too. And in the paintings featured in the first floor of the museum, despite me not pointing it out, well, there goes our boy still. Hence, my friends dubbed him as the "poster boy", and now I am calling him as such. And it was funny that I have the same thought of him since the creation of the chapter key points. Well, how could he not be a poster boy? I mean, a celebrated Ateneo basketball player? Right? I also found a miniature version of the Peashooter, and also a diorama of the 6th Pursuit Squadron at Batangas, though it was strange finding six planes on land when there should only be five (since Basa already took one) which were left when the Japanese were sighted... Anyhow, it is still cool to see such thing.
During our ride, since I've brought a car, my friend was the first one to breech the subject regarding the fact that they were surely "conyos" given their background. He said that "Dude, they were the rich ones, and poster boy and Villamor are definitely conyos." And we couldn't stop laughing at how awkward it was to imagine, so I consider that they only speak taglish at least (well not much of a spoiled conyo, I guess?) He also said that "It was obvious that he's the poster boy out of the already poster boys of the 6th Pursuit Squadron."
Hopefully, I could finish the rest of the chapter key points and finally start with the story itself. As of now, I planned for a 30 chapter story, but with how long the other chapter key points were, I think it could even be that of 40 or 50 chapters long. Who knows?

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15 February 2023, Wednesday: My normal routine ever since that sudden Davao trip last January upon waking up was: eat breakfast, meditate and pray the rosary, take a bath, review a chapter of Gleims for the Instrument Rating exam, continue with the world-building of my stories (which was Artificial Horizon by now; sorry ER, TIC and NtS), eat dinner, continue with the writing, read old works (such as RoG), and then sleep. And repeat. At least, that was how it was in a normal day, with an insertion of attending mass, spending some time outdoors with my family, or playing mahjong once in a while during the weekend; and very much different when I was deployed for flight training, which was hectic or chaotic of a schedule. I hope that I'll be able to finish about 75% of Artificial Horizon before being deployed another time.
With my timetable, I predict that I'll be starting with writing Artificial Horizon by Friday. Well, guess what, I am about 80% done with the chapter key points, which I'll definitely finished by tomorrow.
I've rewatched Quezon's Game, and finally deduced that they were linguists. Yeah, the characters of Artificial Horizon would definitely be switching between English and Filipino and even Spanish effortlessly.

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16 February 2023, Thursday: I've found a discovery and managed to name two more people on the 6th Pursuit Squadron's group picture: Lt. Salvador Manlunas and Lt. Antonio Mondigo, all because of the initials there was on the straps of their goggles. I was like a detective being quite too happy with that discovery.
Anyhow, I've created a new chapter entitled Photographs since Wattpad won't even allow me to add more photos for the Lt. César Basa (1914-1951) chapter because it already reached 20 images; hence, I created a new one where I've added all credited photographs of him, as well as a few assumptions of mine, and photographs of airfields and the Boeing P-26A Peashooter.
AND!!! I am only short of three more chapters to add and the chapter key points would finally be completed~ As of writing it now, the chapters were listed for thirty-six chapters but I was so sure that it would have more than that, so just watch out for the official chapter listing. Since I'll definitely be finished with the chapter key points by tomorrow morning, I am sure that I'll be starting with the story itself tomorrow afternoon or evening~ I am excited!!!

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17 February 2023, Friday: Couldn't sleep right away, so guess what? I've finished the chapter key points! 🥹😭 So early this morning, upon waking up, I was finally hyped to start writing it. Don't know if I'll follow the same chapter length as that of Dead Reckoning, but if I did, it would mean more chapters and who knows if it'll be like that or not?
I've started writing the story, and finished writing the first chapter! 🥹 And I don't know if it would fit everyone's taste or what as I try not to prolong the scenes as much as possible and focus on what matters. It was also longer than a usual Dead Reckoning chapter; roughly twice longer, I guess? But who knows if that would be a consistent one as I've only written the first chapter. Hopefully I could finish two or three chapters per day for the story to be shared with you as soon as possible; but today had been quite productive still. As I was halfway from writing, I decided to watch a documentary in DisneyPlus entitled Attack on Pearl Harbor: Minute by minute; which gave me a good preview as well of the Japanese and the US side at the start of the war, since it is what mattered for Artificial Horizon. Still, happy achievement for today!
I've told my friend about that discovery I had of naming Lt. Antonio Mondigo and Lt. Salvador Manlunas at the picture, and it went on back to me being quite bias towards Basa. He said that poster boy didn't wear a cap or goggles, when there was a picture of him wearing such apparel with a bright smile in front of his bibi plane. And then, suddenly, I noticed something prevalent in the pictures of the gang (the 6th Pursuit Squadron as I'll now call them as "gang"), most of them were wearing rings which could be College rings or signet rings; but wasn't able to find poster boy wearing such based on two pictures of him (the one playing chess where his right hand and three fingers of the left hand could be seen without any rings, and the gang's photo where his left hands pointer and thumb could be seen empty wth rings); and he said that it was because Basa wasn't married. He said that poster boy seems to be the type of dude to prioritize career over relationships, and I told him that it was very much of an INTJ or INTP; when originally, I thought of poster boy to be very much like a sports-active and intelligent INTJ who busies himself with basically everything to solve his curiosity indeed.
By the way, I've also adjusted the chapter key points that I now have roughly 50 chapters to offer for Artificial Horizon.

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18 February 2023, Saturday: I looked back at the chapter key points, reading each and every chapter, and I figured that it seemed like I am creating a different book only inspired of a historical figure. Then, I looked back at Dead Reckoning and realized that it was also the same; though the latter had much more record for it to be also inspired with the movie Goyo: Ang Batang Heneral. Perhaps, despite all the researches that Direk Jerrold Tarog had done for the movie, there will also be in need of adding cement to cracks to fit things together. And basically, that was what I did with Artificial Horizon. I found the cracks, the missing ones, the plot holes, and fill it with creative liberties. In the end, even Artificial Horizon could feature any other but decided to focus on Basa as the main character; after all, on the end of the day, the events that happened and as well as the ending were all linked to him. Just as how I take all rights reserved for the creative liberties I've taken with Dead Reckoning, I could also say the same thing as well with Artificial Horizon.
I was laughing like an idiot as I quite struggled with finishing the second chapter. But I did finished it! Hopefully I could escalate my writing process; or perhaps I was excited to write the last chapters that made me eager...

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19 February 2023, Sunday: I am getting on shape with writing today, though there had been few distractions... But I've finished two chapters (Chapters 3 & 4) today! The publication of the first chapters is coming soon~ With the phase I am writing, if I can finish two chapters for the succeeding days, I could start releasing the story on March 2. But if I am writing three chapters per day, as intended, the releasing could start by February 26! As I was planning to release two chapters per week, the story will be running for the next 25 weeks. And yes, I can't hide my excitement; because I am feeling the vibes of Mondigo as a character. I've told my friend that he is such a mood for the first chapters that he appeared. Definitely, that is so common among us in the field. You'll know about it soon what I am talking about! When it happens, you must know that it is more than just an expression but an ordinary part of our language; but if we don't, you better start sweating because we're then serious of the matter.
Scrolling through the photographs of PAAC much more closely, I notice a new photograph that I wonder if it features Basa. For some reasons, the person in the photo resembles the one playing chess; and there's some sort of resemblance, too. Should I even doubt myself when even photos actually credited of him are like different people at all? Should I be surprised that I found another debatable photo of him just because it seems like it isn't him, when even those non-debatable are actually debatable, too? (Am I even making sense at all?)

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20 February 2023, Monday: Got to talk with my friend from flying about our latest plans of deployment, and I've been honest with her that my schedule frees after Holy Week. Well, not because of writing or whatever, but because I have prior commitments set, too; like family celebrations and health appointments. Nothing strange, just some dentist appointment and ear screening after the scare of what happened last August. During the conversation, it sinks in to me that by the end of this year, we'll be renewing our licenses again for next year. Yeah, it is just February and we're already worried about it! Well, that's the reality of us pilots; we worry about the currency of our licenses (and yes, it is plural). And also, it made me realize that by this deployment, it will be my last one. Because, on this deployment, I'll be having my instrument rating then a completion of the 200 flying hours included in our training. Since I've already had my CPL check ride last December, I am expected to complete the rest of the hours then before proceeding with the Airbus A320 training itself, which will just be simulators in Clark. It is a little fleeting and sad moment, but also exciting to accomplish!
Anyway, I've finished a chapter today. Yeah, I tend to slack when I am writing on my laptop than on an iPad. Because, let's admit it, there are too many temptations to do! But, I've already created the first two chapters here in Wattpad, and also prepared them after doing a reread. I'll certainly be rereading each chapter once again to ensure that it is, at least, acceptable to be read. However, it then lead me to ask myself when will Artificial Horizon be available to be read if I'll only be finishing one chapter per day, and the answer will be about March 13.

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21 February 2023, Tuesday: Okay, so I rewatched Dunkirk (2017) once more all for the sake of getting on the vibes of a World War II dogfight. Well, I am still on the first chapters and I am not in need of any dogfight scenes yet but... let's say that it got me in the mood to continue writing once more. I could watch Top Gun for dogfight scenes, yes, but it is too modernized than actual World War II dogfights. And, in the end, I want the accuracy. Even though Spitfires are so different from the Peashooters, at least I get the idea and the limitations of it. Still, I am in search of a Peashooter's Operating Handbook but couldn't find. I won't stop researching for one until I reach the respective chapter.
Due to that, I end up only writing one chapter today. Again. I was so torn with the fact that there aren't much information about the Peashooter that I need to assume too many important things, which included its fuel range. However, I somehow made peace with my mind that since Villamor mentioned in his book that Basa only has three hours' worth of fuel, then it only means that it isn't a full tank and that. Still, it drives me crazy trying to analyze how much exactly, in gallons, was the fuel. I will continue with the research by tomorrow or in another day, I guess.

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22 February 2023, Wednesday: Today's Ash Wednesday, and I'll be honest to say that I wasn't able to finish a chapter today; though I am about 75% done. I helped my younger brother with a drawing project of his at school so I've been quite busy with that. To add, I also rewatched All Quiet on the Western Front (2022), and it reminded me once again of the established friendship among the Sixth Pursuit Squadron and the events that happened afterwards during World War II. I drew more inspirations to it about loss, grief and remorse. It also reminded me of one of the quotes that Lt. Geronimo Aclan had mentioned in his memoirs, "I am killing people killing mine."
I promised that I'll try to write more tomorrow, and hopefully, I will.

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23 February 2023, Thursday: Finished the chapter from yesterday but sadly failed to finish another as I watched another movie, The Great War (2008), a Hollywood movie which was set in the Philippines on the last week of January 1945, especially the raid in Cabanatuan, which was considered as the most successful US rescue mission as of to date. Anyhow, still not an excuse to lax; but hopefully, I can recover some chapters of writing tomorrow, given that there will be no unexpected trips... which also lead for me not to be able to review for my IR exam, too.
However, it is quite worthwhile as I, once again, headed to my natural habitat: the airport. No, I didn't travel; just picked up my aunt and uncle from their recent trip, but still! To add, got to hear their plane being granted "cleared to land" by ATC through the atclive.net (I missed being up in the air, but I am not rushing my review with the IR as I am sure that I am still not prepared for it.) And even saw some planes up close, and once more discussed my love of flying and sharing knowledge to my family about few trivia.

* * *

24 February 2023, Friday: So, it is strange to find out that today's a holiday and tomorrow isn't; and that the announcement is only revealed six hours before the day itself. I mean, we truly have a fucked-up and imbecile politicians running the government, right? Well, I don't know your opinion but if you're reading Artificial Horizon and also read Dead Reckoning, I think you shall wake up and understand that the events leading to those two are also cause by almost the same leadership we have right now. I mean, okay, Quezon is fine for doing something that others do not (which was saving the Jews); but fuck it all, it is so messed up right now that we're letting this country sink in dirt! We're like a government turning into the US army during the time prior WW2, and there's only a few of us who are really willing to fight for this country at the cost of our lives.
Okay, I also recently watched the controversial Plane (2023). The same Hollywood movie that one imbecile senator and self-proclaimed action star claims to only shed a bad image to the Philippines. I mean, come on. We're also making movies like that; are we the only one allowed to do so? And fuck those senators, because it is a good movie; well, except for me being angry about the break of protocols concerning aviation and all that. But swear! It is a good one; B- graded movie. I guess, he hates it because Gerard Butler proves to be an action star, indeed; and he is just a mere... well, okay just meh as I never like him at all as an actor, though.
In the end, wasn't able to finish a chapter; only managed to do half of it. And I'll just need to marathon Drive to Survive (2019-2023) to make a blast with writing, too, I guess. After all, it is Bahrain Grand Prix, the start of the 2023 F1 Season, next week! Excited~ And yeah, I guess I am born for the speed.

* * *

25 February 2023, Saturday: The actual strange fuck happened today. I was writing and then out of the blue, my younger brother said "César Basa". I was wearing earphones at that time that I asked him to repeat what he just said and he did, and I asked what's with him, and he said, "Nothing." But later on, I talked to him about it and he finally gave in, saying, "We were asked to watch a video about the history of the Philippine Air Force for the ROTC and make a reflection paper about it. He was mentioned as the first Filipino fighter pilot who died in aerial combat." I asked him what was said about his death and according to him, there was nothing; because there were too many inconclusive mentions about his death at all!
Anyhow, managed to finish the previous chapter and also another one. Still have a chapter or two pending, if I am correct, for a chapter to be finished daily. However, I'll still say that it is quite an accomplished day as I decide that I must use my aviation knowledge and perks for something related in the story. And thankfully, it works with the charts I have but I'll definitely be pulling out the World Aeronautical Charts (WAC) of the Philippines any day now for a better understanding of aviation-related chapters (future one from what I am writing!)

* * *

26 February 2023, Sunday: Only managed to finish one chapter today, but still, it's an accomplishment as I hit the ten mark! Yes, I've already finished the first ten chapters of the story out of the predicted 52. Fifteen more chapters and this could finally start its release! Still keeping my fingers crossed that it will be within this week that I could at least introduce it. Well, I am to say that the reason I've been quite busy; except for the review, is upon finding new photos of maps within that era. And, oh my god, my geography geek self is in love with maps! Hence, I spent quite some time looking on it, and finding the locations that I've set on this story. I learned that Rizal Province on the year the story is set is quite huge; but doing so still lead me to another inquiry about that latter address attributed to his mother, Rosario, which was at: 1096 Burgos-Zamora, Rizal City.

* * *

27 February 2023, Monday: One chapter down today... as I've been left staring at the old map that I've recovered. That respective Manila Map of 1945 which was separated to Manila North and Manila South; showing places such as Mandaluyong, Makati and Pasay as part of Rizal Province. Aside from my fond look at the Zablan Field, Nielson Airport, and Nichols Airfield, something caught my eye: "Central National Airport (proposed)" at the location where CCP, PICC, Sofitel and Star City now stood. Why it never happened? No one knows. My FIs replied to my Instagram story showcasing that and the common denominator was "corruption". I told them that it could be because of the previous war; but the big question was Nielson Airport ended its operation by 1948, three years after the war, and instead of pushing the proposed airport, which we all agreed with my FIs to be the best course of action for future possible expansions of reclamation than what is happening now of needing to make a new airport, PH government instead focused in developing former US airbases. Just as how Nichols Airfield is now the NAIA and Villamor Air Base we know of.
One of my FIs who've replied is a former PAF fighter pilot, too recent from service that he even served in the Battle of Marawi. And I understand where we are both coming from; hinting that he isn't actually a fan of the government with his comment that: "Filipinos are too 'patriotic' for things that they shouldn't." He commented that because I told him that there are too many airfields pre-World War 2, but you can only name a few which has historical markers (Maniquis, Zablan, Nielson, Batangas, to name a few; even Lahug didn't get to have one). He said that even the streets around Clark Airport is being renamed to Filipino names to which I said that it would've been better if the names they've chosen are those Filipino fighter pilots who've been pioneers of Philippine aviation around the vicinity; sadly, there's a few. I could even bet that not too many of you are aware of César Basa himself upon finding this story or what. Leading then for me to ask him myself that "Does surviving the war makes you less a hero than those who've died?" And he said, "Hindi mo kailangan mamatay para maging hero." And I get that; knowing his history, I know what he means. Survivors of wars are usually the unsung heroes, which, on its own, is already a heroic moment. We also discussed that PH government thinks that "We've already named bases for those heroes." But in the end, it seems like one needs to die just to be remembered in the end.
In another aspect, I've finally chosen the release date of the story! Hence, on March 1, an announcement will be coming on Dead Reckoning for the introduction, and I'll finally be able to ask potential readers about the days they prefer for the release of chapters. I am thinking of Wednesday and Saturday? What do you think?

* * *

28 February 2023, Tuesday: I wasn't able to finish a chapter. Yes, I've been busy; but no words flow out of me since hearing the news. My dear friend, the one who've been hearing every story first since its first idea, conceptualization and draft, has passed away. I've known him since college and had been a constant part of my circle of friends. So I'm quite still in denial. But I am at peace, I guess, because there is no more pain for him. He had been suffering from myeloid leukemia since birth and only found out about it during our fourth year in college. Among our friends, he'd been open to me about his pain, and wanting me to keep it a secret from the others, knowing that I can keep it and was the strongest among us. I sometimes prayed that it will be better for our circle of friends for me to be the last one to die; you see, I tend to be the rock for them. This project suddenly became too special for me. This will be the first story I've ever written, out of all the novels I've posted here and not... this will be the first one he never read a single word at all. A respective quote that I've wished to be part of the ending tended to be fitting for such. With that in mind, I really hope that you'll enjoy this story and love it, too; because, I know, he will definitely enjoy this. That's how supportive he was, and how excited he was to hear of this. Tomorrow, I was about to send the first ten chapters to him, and the announcement for this story will see the light of day beyond our circle of friends. For today, we mourn him; for tomorrow, I know that he wanted us to move on and accept the truth.

* * *

1 March 2023, Wednesday: It was still strange, and I was still in denial. It felt like the past few times that he would not be answering to our messages and truly go off the radar. For some reasons, I wanted to believe that it was only the case, but we're just fooling ourselves. To be honest, I laughed and smiled whenever I saw our pictures; what brought me to tears was the countless 'what-ifs' and bucket-lists we'll never be able to fulfill. One of it was beating the high score at a respective Timezone game at Glorietta; guess I'll still try ranking top 1 on it after our highest ranking had been top 2.
Anyway, I still proceed on with the announcement today, and the public finally found out that it has a name: Artificial Horizon. For the first time, I am announcing a book's title that he didn't heard of, but a title he definitely knew of. I think that it wasn't only fitting to choose an aviation term for the title given César's background, when I did so with Goyo despite it not being aviation-related. And now, I truly think that it is, in a sense, another aviation term that has a rather deep and sad meaning. As the name suggests, artificial horizon or a false horizon is like in flying blindly or with the use of instruments. You might not have a clear view of what's ahead of you, the artificial horizon denotes if you're to collide with the ground or pitch up to the sky. It is like a mirror, that you want to believe it is a reflection of the truth; that when a rather taller obstacle is there beyond your artificial horizon, you'll have the urge to stick to what you know of than what is there outside the plane. It is very much like being in denial.
I am trying to finish two chapters today, the one supposed-to-be finished yesterday and the one for today. I hope I can. (Nope. I just finished one.)

* * *

2 March 2023, Thursday: To be honest, I don't know how to grieve. Seriously. Like, how did I even able to say such a thing? When I heard the news, of course, I was in denial. I didn't cry at once. Even when I heard our friend telling the news, too, as additional confirmation, I didn't cry. Only when my mother asked me what's the problem since nakatulala lang ako, and when I broke the news to her, that's the only time that I cried. It is like I need to say the words to someone myself to make me accept that it is real. Accepting the condolences as a friend, well, I didn't feel anything at all. But when we're asked how we are doing, that's when I will cry again. Because the we there didn't involve him any longer. And so I am jealous of my characters for they are easy to bend to grieve, and I am keeping myself busy instead. So, yeah, I am fine with pushing myself to do something; all at the same time that I don't.
I've finished the slideshow for him after collecting all the photos we have of him. It is strange to find photos of us together, and anyone who didn't know may think that we're together. I mean, we even have photographs like our story is some college-romance. But we both know that we're not meant to be, as our usual response to the usual inquiry why we aren't a couple is because: "Do you wish to see the end of the world?" In the end, we both know that we're better fitted as siblings from another parents.
I've also finished a chapter today. We're heading to his wake tomorrow. Don't worry about me. I am fine with being busy, but I can't promise any chapter to be finished tomorrow due to our schedule.

* * *

3 March 2023, Friday: We visited my friend's wake today and offered prayers to him. Seeing him there feels like the final nail to the coffin, making us believe that it is real. Seeing our names written on the ribbon to live with his memories is an additional ache that we definitely become a huge part of his life. We're almost turning eight in our friendship, and he'd been battling such illness for years with medications for almost six years by April. Hearing the story of his passing through his mother, I finally have a clear understanding that he definitely was at peace. His mother told us that his last words had been, "Ma, ang swerte-swerte ko talaga." And that alone is enough to make me tear up; because last Friday, he asked us in our group chat if there was something that we regret or would want to change from the past. I told him that there weren't any regrets, for I fear that changing one from my past choices would alter this present that I very much wanted; he said at that time, "Ang sweet mo naman." I was just being honest, and I hope that he understood the depths of it. In this life, there is supposed to be no regrets. We live it until we're once called back to where we came from. At the same time, I know that it hurt his parents the most; because it is definitely painful to bury a child. However, it was also painful to hear from his mother that he treasured every single thing that we give him, and especially my stories. He once told me that his phone was dying, and he fear that he would lose all those books; and I told him that I could just give them a copy of it again. He also have printed copies of my works, and his mother told us that he treasured them, even all the small trinkets and bracelets and letters that we've given him. And it was all making me cry again that he wouldn't be able to be read this story; but I'll keep to his promise that once it was all done, I'll be sending a copy to him. He would always be a great inspiration to my writings.
I've managed to write more than half of a chapter; wishing that I'll finish it and another one by tomorrow.

* * *

4 March 2023, Saturday: I visited his wake again. This time, with my parents, and tomorrow, we're finally sending him off for his funeral. For some reasons, it is still strange to talk about him in the past tense; but we'll get there soon. Slowly, yes, but he definitely wanted us to do so. I am sure that he, very much, wanted me to also continue with the stories and this. I'll surely finish this one, dear friend. And once its over, I'll be able to tell myself that I made it, for the first time, and definitely not the last time, that you didn't leave any critic about it. For now, we'll all do fine, because we need to.
Finished the chapter I've managed to do half yesterday. For some reasons, it is quite a heavy one to deal with, too. Definitely not just because of what is going on, but yeah, I am telling you, Artificial Horizon is the most angsty story I'm to write as of to date.

* * *

5 March 2023, Sunday: Today's the funeral. I and our circle of friends, except for one of us from the province, managed to attend. I found it weird that we're the last ones to walk behind, even the way to the cemetery itself. According to his parents, as his death is quite sudden, the only place they manage to find was on the apartment-style of the public cemetery; and be seven or eight rows high. At that, we remembered him always ducking low, despite his height, when talking to us; and in the end, we're still going to look up at him. We were also the last ones to leave, as we drew closer to where his resting place is. Weirdly, we were laughing in the memories we share with him instead of tears. I suddenly realized how important the time we've spent with him; that out of the almost eight years of friendship, we've been with him for the approaching six years that he was battling his illness. We suddenly felt special in having to be there with him at his weakest moments; and we'll definitely remember him for the joy and love. I could still remember our first meeting as if it was yesterday; just at PATTS walkway right away after Integral Calculus of second year's first semester. You're talking with one of our friends and I rudely told you that, "Crush mo si XXX." And you laughed nervously, rejecting it; though I knew that I got it correctly; so I just added. "Ah, crush mo rin si XXX." What happened between that and your last words to me of: "Don't be so hard on the guy." was all history. As we took comfort of your company here on Earth, may we one day gain your friendship once more in Heaven. Thank you, and rest now, my friend. We'll be alright; and you'll always be remembered.

* * *

6 March 2023, Monday: Finished a new chapter today, and uploaded the first teaser for Artificial Horizon on Twitter. Will be uploading the next chapter's teaser every Monday and Thursday at 2000LCL. For some reasons, I am excited to share the first chapter of the story to all of you; knowing too well that my friend was definitely going to laugh and say "Classic." for how it is going to be.

* * *

7 March 2023, Tuesday: Finished a chapter and a half today, and will be honest to say that it is quite a heavy one to write. Yeah, we're just approaching half of the story and there are moments of heaviness with the emotions right there. Excited to share the first chapter to all of you tomorrow!

* * *

8 March 2023, Wednesday: It is D-Day, and the first chapter is finally shared to all of you. Still a little sad that my friend couldn't read it; but still happy that the day finally arrived. To be honest, I am excited and scared of it. I once told another friend that I feel like this is gonna flop. Keeping my fingers crossed that it isn't. Finished another chapter and a half today, too; despite me rewatching The Forgotten Battle (2020). I refresh the feeling of sadness while watching the movie, and reminding me once more on how one of the characters is how I imagine to be from one of my stories.

* * *

9 March 2023, Thursday: I finished a chapter today. And damn, that is quite angsty and hot? Definitely songs like Darling, Trouble I'm In, Tether Me, I'm Yours and You are Mine are all compacted to that one. Perhaps, once I am all finished with the entire story, I'll be working on an extended version of this chapter? As well as one that is in César's POV? Though, it is not a question because I'll definitely be doing so. The only question is when to write it, and when I'll be publishing it... Hmm, a year after, or the next? It all depends on the response to Artificial Horizon. It is still too early to deduce with just one chapter up, but I am becoming quite sad that it didn't reach a great audience at all for its first chapter than I anticipated? Probably, Dead Reckoning's popularity is definitely due to the hit movies by Direk Jerrold Tarog, that's why. Or they definitely grow out of it, and thought that this isn't up for their taste. I guess the warning of this being much more angsty than DR provoke them, that I also forgot to mention that this is also quite intense in practically other aspects, too? Yeah, take for example my recently finished chapter... which by the dates of publication, will see the light of day in the next nine or ten weeks?
Anyhow, I am planning to write a chapter and a half but failed to do so. I definitely watched the three-episode documentary series of MH370: The Plane that Disappeared (2023), yesterday had been its ninth-year since its disappearance and I've been intrigued with the conspiracy behind it. I remember hearing of its disappearance when I was about to graduate fourth year, all-set to enter the aviation industry with my chosen course and career to be a pilot. Of course, upon entering college, it remains the question, and until now remains as the biggest mystery of the industry; that there are even saying, it is actually cryptic to find an ATC and pilot exchange be that of: "Goodnight, Malaysian three-seven-zero." Hence, no matter what the time, we were accustomed to say "Good day" instead. I actually like documentaries like this, involving aviation. I actually marathon the entire Mayday series 1-5, and planning to do it all over again from series 1 to 23; as it correlates two things I enjoy: investigations and aviation. When I am about to enter college, it is no doubt that I actually wanted to take up Chemistry Major in Forensic Science; however, I don't think that I am in the right country for that, so I chose to be a pilot. Due to that, still a goal of mine, probably in the foreseeable future with the necessary years of experience, I want to be part of the Philippines' Aircraft Incident and Accident Investigation Board. I love mystery, that's why. I also started watching Downfall: The Case Against Boeing (2022). No offense to Boeing, since I prefer the Airbus; but I'll be honest that I love the 777 and 747, and of course, the Peashooter and the Stearman.
And I also want to add that the Artificial Horizon reach a number 1 ranking for the #philippinehistory tag!

* * *

10 March 2023, Friday: Okay, so I already finished the extended version of Chapter 20, and started writing it on César's POV. Definitely will be dragging you down the train, but not yet. Let me see when... hmm. I should be focusing with the main storyline after all... And I'll be honest that it is quite a stretch to start the new chapter because I can't help laughing as I imagine it myself.
Finished watching Downfall, and it is really disheartening and cruel to risk human lives and blame the pilots for an airplane design failure. No hate for airplanes, but I never thought that Boeing will be doing something for the value of money. Like, they destroyed such a long history to be a legacy just because of a rivalry with Airbus.
Additionally, received an invitation from Filipinas Heritage Library for a Zoom webinar involving World War II and transportation, which includes planes! Oh my history and aviation geek heart is so happy to attend it on next Saturday. Also invited a friend who've been a geek with World War II, too.

* * *

11 March 2023, Saturday: Chapter 2 is up! And I finished a chapter and a half today. The chapter had been quite easy to write as it explore a topic that is quite too personal with me. Don't worry, it isn't at all technical! Because, even when I am trying to understand myself explaining it, I also have those moments that I tell myself, "I don't understand anything I've just said", despite me knowing fully what it is but what I've just described on doesn't make any sense. Something like that?

* * *

12 March 2023, Sunday: Finished a chapter a half today, and told my friend another time that I feel like dropping Artificial Horizon. Don't get me wrong, I am quite proud with how it turns out to be. However, it is this weird feeling that makes me think of it. Perhaps because of the lack of viewership? I don't know; maybe I am just being delusional that this could match the success of Dead Reckoning.

* * *

13 March 2023, Monday: Finished a new chapter, and I am happy that I've reached the midpoint of the story. At least, that's from the chapter key point that I have. I guess it will remain as it is then.

* * *

14 March 2023, Tuesday: Another chapter down, and upon looking at the chapter key point, it seems this chapter is actually the midpoint and not the previous one. So, here's the fifty percent ready for publication, but it will take even weeks before this very chapter. All I can say is, it is indeed timely for it to also have a certain line saying "the turning point". It definitely is that as things start to escalate for the Reader and César. Well, not in that matter, but in another. Because they're definitely beyond that already, at wherever chapter I am writing now. Since my weekends are meant to be packed until the Holy Week, I am trying to write as much as I can. Looking on at the succeeding chapters, I think I can accomplished two chapters tomorrow. That definitely shows that I am excited for those two, I guess?

* * *

15 March 2023, Wednesday: Chapter 3 is up today, and only managed to finish a chapter and a half. Yesterday, I received an invitation for a new reading app. I am still testing the app and coming up with a list of my questions before signing up on it. Whatever works I have will remain here, but some are definitely heading there if things work well.

* * *

16 March 2023, Thursday: It had been quite a struggle to finish the chapter today, but I managed to pull it off. For one, I guess there are too many things going on in my mind during writing, that's why. After all, I and my batchmates finally decided on the day when to take what we call as the dreaded Instrument Rating exam. We've decided to take it on 14 April 2023, and by predictions, I'll be done with the rest of the remaining chapters for Artificial Horizon. However, I'll be needing to study every day the 300-item reviewer that many are saying is enough to be reviewed in favor of the 10,000 items to be answered in Gleims. I guess I'll take my chances with that.

* * *

17 March 2023, Friday: So, we recently received the news that my maternal grandfather's younger brother died early this morning. He had been battling lung cancer for quite some time already, and with the lack of apparent care and medication from that of his family, my grandfather (or Tata as I affectionately call him) was definitely heartbroken with the news. For Tata, he said that he couldn't take it somehow that his brother died with a lack of support from his own children upon hearing the story. However, I can't just say to go beyond the grief; because it reminds me of our friend's death recently, too. We'll just need to deal with it for days and finally accept that it is life. I know that it broke Tata upon hearing the news; after all, when their mother died when Tata was twenty-one years old, because of my great-grandfather remarrying, Tata took care of his eight younger siblings.
I finished two chapters today! I think it is quite easily flowing to me right now because of the vibes of the chapters. I am on the last twenty chapters as per my key points, and damn, I am enjoying the ride! This is all a given that I've been out home for half of the day, and managed to have a quick review, too. Not as in-depth as compared to yesterday, but still... it is definitely a great accomplishment!

* * *

18 March 2023, Saturday: Almost lost track of time that I somehow miss the Chapter 4 update, as we spent the entire night at my Tata's younger brother's wake. Got to meet his big family; aside from the eight other half-younger siblings. Managed to finish a chapter today, too; and also attend Filipinas Heritage Library's webinar of "Planes, Trains and Batels: Transportations in World War II Philippines".

* * *

19 March 2023, Sunday: Wasn't able to accomplish a chapter at all because of an unplanned family outing that ultimately led to a visit to the Mind Museum and a walked down BGC's High Street. Hoping to finish a chapter and a half tomorrow!

* * *

20 March 2023, Monday: Finished at least a chapter and a half indeed this time!

* * *

21 March 2023, Tuesday: Only finished half of the remaining chapter from yesterday and another half. Been quite busy.

* * *

22 March 2023, Wednesday: Chapter 5 is out! Been quite productive today as I finished almost two chapters! (A half from the previous one, a whole new one, and another half one)! Another busy schedule tomorrow as the last few days of my Tata's younger brother's wake. Additionally, been quite in a gutter when I and my batchmates had been addressed by AAG once more regarding our return to flight training. We've decided to take the IR examinations by April 14, and hopefully be deployed for an IR simulator and actual flying afterwards. Did you know that only AAG has an actual IR flight? Other flying schools only do their IR lessons in the simulation. Quite proud and excited about that one, all the same a little nervous...

* * *

23 March 2023, Thursday: Happy Birthday to my not-so 'lil bro! The one who shares the same interest as I do with flying and Formula 1! I think we're really born for the speed. And due to the celebration, wasn't able to accomplish a chapter today... :<

* * *

24 March 2023, Friday: Managed to return to form with writing a half and a chapter today. Things are starting to get nasty and dramatic with the story, and I'll be honest to say that I enjoy writing angst.

* * *

25 March 2023, Saturday: Chapter 6 is out! The comments for the first chapters released makes me laugh. Yes, feel all the butterflies... For now. I think I agree with my friend to say that the readers should be preparing for the D-Day itself.

* * *

26 March 2023, Sunday: Wasn't able to finish one chapter as we had a family gathering today at Pampanga. Missing the crispy pork sisig and Moroccan spicy chicken at Cusina de Parilla at Angeles, and remembering the good old days of our ground school where we usually have our chill nights, and having dinner with three of my batchmates there to order the Combo Meal B of those two viands, 4 cups of rice and a 1.5 soda bottle for the low price of Php 840. Still has that in their menu and didn't even raise their cost! Worth the price definitely! But, somehow finished three pages?

* * *

27 March 2023, Monday: Finished two chapters and a half today. Happy with the improvement, and definitely suddenly grow wary upon receiving a deployment date for IR simulation on April 17-19. I suddenly feel jittery.

* * *

28 March 2023, Tuesday: Finished about two chapters today, and I am happy with how my writing had been consistent for two days straight. Hopefully I can do so, and with such speed by now, I may finish the entire story by April 4!

* * *

29 March 2023, Wednesday: Chapter 7 is out! Finished two chapters today, too! And I almost finished two and a half because the current chapter that I am writing down is quite... hmm, angsty? Well, I am already at the titular chapter, that's why! 👀

* * *

30 March 2023, Thursday: Because of a busy day, I am unable to finish much but just two additional pages. Not to mention that writing this respective titular chapter is quite heavy to deal with, and it feels like it is bound to be the longest chapter in the story. Because I want to dive in to the internal turmoil, but I'll surely lay low with the technicalities... Not because of the lack of resources, but I'll do that with the views of eyewitnesses instead, keeping then the mystery of it all. But, seriously, I find writing this perspective quite easy and at the same time heart-breaking. And since it is a titular chapter, I can bet that you also understand who will be the narrator of this chapter...

* * *

31 March 2023, Friday: I've recently finished the longest titular chapter of the story. I've also taken my World Aeronautical Chart (WAC) out of its storage and the plotter, and make my own navigational log for what flight César might have taken. I still hate the fact that I do not have the exact amount of fuel gallons he have but I managed to have a navigational log that is within 3 hours of what everyone had been talking about he had brought with him, with a remaining 15 minutes of fuel when he returned to Batangas. Anyway... I also found out that the Philippines has a Sectional Chart since 1941! I mean, I was searching for some example of aeronautical charts in 1941, and the first one that appeared are those of the Philippines. So, yes, my happy heart is filled despite the angst...
Apparently, it seems like the titular chapter is not meant to be the longest. Rather, the follow-up chapter beat it. I am still halfway from writing the said next chapter, but it is already longer than the usual chapters. By the end of it, the said chapter will be twice longer than the usual chapters.

* * *

1 April 2023, Saturday: Chapter 8 is out! Been quite a busy day, but I manage to write at least a few more pages for the current chapter I've left behind. It is quite a struggle, but it is a little exciting to write further narrations than that of the Reader's.

* * *

2 April 2023, Sunday: Been busy today but I manage to finish another perspective down. Not much of a writing that I am expecting at all.

* * *

3 April 2023, Monday: Finally finished that quite long chapter, and it is quite heavy to deal with.       Especially the ending. It had been easy to write then the following one as it leads to the continuous angst. Definitely too painful for me to read, and I shed a few tears. It seems like it might be the most angsty one I've written to date, but it seems like I am expectant of such flow that I didn't cry much more than anything else. Aside from that chapter, I finished a chapter and a half. Still too much to take in.

* * *

4 April 2023, Tuesday: My first thought of the day: Bwiset. Umiyak talaga ako. Seriously, I literally cry while writing that second half of the chapter. Often times, I actually do not cry whenever I am writing sad scenes; even from that of DR or others from my novels; usually, I'll just feel my heart heavy with the angst and laugh about it later on; but this time... it is so different. I can feel the sadness bleeding through the words, and I hope that I deliver it well, too. And after finishing another chapter, yes, I also tear up. This is too much... that I also think of a possible bonus chapter to feed my angst much more.

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5 April 2023, Wednesday: Chapter 9 is out! Wasn't able to finish a chapter today as I watched with my family a procession for Holy Wednesday at our hometown in Rosario, Cavite. Always amazed by its procession; about 45 icons being paraded. But still wanted to see once more the procession for Good Friday because there are more of it. I am always in awe about the beautiful face of the Mater Dolorosa, and that of the Nazareno. For that of the Good Friday, I remember how I am truly captivated by the image of the Pieta and that of the Santo Entierro.

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6 April 2023, Thursday: I lost count of how many chapters already made me cry; and already lost count how many times I've cried for the past few days of writing it all down. No joke. There are real tears sacrificed in the writing of this story. A first, to be fair, throughout anything I've written. At least, I finished that penultimate chapter before we even commenced our Visita Iglesia. Find it quite strange how many people continue praying the Stations of the Cross and disregard the prayers for the reposition, when it should've been the latter. Guess it is time for such Filipino tradition to be changed and righted.

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7 April 2023, Friday: Still wasn't able to finish that finale. Quite a struggle to really pull all the feels to it the right way. Strange that I know how it is to be and still struggling in the process that all I manage to do is to accomplish is just a page of how it will start. I guess, after the past few days that I incorporated all those feels, I need to slow down somehow. But it is still making me edgy that I'll be needing to take the IR exam next week and then be deployed! Anyhow, no worries to that as I have too many chapters waiting released for that matter. We also watched the procession in Rosario, Cavite still, and definitely, I was truly captivated by the Santo Entierro and the Mater Dolorosa, the latter being such a beautifully-made image that you can feel its sorrow through the tears. And for the Easter Sunday celebration, as I've been an active participant of events for Palm Sunday and Easter Sunday as a child, being one of the so-called "angels", I remember how the Mater Dolorosa, once removed with the tears, also appear happy then. Not to mention the eerie and beautiful sound of the crotalus in replacement for the bells.

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8 April 2023, Saturday: Chapter 10 is out! Today is our friend's 40th day of death, and I've offered my prayers to him. Still wasn't able to finish the last chapter as I and my mother also do some general cleaning of my room; since I'll be once more deployed by next week, hence all that cleaning necessary. Hopefully, I can finish it by tomorrow or by Monday?

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9 April 2023, Sunday: Happy Easter, and today is the Day of Valor, too! Timely, today also marks the end of my writing of the entire Artificial Horizon story. Yes, I just finished the very last chapter of the story itself. I don't know if I'll immediately jump in finishing the bonus chapters or not, but I'll definitely slowly work on a few of it. After all, I've already finished one, and halfway with another, so... it will then depend on how everyone will deal with the succeeding chapters of the story. I cried until the last line! But there has to be a reason why I don't consider this story be one of happy ending; as I consider it to be 'tragic-tragic' or 'happy-tragic'. Anyway, you'll know about it soon! For me, I'll perhaps be writing less for the coming weeks as I am to return to my last off-station deployment for my Instrument Rating and completion of 200 flying hours. Afterwards, I'll be taking some break for my IR check ride then to the start of my Airbus A320 training. But, before all of that, I'll be needing to take a knowledge exam for IR this coming Friday. I'll be taking some break from writing, and here is the end of my Timeline of AH Creation aside for few details that'll be beneficial with the writing of this story; instead, I'll focus on reviewing my notes and preparing myself once more to be back with flying. As I'll quote a favorite line of mine from Col. Villamor's book: "We wanted to fly; what were we pilots for except to fly?"

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10 April 2023, Monday: I am actually finishing up the last additional chapter in the story, and suddenly come across a post in Pinoy Aviators about an indie film, much more like a class film for me, featuring the Sixth Pursuit Squadron. And damn, sorry, I am laughing at it because of a few dialogues, and the storyline. Forgive me, but I don't know how accurate it is since all records point out that there hadn't been anyone linked to César Basa at all. Unless there is, well, I don't know. Perhaps, the Reader? Anyway, so, you see, in the film, César has a girlfriend, became engaged, asked for a blessing in marriage, and the printed love letter... Well, yeah, printed. I don't think so... I think, the story was quite romanticized, either way... I can't blame it. We all know that Cesar has the looks and brains to charm any lady; definitely a contributing reason to for the creation of this Artificial Horizon. If you want to watch the said movie, it is entitled as Days of Infamy (Filipino Pilots of WWII); and if you'll be searching it thoroughly, there's a full movie in Youtube. Tell me if you are able to finish watching it because I am only scrolling through some scenes. And here's one that I find out.

But I love this following shot, okay? Let me just think of César being happy this way...

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11 April 2023, Tuesday: Finally, finally. I dare watch the said movie, Days of Infamy. I didn't expect much in regards to the acting, and also the added romance for César... But kudos to the director; I've heard that he also produced and wrote the screenplay. It isn't a match to any other movies that I'll consider it like some class work instead. So, yeah... You can watch the movie on Youtube as mentioned above, too.

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12 April 2023, Wednesday: Chapter 11 is out! As well as the chapter featuring the Inspired Playlist for the story~ Since this story somehow sticks with me, I can't help myself but try making this story into some screenplay... Who knows when I'll have the money to have this produced to a film, if ever?

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15 April 2023, Saturday: Chapter 12 is out! Currently packing my things up for this last out-station deployment as I'll be having my IR simulation at Clark for three days, then a deployment to La Union for the actual IR flying and completion of my 200 flying hours~

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19 April 2023, Wednesday: Chapter 13 is out! And I and a batchmate of mine just finished our third day of IR simulation, and currently the last one before deployment. The simulation is quite too different from the real thing because of the lack of motion; and it makes me giddy of trying the IR itself in an actual flight.

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22 April 2023, Saturday: Chapter 14 is out! I am yet to try flying an actual IR now that we're here in La Union; but as today coincides with a batchmate's birthday, we're celebrating it the La Union way. Yeah, we're here in San Juan partying basically, and disregarding curfew as we head to Starbuck's roughly at 1 in the morning, and returning to our dorms by 2. What a night before the real deal of IR actual flying.

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26 April 2023, Wednesday: Chapter 15 is out! Finished my IR 1-4 lessons, and it had been a blast! I mean, it is easier than RNAV itself because the charts are quite easy to deal with and follow; except for the too many words to say. However, I get the hang of it, and I enjoy my flights with my instructors. I am also starting to get a little sad that I have less hours to spend with bibi Cessna C172...

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29 April 2023, Saturday: Chapter 16 is out! Finished my IR actual flight lessons last Thursday, and quite disappointed with it because of the high approach for landing. Told my FI that I was commencing a missed approach, because it was basically an unsafe landing, yet he pushed me to still land it... and he was later complaining that his ears hurt, which was normal for a rate of descent beyond 500 feet per minute... and I was like... What the heck?! I've optioned for a missed approach and he declined it and then all of it and... Yeah, I was disappointed of it all!
But, on a side note, I enjoy today's flight. Four hours and 54 minutes, and with the right FI, we've explored south: from La Union to Lingayen, crossing the Zambales mountains to Infanta, to Iba, to Botolan for Pinatubo to PAF's Crow Valley Gunnery Range through Clark Approach's guidance, to Castillejos, to Subic, to Mariveles, to Corregidor in our vain trial to be allowed to fly over Kawit but was denied because the town was on the finals of Manila's Runway 06, to the Manila Bay, to Clark, to Pantabangan Dam in another trial to fly to Baler but was unable due to the low ceiling of clouds, to Lingayen once more, to San Fernando, to Bacnotan, and back to La Union station. Quite a daring adventure not allowed by our flying school; still, it was a great experience of a joyride. During our time in Manila Bay proceeding to San Fernando, Pampanga, we also caught sight of RPUF (Cesar Basa Air Base), though it was quite far away... still... Okay, I fangirled.
I then asked my FI, a retired PAF fighter pilot with a callsign of "Eagle 619" and in service for 15 years, "Bakit kailangan mamatay, sir, bago may maipangalan na air base?" And he laughed at that. I then added, "Bakit si Basa may nakapangalan sa kanya, samantalang ilang araw pa lamang 'yong WWII tapos nadeds na siya?" And he told me that it was because Basa has a strong historical background for them in the PAF, and I didn't told him that I knew and I actually admire the dude.

This is over Guagua so a little by the left will definitely be Basa Air Base. From our vantage point, we could hint the airfield, but from the capture of the GoPro, it wasn't that visible.

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2 May 2023, Tuesday: 200 hours completed! Still so emotional about it, and can't believe that I am done with the flight training phase. I'll definitely miss everything about flying the C172, and I swear that I'll be back flying it in the future! Even if I'll wish for an Airbus A320, but there's still a little bit of happiness knowing where I've started. It is a little sad with how I didn't manage to capture or record my last landing for my 200th hour, but here's a good approach view of Vigan Airport on short finals. There's a direct crosswind that is trying to push me off the centerline, but still manage to land on the centerline and a good landing on the airport itself.

And here's my last line-up and wait on San Fernando Airport's Runway 19 for the last remaining 3.9 hours to 200 hours. And there's definitely another aircraft in the picture aside from us! Anyway, we've returned 3.9 hours later on from a trip to the north this time, until the reaches of Pagudpud after being on the same area as a Philippine Airlines Airbus A320 about to land in Laoag International Airport. And when we've returned, the runway in use for San Fernando Airport is Runway 01. Still, a truly remarkable flight.

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3 May 2023, Wednesday: Chapter 17 is out! Still feeling sad that I am missing flying the C172, because I know full well that if I'm to fly once again, it will no longer be as an AAG cadet but through other means outside of what had grown to be my comfort zone. Despite the fulfilling feeling of accomplishing 200 hours with all the congratulations I've received, it is truly a sad moment to know that flying a Cessna C172 is now like a memory.