One is always a bit dubious when someone writes knowingly of one’s self. There always is some uneasy feeling that the writer has an agenda to paint the most idealistic and positive portrait of his or herself, but that feeling is displaced and a feeling of believability fades in when frank and honest facts are told. Readers, this isn’t one of those times. There is a point where casual conversation is heightened an becomes deliberately theatrical in nature, usually when alcohol is involved. As a foppish sot, I can handle myself in a situation. I don’t tempt fate and I do watch what I say… to a point.

An evening of genteel tippling, starts off with what we shall call Professore! Pinoyboy [Level 1], who speaks about world events or when he has well informed opinions. Professore! holds court with a stem, tumbler, or low-ball in his lap and is attentive to the countenance of his audience. Ales of all sorts, sparkling wines from outside of the French region of Champagne, and bourbon straight from Kentucky eases Professore! into a lubriciously into a smoking jacket of coruscating wit and esprit.

Punctilio Pinoyboy [Level 2], still follows the rules of good grace and deportment, but with a sneer. Holding the libation close and at a slight angle way from his face, he readies himself to pounce upon those who sought to challenge Professore!. This level of intoxication affords Punctilio to make passes at women with the utmost grace and charm, easing them into friendship before he starts in on their husbands or boyfriends. His secret smile says to ladies, “you can trust me, I’m harmless” and his posture says that he is still sober enough to be genuine, but by that point his prey is already too drunk to be dubious of anything.

The Pernicious Pinoyboy (PP) [Level 3], changes tact and goes for a more divide and conquer method. The crowd that was once assembled and civil has now fragmented into discrete vignettes. New couples stand close to each other insecurely; these people get the cool blue aloof Pernicious Pinoyboy. Conversations with these folk tend to be superficial, only if they are particularly fetching, PP will engage in more forceful tactics but for the most part he leaves well enough alone. The comfortable couples are comprised of two people who feel at ease when the other wanders off to do their own thing. Pernicious Pinoyboy gains macho points by the men in choosing (and consuming more) stiff drinks on the rocks rather than insipid bottles of bulk beer. Their wives or girlfriends, who were delighted by Punctilio PB don’t mind when he makes an off colored or salacious joke. More often than not, the people in this group become the ‘drunk couple’.

Those who are just drunk enough and decide to separate from their partners are subject to the highest form of Pernicious PB. There’s nothing too salacious or taboo for this crowd because he can do no wrong. Wives and girlfriends can be groped, husbands and boyfriends can be hit upon, and confessions of the inadequacies or competence in the bedroom are divulged. What does the Pernicious PB do with these experiences and information? Erotica? Penthouse forums? Greek drama? Secret tea party where the characters judge each other? One may never find out.