For a time it was what my life revolved around. An incessant sound of my phone ringing signaled the start of my day. It was, as always, a call from my partner giving updates or perhaps something bordering on the
serious, like a plea of help regarding Facebook photo upload, and how to put a caption. Ha ha ha!
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Life preserver cookies made by Michael's sister. See her Facebook HERE. |
As my day rolled in I would find myself browsing internet websites for ideas, inspirations and Facebook conferences. In more than one occasion I texted countless messages to my classmates confirming attendance and payments. Then when the Big Day neared, I volunteered to do meet-ups with the others, and even did some things I did not sign myself up for. Like head in the decorations for example. It’s not like I’m an expert in the visual arts! Although I could do two things to perfection: cut and paste. I mean, that’s so rare nowadays right?
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| Prepping before the big party begins! |
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| Now almost everything's set and we're on our way to our Bungalows |
Anyway, what I’m talking about is our high school class reunion. Michael and I have been planning on this for months. True story. And it wasn’t until after my NLE board exam that our party plans went underway. From a list I made of various themes, we both agreed that the Nautical suited best. It’s a new re-emerging trend in Fashion for this year as well as perfect for summer. Stripes and the colors blue, white and red were the inspirations to go! As we got the theme out of the way, we delegated tasks among the core group and started to broadcast the party in Facebook and Twitter. But like I said earlier, there were some things the members of the core group did that were not part of our so-called “job description”. And I was disheartened by that.
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Back drop made by the lovely people at Chali Beach Resort
It's so archaic but what can we do. Ha ha! |
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My partner and I. We've been head organizers since time immemorial. Our first successful event was our high school Halloween party dating back circa 2005.
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LEFT: While Nyma and I have been best friends since then spanning through high school, college and now. RIGHT: Tiffy and I. Would you believe I called her "Best friend" in high school? Yes pot, TRUST ME. Never knew that word is a prophecy to what we are now. |
There’s no point denying that I have been frustrated too many times by my classmates’ nonchalance, late payments and annoying “I-have-nothing-to-wear” little dramas. I even blogged about it here. However, at the party I was just too happy to see everyone and all my worries and irritation flew out of the window. It’s been 5 years after all! There were dozen exchanges of smiles, hugs, kisses and photo-ops. Wow, had high school been that 5 years back? It seemed like everyone remained the same. It felt just so good to be together again!
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Due to Filipino custom (I’m not proud to say though) we started later than schedule as people arrived (and I underestimated them entirely) surprise, surprise… TWO HOURS LATE. But all was good. I still afforded to smile even. As everyone got settled in, Michael and I kicked the party as hosts for that night. I was hesitant hosting because I was nervous. And I forgot to print out the program as well. Our lovely cue cards only consisted the hastily made introduction speeches and nothing more. We relied heavily on our quick thinking and normal comical selves. But to tell you honestly, I was not in my best self. My voice turned hoarse and even broke a bit when I emphasized some words. I guess I will chalk it up to more practice and yes, to experience as well. |
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LEFT: Karen and Ezra
RIGHT: Karl and I |
That night was a blast albeit some things were not done according to plan. For example, after the opening spiel we watched a video presentation then on to the invocation. Ezra was out so we asked Josan to lead the prayer. After the dinner, we proceeded to the opening production number by Michael, Nerika and Carmen. Their dance routine was awesome! They were just so good at it!
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| Ended up having dinner when the party was through. Not to worry, I had too much happiness to fill my stomach. |
As our 4th year high school moderator arrived, with her daughter in tow, we asked her for an impromptu message. And I’m sure everyone could relate how touching it was. Ma’am Chit said that as a teacher, it is her pride and joy to see us successful and professionals. Although some of us did not graduate on time, at least we are on our way to achieving our dreams. It does not matter who finishes the race first for as long as one gets there. It was a great reminder to all of us to never give up and always keep our eyes on our goals. High school was all about idealisms and ambitions. Somehow, along the road we forgot about that. And now more than ever is the time to look back on that 16-year-old self and reignite the passions we have left in the dark.
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| Eggplant and Egg - Props to one of our naughty games! |
After all that serious stuff been said and done with, we started the games and everyone looked like they were having the time of their lives. In the middle of the game Ship, Ship, Ahoy! (Patterned after Hep Hep Hooray), our classmate Kasey, who is now based in Canada, called and was placed on loudspeaker. She first contacted us through Skype but the internet signal was slow so she called Michael on his mobile. It was nice to hear from her. She said that she was glad we finally got to have this reunion and if only she were here, she would have attended as well. It made us miss her all the more. So Kase, if you’re reading this, WE MISS YOU SO MUCH! COME BACK HOME!
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| Skype with Kasey! |
We also had Spoof Awards and the prizes were so hilarious! For example, the Early Bird Award gets a bag of gummy worms, the Most Stylish Hair gets a gel and so on. And oh, did I mention I won the Best Dressed Female Award? I did. My outfit was very simple. Michael and I looked matchy-matchy too! But I love his outfit more, especially the hat with the cute fur and the perfect red scarf as accent. But he won the Mas Energy Mas Happy Award for being the most energetic and full of life one of the group. His exuberance was evident from the beginning until the end of the party.
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| Jason and I as Best Dressed Male and Female, respectively. Our prize? Couple necklace! With matching pendants to boot. |
It was a very humid night and I was wearing long sleeves. Go figure. I was perspiring like crazy; beads of sweat dropping in a flow of humiliation and rhinitis even paid me a visit. Perfect. But what offset these was the fun I had that night. It was incredible. I lived and breathed in every moment of it. These people are like family to me. Somehow we grew up together with all our crazy teenage angst and the crazier fashion faux pas in between. It was love. And reuniting with them is like rediscovering a treasured possession you forgot you had.
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| Alvin and I. This is my "LABS" or in English, Love. I had to post this because we look good here. Haha! |
However, it makes me sad that all that I have been anticipating and working hard for is over. It happened all too fast, all too soon. I wanted more time, more bonding moments, more laughter and more stories. Simply put, I wanted not a day back in high school but a year to trudge the past. But I guess I couldn’t go back to that place I once mingled with them, especially when that involved turning the hands of Time. What I could do now is take in everything as it is. Because while it was great ‘til it lasted, it was over. Move on.
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1st: With one of my oldest best friends, the ever beautiful, sexy, smart and talented, Nerika
2nd : Aye, aye Captain Jason! The Bay-ots gamely posing as crew |
So as a way of forcing myself out of the gloom, I’m getting hyped up for our next 10-year high school reunion! It will even be grander than this for sure!
And I take my word back as I would gladly organize that future event.
Agapas se, Daniel Draglets ’06!
