A Balikbayan's reunion point of view
By B EspirituAs I’m writing this, I’m sitting in front of my computer in San Francisco, savoring what’s left of my last day off from work, after a long plane ride back from Pasig City. Indeed, the past few days have been filled with so much excitement among the Kumbento 88 members. The reunion went by so fast I find it hard to express in detail what had happened during that time, but I’ll try to recount a few of the moments I could recall.
Since our plan to attend the 20th year reunion was mostly unannounced, Manny Santana suggested that one of us get out of the car first, and since we had thought there was a slight “leak” in his whereabouts more than my whereabouts (Gary Devilles and Boyet Valencia saw us at Serendra the day before), he came out and walked towards Jay Ravalo’s place – and sure enough a lot of people were surprised to see him. I waited a few minutes, being the drama queen that I could be at times. 1000 beats per minute – that was how much I felt my heart was pounding as I finally came out of the car and walked on. I could feel a shiver all over my body as I walked – that was the last thing I could remember before reaching the front gate of Jay Ravalo’s place.
What had gone through my mind prior to going to the reunion had vanished. I was afraid of not knowing anyone anymore and though there were a few faces I couldn’t recognize at first, somehow I was reminded of who they are. I remember seeing Antonio Lara, Marvin Malonzo, Erick Cruz, and Regan Fronda (who I had to admit I didn’t recognize at first). I was also afraid of not being recognized, but that proved to be wrong since I felt like I had a warm reception (fit for a king!) even before reaching the front gate. I even got hugs from the two presidents – of our batch (Joey Manalad) and of the 20th year homecoming (Jeff Sulit).
My good old friend adrenaline had gotten the most of me throughout the afternoon and evening. I wouldn’t normally get up and sing on stage – but I did. When I heard “Don’t Dream It’s Over” and realized it didn’t have the vocals, I just couldn’t contain myself and had to seize the opportunity. After all, Father Erick did say that we should make the most of our lives, and I didn’t want to wait for my turn to sing anymore. I knew at times I was out of tune and my voice was scratchy since I’ve been battling a cold, but I think the risk was worth it! Being able to sing with a live band had also been a dream of mine, and I think Jay Ravalo, Gilbert Gatchalian, and Noel Acosta made that dream a reality, even for just a few hours – thanks guys!
Throughout the night of music, drinking, and chatting, I think I found myself mostly relaxed, but filled with happiness and excitement that I couldn’t explain. I felt like I reunited with a long, lost family. It was a night when I felt my “what if’s” have been answered (there’s too many to mention). I also felt that I had put any remaining ill-feelings towards people aside and at least just have fun. I felt a sense of closure for the burden that I felt I’ve been carrying for the last twenty years, and now think of it as what makes life worth living. The reunion that I thought I would dread going to has suddenly turned out to be one I would look forward to and smile about when I think about.
As I’m writing this, the only thing I dread is the fact that tomorrow I’m back to work and that the weather forecast calls for occasional rain. But thinking of the past few days I’ve spent with all of my high school buddies still makes me smile and hope – it’s going to be a sunny day anyway.
Since our plan to attend the 20th year reunion was mostly unannounced, Manny Santana suggested that one of us get out of the car first, and since we had thought there was a slight “leak” in his whereabouts more than my whereabouts (Gary Devilles and Boyet Valencia saw us at Serendra the day before), he came out and walked towards Jay Ravalo’s place – and sure enough a lot of people were surprised to see him. I waited a few minutes, being the drama queen that I could be at times. 1000 beats per minute – that was how much I felt my heart was pounding as I finally came out of the car and walked on. I could feel a shiver all over my body as I walked – that was the last thing I could remember before reaching the front gate of Jay Ravalo’s place.
What had gone through my mind prior to going to the reunion had vanished. I was afraid of not knowing anyone anymore and though there were a few faces I couldn’t recognize at first, somehow I was reminded of who they are. I remember seeing Antonio Lara, Marvin Malonzo, Erick Cruz, and Regan Fronda (who I had to admit I didn’t recognize at first). I was also afraid of not being recognized, but that proved to be wrong since I felt like I had a warm reception (fit for a king!) even before reaching the front gate. I even got hugs from the two presidents – of our batch (Joey Manalad) and of the 20th year homecoming (Jeff Sulit).
My good old friend adrenaline had gotten the most of me throughout the afternoon and evening. I wouldn’t normally get up and sing on stage – but I did. When I heard “Don’t Dream It’s Over” and realized it didn’t have the vocals, I just couldn’t contain myself and had to seize the opportunity. After all, Father Erick did say that we should make the most of our lives, and I didn’t want to wait for my turn to sing anymore. I knew at times I was out of tune and my voice was scratchy since I’ve been battling a cold, but I think the risk was worth it! Being able to sing with a live band had also been a dream of mine, and I think Jay Ravalo, Gilbert Gatchalian, and Noel Acosta made that dream a reality, even for just a few hours – thanks guys!
Throughout the night of music, drinking, and chatting, I think I found myself mostly relaxed, but filled with happiness and excitement that I couldn’t explain. I felt like I reunited with a long, lost family. It was a night when I felt my “what if’s” have been answered (there’s too many to mention). I also felt that I had put any remaining ill-feelings towards people aside and at least just have fun. I felt a sense of closure for the burden that I felt I’ve been carrying for the last twenty years, and now think of it as what makes life worth living. The reunion that I thought I would dread going to has suddenly turned out to be one I would look forward to and smile about when I think about.
As I’m writing this, the only thing I dread is the fact that tomorrow I’m back to work and that the weather forecast calls for occasional rain. But thinking of the past few days I’ve spent with all of my high school buddies still makes me smile and hope – it’s going to be a sunny day anyway.
2 comments:
A few days before the reunion, as Joey and I were comparing notes on how prepared we were for the upcoming event, we talked about how "sayang" it was that nobody from abroad would be coming home to be with us and personally witness what we have prepared.
The financial support we get from our classmates abroad are always a great and welcome help to our plans and endeavors. But as good as it is when we say that "you will always be with us in spirit" during these events, how we wish that you can be here with us physically to celebrate with us.
You just made our wish come true, Bing and Manny.
hi bing,
wow ha..drama entrance. i was actually surprised to see you and manny in the gathering. a welcome and pleasant one indeed. more than your singing, it was hernan's voice towering over the mix that got me reminded of the new wave era of that time long gone, as hernan loved copying the foreign acts with his forced brit accent way back then...anyway, good to hear you had fun-- and so i must ask, ano yung mga thousand "what ifs" mo??..-:)
roms
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