Bonding with the Girls
Last year, we were able to visit Manila and catch up with loved ones. I missed my family so much. I'm thankful we got to spend the holidays with them.
I also had the chance to see some friends who were available to meet before going back to the sunny region of Ilocos (where I’m currently based). I only met with four, but that's fine. I’m just glad the trip pushed through because it's been stressful being away from everyone (isolation is harddd). Now, here's how it went:
My (not so) Little Sister/Twin
I come from a small family of five (now four, because our youngest sister died), so I value family time, but there are also moments when my sister and I want to be on our own; that’s why Betina was the first person I bonded with. There are certain things that I only divulge to my sister. Namiss namin ang chikang kapatid. Nothing toxic, mga updates at katatawanan lang ganun. We went to the mall (The Podium) for lunch. We don't know what's gotten into us that we ordered hot noodles on a hot day at the al-fresco area. Super nag crave siguro kami ng sabaw. Kaya ayun, mainit na yung pagkain, mainit pa yung mga ulo namin, literal hahaha. We had a great time, though, and that’s what’s important. As you grow older, you learn to value your relationships more because you realize that in the end, it's what makes life meaningful. 🌼
On a side note, being in that mall made me feel nostalgic. That's where I took summer classes from Trumpets Playshop back when I was in high school. I was shy then, but those were fun times. I remember how we'd go to El Pueblo for McDonald's burgers, because at that time, the food options inside The Podium were expensive. It wasn't practical for us 15-year olds to spend 300-500 pesos on food. Di pa kumikita waldas na agad haha. But anyway...Ngayon, kung magutom ka dun, you can go to The Corner Market Food Hall for delicious and affordable meals. Maganda at malinis pa. Or kung talagang tipid ka, may mga kainan sa grocery area sa baba.
My sister and I continued going out to make the most out of my stay. We also spent quality time with mama dear.
Lulu
Next, I met with my good friend Lulu. Feeling her excitement the moment she knew I was back in Pasig made me happy. I was touched. Our friendship is something I’m thankful for because it’s built on the right foundations and has stood the test of time (more than 10 years and growing).
We saw each other twice! The first one was brief- we spent less than an hour together since we had other things to do that day. Sa Tiendesitas kami nagkita para malapit saming dalawa. Mabilisang drinks lang. For our next meeting, we went to Crisostomo in BGC for dinner since it was the only restaurant that wasn’t packed. She said they serve good food and I trust her taste, so we agreed to go there. Lulu ordered ginataang kuhol, while I had lengua. Masarap nga! Try nyo din.
After eating, we strolled around the area, bought iced coffee, then celebrated her new milestone! She's finally pursuing her graduate studies overseas and is also on scholarship! Lulu is embracing independence with a brave heart, and I’m so proud of her.
Medyo naging emotional din kami. Dati kasi pinag-uusapan lang namin yun (pati yung ibang mga bagay na gusto namin makuha) tapos ngayon, nangyayari na. Praise God talaga. Just to share with you, she's a kind-hearted soul. Lulu's not vengeful even to the people who wronged her. I can’t wait to see her again and talk about our new manifestation stories. It amazes me each time. 🔮
Jessy
Jes is still as pretty and industrious as she was back in college. She’s one of my former roommates and was also my org-mate. She’s competent and gets things done. Di ko alam kung paano sya natutulog nun. Kung hindi sya nagsusulat ng papers or gumagawa ng presentations, nag-oorganize sya ng meetings for our org. Masipag talaga. She reminds me of Blair Waldorf from Gossip Girl, but friendlier hehe. She’s also thoughtful and stylish, not to mention entrepreneurial. Jes has a lot on her plate on top of her day job, but she makes multi-tasking look easy.
