My Fifteenth with the Dynamos

Fifteen years

in running...

This I celebrated yesterday, August 21, while I also joined the nation in remembering Benigno “Ninoy” Aquino Jr.’s 42nd death anniversary. 

Yet, instead of commemorating a milestone and a historic event by running again at Manila Memorial Park — Sucat where I could have visited Ninoy’s resting place, I decided to shelve this plan. The last time I ran on Ninoy Aquino Day was seven years ago. 

Why did I not push through with it? August 21, which was declared a non-working holiday, became the schedule to hang out with my other high school inner circle. Yay! After having an elusive date for our get-together for the past two years, we would finally reconnect face-to-face. As far as I can remember, we last saw each other on June 1, 2022 after a spontaneous invite from one of us. 

What followed this 2022 meetup was irregular online conversation, scheduling of an after-work dinner, cancelling, rescheduling, cancelling...This was the cycle. It was really a tough challenge organizing a reunion with these three men — Med, Razi and Yep — who were all dynamos. 

Perhaps you are wondering why I am the lone Nene (a young girl, a term of endearment) in this in-group. Honestly, it's only now when I am writing this article that I tried recollecting how my camaraderie with these Nonoys (plural, masculine gender of Nene) began. Except for our archived photos, my memory about what led to this “impenetrable” friendship was still a little hazy.  

August 2021

December 2019

October 2019

June 2018

Well if not for our Thursday gathering, which took place in my cousin’s residence in Laguna for the second time, I wouldn’t see the likely reasons why we clicked and became tight-knit, resulting in our Facebook GC name Upat Sana (Four Only).

Frankness, sincerity, sensibilities, humor,  and wit — these are the cornerstone of our extraordinary connection. 

Being touchy wouldn’t make you last in their company. Once they sensed that you’re a complete humbug, they’d reprimand you. You must be careful in using mental gymnastics lest you might be subjected to a rigorous "oral defense" before this three-man panel. Hahahahaha...

I was thankful that August 21 turned into another big day because of this reunion which was made possible by our ever gracious hosts, Med and Claire. 

We have already expected that some of our batchmates have labeled us “exclusive.” However, for this moment, they should see the obvious why we share this deep link. 

We do not go for theatrics, and most of all, we remain grounded. 

Photo credit:

Engr. Medvil Mediavillo