Flashbacks, Friendships and Fast-Forwards

A decade, nine months and 20 days years old,

this photo captured my first private meetup with Edwin Manjares, who was the “exclusive courier” of a pasalubong from our common Mississippi-based classmate/friend 

on February 27, 2015. 

Receiving these Mardi Gras beads necklace, I recorded this under exceptional memory in my “microchip” because Edwin went out of his way from his break. He was Qatar-employed then. 

On November 7, his being a bearer had a repeat. Fresh from his one-month stay in the US, he DMed me that he’d hand a pasalubong from our classmate/friend, residing in Arizona.

Good that he contacted me early, and added that he'd be returning to Bicol the next morning. I was free so I left for Taguig City before rush hour. But what turned out to be that day's biggest surprise and another much welcomed pasalubong, was reuniting with a batchmate/friend whom I last saw in year 1993 or 1994. Golly! That's more than three decades!!!

Francis Apollo Enerio, one of Edwin's best pals, came home too. Pol’s family is his very obliging host every time he flies to Texas, USA. 

 

       

     

It was a reunion which inspired me to pen this write-up. 

Pol and I might have not been bosom buddies; however, having gone out with our katribus during a vacation in Bicol and once back in Manila, we could comfortably consider each other as friends. I remember there was never a dull moment when he’s around because of his joviality, sense of humor and candor. 

When he immigrated with his family to the States, Facebook and other social media platforms were still nonexistent so posting personal updates came in late. Thus, seeing and talking with him again brought lots of laughter and innocent reactions from him upon hearing “antiquated” stories. *shushes* Further, belonging to the same spectrum of political opinions had us openly sharing our views about the previous and current administrations in our country. Donald Trump wasn't spared! Hahahaha. The four walls of Pol's charming flat at the Morgan Residences in McKinley Hill, which is by the way up for rent, were our sole witness to the unregulated convo. LOL. 

At 56, it seemed we have remained high schoolers at heart. *winks* Abundant thanks for this significant catching-up, Edwin and Pol! Not to mention the “manna from heaven.” 

A brief backstory: From my perspective, this particular tie between Edwin and me started easily and naturally on May 15, 2010 when we had a group concert date. Back then I was tasked by our benevolent sponsor to personally handpick the "Lucky 7" invitees. 

I reckon we grew closer during our eventful Dubai run in 2017. 

Confirmedly he is a part of my other “charmed circle.” The third member was our greatly missed Rafael Morada Jr.. Owing to our joint affection for Tribu ‘86, our link became more solid. Edwin might have forgotten it, but it’s only he who was able to make both Paeng and me attend a birthday party in Albay. 

Last Friday was precisely another gentle nudge about my friends whom I share a deep connection despite inconstant communication and distance. This subjective experience underscored the fact that the strength of friendship can be measured by its profundity and quality, and not by the rate of interactions or regularly hanging out. 

Ergo, I am eternally appreciative to more batchmates/friends who continuously consider me worthy of their remembrance, time and attention.  

A huuuuuge shout-out to:

Dadette, a very special friend who has always cheered me on from afar… Upon knowing that I’d run the New York City Marathon (NYCM) 2018, she scheduled a trip from Mississippi to New Jersey. But her request to swap her duty sked with a colleague didn’t materialize, so she decided to ship a running essential, which was waiting for me on the night I arrived in the US. 

10 June 2013

Ray, the sender of the Mardi Gras costume jewelry... A constant friend, he delightfully squeezed in to see me twice during his sporadic visit to the Philippines. Partly our tête-à-tête helped in keeping him in the loop about our batch. 

13 June 2016

23 July 2022

Emy, one of my US trip hosts/guides/boosters... She startled but emotionally moved me when she asked if we could touch base several hours before she returned to New Jersey.

23 February 2023

Jean, my dear friend from Arizona… She has been consistently thoughtful and generous to many of us. She even sweetly chided me for not informing her about my joining the NYCM 2018 in advance. Had I done it, she would have sent a two-way plane ticket from New Jersey to her residence for us to bond. *gulps back tears*

30 May 2023

Ruthie, one of my best friends... She has never stopped expressing her love in all its forms since high school days. She did a video call on my birthday-cum-Manila reunion in 2023. Last year, she surprised me with a Matryoshka doll from her Germany trip through her youngest sister Rho. 

21 April 2023

03 March 2024

France, my elementary/high school batchmate whom I got along with during our batch's 33rd grand reunion preparation... She unstintingly supported my passions from my kokeshi collection to my running although she lives in Perth, Australia. 

26 July 2019

And Bong, a classmate/friend/wedding sponsor and fellow Las Piñero… Despite a short vacation from his work at Emirates Airlines, he agreed to chill with us when Edwin extended the invite on short notice.

04 September 2025

Writing this piece, I couldn't help but be sentimental. To be treated in this heartwarming manner by these individuals was unforeseen, yet a very precious gift to me. Candidly, I'm discerning when it comes to choosing friends since I have set standards for my social circle. Thus, if I have stayed with you, it shows that we’ve shared similar values and you’ve provided impalpable support and beneficial impact to my being. 

Next year is our Ruby Jubilee. Initial groundwork by the incumbent officers are already underway. I am excited just seeing the word 'ruby.' It projects several positive symbolisms and connotations. I do pray that 2026 readies a tabula rasa for BUHS (Bicol University High School) Batch '86 so we can write a fresh chapter about our multifaceted relationships and marked journey together after 40 years. 

With Pading Dwin at the helm, I am confident that our celebration will be a roaring success. And yes, he has to make sure that Pol finally attends our homecoming. Yee-haw! 

Jean, it fits to a T! 😘

Photo credits:

Franz Enerio
Edwin Manjares