Just recently Domz instantly hooked me up on a chat and it was all awe-inspiring to have two of my closest friends way back in university who are not married with 3 kids. Technically, the third kid would take it’s place next year.
We never had an official group name (You have to admit that it was the fad before….) but the group was composed of the following: Rowena and Ryan Bustamante, Paul Salipong, Myself, Leah Antonio and Loida Pereyra.
Left to Right: Loidz, Owen and Ryan, Paul and Me
Both of this people were from the university choral group where we used to belong. Things that I enjoyed doing aside from academics. I could not imagine life during my younger years without these people.
I haven’t heard much from Paul and Leah. They were also part of the bunch who had so much passion for music. Loida is now married with a kid and according to Owen, Paul had a kid from a girl in CDO but then there was too much of a complicated love story going on that the relationship got doomed.
Anyway, no matter how good or bad the latest developments were, it was just enough for me to know that these people I always had the best time with were still alive and kicking.
Here are some things we really enjoyed doing before:
- We hang out at a park after practice sessions because we just wanted to sing. We couldn’t stop.
- We caroled way back 1996 (I am not even sure of the year….) where we earned Php 1,000.00. According to Owen, I was a little upset because the earning barely made it to the 1K mark so I had to tell everyone not to go home until we make it. We ended up going to Dunkin’ Donuts having 1 piece of donut and hot chocolate drink.
- We went to this spring pool somewhere near Owen’s place. We did some trekking until we found a spot where we would eat and sing. It was so much fun.
- We were kids around 16 or 17 and were practically studying away from our parents. So if at some point we ran out of budget, we surely had someone to go to. Ryan was our favorite. He was frugal and really knew how to manage his money. Of course, we took turns at some point but most of the time, Ryan was the first stop….Makes me really laugh remembering it because I am the one who usually had some problem with finances.
- We would find time to schedule house visits and Owen was gracious enough to accept and fit us into their lovely and humble home at a remote place where there were a lot of spring pools. Paul was also eager to have us in his home. The food was amazing. I wouldn’t bother saying YES especially if I am already out of budget since there would be free food.
- I would say that we were the life and soul of the group since we were so close that we almost had the group on our hands. In a good way. Ryan was the president, I took turns as the Vice or Secretary (grrrrrr….), Loida, Leah and Owen were the librarians who would make sure that all musical pieces were account for.
I almost literally cried remembering it while I was chatting with Owen and Ryan together with Domz last night. It had to end because Owen had to rest since she’s pregnant. I also had to keep myself busy. I had to train myself not to sleep in the evening since I work graveyard.
I am taking this opportunity to thank these people who shaped my life by providing me with the best childhood experience. If not for the friendship and the love for music, we would have not molded ourselves into the best career men and women right now.
My gratitude remains to be indescribable. The memories are so vivid that it feels like it never ended. That the fun would never end. It had but it left us connected.
I miss you all and I hope to meet you anytime soon.
Keep in touch guys!
