10 years. 10,000 journeys. 100,000 words.

August 21, 2007

This weekend I am coming home to take part not only in our school’s annual Founder’s Day celebration, an event that only a Sillimanian can find significance in, but more importantly, to take part in something that I can only experience once in this lifetime: Our 10 YEARS High School Reunion. I can only come home for the weekend though since I am still new at my job and am still on the pa-impress stage, however, this is something I cannot, and I repeat—CANNOT miss for the world. No “ifs” and “buts” about it.

Reminiscing…

So cliché but it just seems like yesterday when we had a pretty interesting freshmen year experience with George Yap and ever ready Michael Yee. Mike was our class escort and if you needed something he was the guy for you: from a stapler to paper clips, to scotch tape and even an umbrella on a hot sunny day (but mind you, he was among the first ever to sport the portable umbrella—hehe). If you needed it, Mike had it in his magic bag. He could’ve given David Copperfield a run for his money (since ofcourse atong panahuna wa pa nauso si David Blaine).

When Lovely and I (note: for the first time!) skipped English class with Francis Tuting just for the heck of it (being first sectioners that was a criminal offense for us, believe me); the fact that I remember that one single time would actually mean it certainly was something for us back then. Haha. Geeks!

The time when Macky was still this cute, little english speaking kid in braces from Papua New Guinea who up until now we still kinda treat that way (hehe, love you Macky!) and speak English to even if he already knew Bisaya years ago. It makes us practice too you know. Haha

Then singing “You’re All I Need” by White Lion with Mark Marvin a.k.a. “Cousin” during the Intramurals at the gymnasium! Waaah…this is so corny! Hahaha…I can’t even believe I’m actually writing this. But in the true spirit of High School Reminiscing, I shall. I will.

Come Sophomore year it was Biology with the dreaded Mrs. Alcala. My one and only line of 7 grade in this lifetime, why? Because “Late” is my middle name and her class had to be during first period! Bummer! This was also the time when Angie transferred to our school but we became kabarkadas later on in our high school lives. Mr. Omoso, our adviser! How could I forget you and what with Gianena and Cindy conning you into letting us sing “Happy Birthday” to whomever every day of the week just to shorten the time of your “volcanic” (pertaining to saliva) discussion—Ewww!

Summer Camp: Our most awaited part of the year. When we would go to Compostela,

Cebu

and bond with other Younglifers; enjoying our faith and FREEEEEEDOM! Where I won that “It’s a Date” thingie with that chunk of hunk Cocoy (I wonder where he is now? He is not even on my friends list—haha, I wish!). Sorry Goldz, you know I won that fair and square. Bwahahahaha… I know I might have come as a great disappointment because I eventually became Camp Counselor, however, I’m now an extinct Christian, the memories, friendships gained and developed, and the camaraderie has made an impact on me which I can cherish for the rest of my life. There I realized too who my bestfriend was, and still is, and that is something I will forever be grateful for. That is something I have been blessed with and I cannot thank the void enough for Golda.

Then Junior year. Our worst year at cheering (since the mighty, mighty freshmen beat us to it) but a great school year nonetheless. Jerome, my first boyfriend, wherever you are now,

Rome

, thank you for holding my hand and for that two week, six day puppy love experience. For the sickening spit shake with Macky (Kay yours was a separate incident but it was equally gross--haha) and for teaching me to play the guitar. I’m sorry if I had made a dent on your young and fragile heart but it just got all too mushy for me. You found En2x anyway and you guys lasted for like 48 years and that was something I could never give you. I was genuinely happy for you.

Ma’am Ceriales: “When you go to a party do not full your plate. You can go back 5 times but do not full your plate. Oh, and bring your dog.”…WTF?? It wouldn’t have been the same without teachers like these now, would it?

Senior Year. The best. It was our turn to be the bullies. Mwahahahaha ]:) We ran under “The Party” banner because ofcourse, we weren’t just any party, we were THE Party.

Ehem…ehem…my famous lines: “There are 3 people in this world: People who MAKE things happen, people who WATCH things happen, and people who WONDER what happened. Let us be captains of the first group!” Toinks! But that election was admittedly not a good one. Sorry Glen, the bitch in me. =(

And how could I forget, the one who made me so happy for the most part of the year? But in exchange made me bitter for the years to come. The reason why I don’t believe in karma. My three years mourning and everything else. But your ode ends here. I’m happy we are in good terms now. You have your life, I have mine. US was aeons ago but it was an USthat I will never forget. Thank you for that experience, C2.

Enough with the mushy stuff! Yet again, I can't believe I said that! I sure hope I don't end up regretting this blog. hahaha

To proceed…

CAT and the pasaway officers (me being number one ofcourse—Budz!) and the pasaway sponsors, as well. Evita Peron in the new high school building. The Communist Party.

QUESTION: What do you get from a batch that is too “hinawayon” (Tagalog: Mga Pintasera)?

ANSWER: No volunteers for the Miss High School ! Hahaha, kai hadlok masawayan. :P

Then lastly, The Nightcrawlers—no, make it, NightSTALKERS: Chingbee, Jaclyn & Myla. Singing fruitcake at the top of their lungs in the middle of downtown Dumaguete at 4 in the morning. Sunrise swimming at the end of the airport runway. Gin pomelos, banana Qs, full moons, and golf courses. Manso ang dalan sa Dumaguete. Introduction to Marlboro Lights Menthol 101. My best therapy ever. Great friendship.

To commence, the wackiest graduation ever. Sorry but you have to see the video or hear the horror stories in order to relate. No words can describe it.

They say high school is the best time of your life. They say it’s way better than college. College is too serious. I say both of them were great on different levels but would have been better—waaay better, IF my allowance was as big as my salary right now. Hahaha…then I would just enroll and skip all my classes, reenroll, play futbol, treat all my friends all the time, climb, get drunk, and party at Hayahay. If I get tired of all those I’ll just apply in a call center. They don’t necessarily hire college grads or magna cum laudes anyway and as an added bonus, the pay is really good.

Wow, great life plan, Jacki. =)

But what matters is now and all the memories I hold dear. I look forward to the Saturday night dinner with my batchmates, my friends. You made a great impact in my high school life (ofcourse without classmates high school would’ve been too lonely for me and I would then be forced to represent me as Ms High School—now that would suck). We had a good run. I look forward to being with my barkada again, a friendship that withstood the test of time, my classmates, my teammates, maybe my teachers. You are some of the pieces of my life puzzle.

Without you, I will not be complete.

See you and maghinubog jud ta!

P.S.

Special thanks to my bestfriend and Class Valedictorian (I demand a recount!!! Hahaha) Atty. Golda for all her efforts in organizing despite her busy schedule and Senate meeting preparations (samakonsensya lang). I salute you.