Monthly Archive

I was in Hong Kong over the weekend for the wedding of a dear friend, Jan Lao (who now carries Noche as her official surname).  Since it would be mid-term vacation for NUS students the following week, the timing was just perfect.  I aim to share with you some thoughts about the experience. 

Jan and I have always been good friends since our Ateneo days; our commonalities determining our friendship is an understatement.  Consider these.  We both represented Ateneo at the Ayala Young Leaders’ Congress in 2002.  On our way to the interview for AYLC at Tower One, Jan and I realized that we went to the same grade school, only she was three years ahead of me.  I managed to catch up with her at the university because of some detours she made when she was older, the details of which are unnecessary to include here.  Her bestfriend that time was the sister of my own dear friend.  We were also in the student council together.  She was Chair of the Council of Environmental Officers (whose raison d’etre was one of the main controversies of the Sanggu).  I was the IVP.  Somehow we had to collaborate - and disagree - on certain policies concerning the student body, most prominent were garbage collection and smoking, two issues that remain as such at Ateneo until today.  And we were also classmates in three subjects on our last semester: Philosophy, Anthropology, and Public Policy.  I guess she all topped those classes, my name coming second only.  Brilliant woman, hands down.  And during graduation, the directress of our grade school was also marching with us.  She vividly recalled Jan, even calling her Isabelle.  When I taught at Bloomfield Academy, our alma mater, I asked Jan to come over and she met Mrs. Lagera, who was exuberant to see how much she has matured.  That was in 2003 and that was the last time we saw each other.  Until last Friday. 

Upon reaching Hong Kong station, a girl was running up behind me, screaming my name.  I knew it was her.  Guess what we did immediately after dropping off my bags at her and her husband’s place?  Jollibee ito!  Imagine the exhilaration upon hearing Jollibee.  Do not underestimate this.  Imagine not having Chicken Joy and Spaghetti for almost a year, thanks to my stay in Singapore.  So Jollibee Hong Kong it was, with matching fresh green salad and Mirinda orange.  There, we discussed practically everything that concerned our lives: old friends and plans for the future. 

So when I witnessed Jan march on the aisle at Rosary Church, I felt confident and supportive of her decision to marry Mike, a Filipino born and raised in Hong Kong.  I felt honored, too, for having been a friend who was there.  To my surprise, however, I was asked to be a witness - indeed, to stand at the altar and be somewhat embarassed by the fact that I was wearing a long-sleeved shirt completely out of the green theme, reflective of Jan’s environmental disposition.  I was wearing blue as a sold-out Arrrrenean.  Take note of the accent.   

Mike and Jan are now enjoying the sceneries of Cebu and Bohol.  I am back in Singapore doing my literature review for another Anthropology class.  But they’re coming down in October and it will be my turn to tour them around.  Meanwhile, here’s my wish for the newly-wed couple.  May the Lord make His face shine upon you.