High School Apples & Oranges

I’m not sure how but I easily win somebody’s trust. I build friendship out of nowhere and I just sustain it. Age bracket could be between 15 & 50 years old.

Next to GOD and my family, my friends are my priceless possessions. The term “Best Friend” is a cliché thing for me. In fact, I have dozens! I’m a friend of my parents’ friends…and siblings’ associates, too. It’s interconnected links with unbroken processes.

Getting the nod doesn’t mean getting what you want from them. We have individual differences; hence, one’s attributes are distinctive from another. As per my previous blog, I mentioned how I was tagged as “disloyal” in high school. Even the dogs in the street knew why.

When we were toddlers, our cousins became our friends. That linkage had produced infulences that mattered to us in the long run. I could name few of my close friends in grade school---Joselito Murallo, Reina Pradas, Dexter Buena, Melvin Lucido, Salven Tolarba, Jonathan Culaway, Cynthia Prena, Vincent Tolarba, Franco Birata, Ronald Pancipane, Bienvenido Gonzalo, Amadeo Tuason, and John Regino. However, there were no cherished occasions since kids neither sympathize, nor share…they just pull the strings and push the buttons all the time.

As teenagers, the evolution of friendship’s definition began. Though competitions were evidently seen, I still have my high school friends to this very juncture.

1. Marty Ruperto- Somebody who could save us in Practical Arts Subject when our pencil traces went wrong. One who’d been so thoughtful to me on special occasions…I’m still keeping the posters, post & greeting cards, pencil holder, and a set of design-reference books which he sent in 2008. Daily routine of chatting from his place - to mine - to Ning’s & Don’s… and at times doing it back & forth. It just created significant bonds among us. We used to exchange whereabouts thru letters when we entered college, until he flew to the USA. He’s forever be a humble pie.

2. Mike Borromeo- We were never in the same class but we were in the same interest, then…dancing. Both our fathers were good friends, too! Mike has been trustworthy and valuing friendships so much. For a long time, it’s certainly rewarding that he’s now a father.

3. Ning Saenz- The first know-how when we, his batch mates, were not yet civilized. He talked about computers, electronics, equations, printing, and designs…all to his advancement. He could type (using a typewriter) at the speed of 60 wpm…as compared to mine with 55 wpm (LOL!)…yes, he coached me how. My friendship with Ning is tested by leaps and bounds. We were neighbors in Quezon City, while sharing resources whenever one had scarcity. Once we had only a peso…and we laugh at it now. He’s a genuine friend for keeps. He’s consistently dependable.

4. Jessel Pagobayan- Nobody knew we were playmates when we were still in grade 3. Her mother used to bring her whenever the former had to play mahjong with Mama Flor at home. She’s always been attractive and smart. Now in the US, an equivalent of success best describes her, Jess is still within reach.

5. Johna Poot- Somehow, we have the same line of professions…both finished BSN, yet landed into trading. Her stability rests within the comfort of her immediate family. She has erected business success with a backbone. Talking with her in the same language (since I ventured into business once) exuded so much strength in her. I really affirm her guts & glory!

6. Yen Pobar- The ever pretty face…had been my classmate from 1st grade to 4th year high school. She could have disregarded this but apart from Gracita de Chavez, she was the rare mate whom I had shared 10 consecutive years of my younger years with (aside from my family). She married early so she found contentment early. Yen has been a faithful friend. She became my best cousin’s (Kathy) friend, too!

7. Lala Garces- They say, “life is not all beer and skittles.” Lala had gone through a lot. Being the daughter of my brothers’ teacher, my folk dancing partner in elementary, my father’s constituent, my young comrades’ sister & aunt…at least I wasn’t clueless of how she lived her life, plus the fact that she’s an open book to us, her trusted friends. Lala talks what she thinks. Her cleverness is evident in her eloquence. I would reveal…she’s my father’s favorite…that’s why I like her, too!

8. Michelle Ruperto- I’m sure, somebody who knows her well would agree that she’s the calmest & kindest of us, all! Some would brand her differently, but Chelle is a big hitter! Like her cousin, Marty, humility is never doubted. People change traditions & directions, but she remains with us by heart.

9. Janet Guerrero- When I pursued Economics as my initial course in College, Net was a mate. Another funny bone in our colony, she talks with much candidness and strength. The ever thin lady as a rake, Janet is missed for her chuckles.

10. Niel Datingaling- He was the personification of vigor…our Battalion Commander; one whose laugh has been contagious and another true blue veteran. I observed from some socials, Niel is everybody’s buddy.

11. Glena Camases- The angelic face behind a sturdy persona. I associate her with ping-pong (the expert one, in fact). Though miles from us, her accessibility merely spans the distance. Another artist in the row, another men’s crux of the matter because of her pretty face…Gleng is actually more than that.

12. Meden Loveres- One who’s academically outstanding, Doll was also the Maria Clara of our donkey’s years. She holds a high yet thin-pitched voice which she never utilized in singing. Unassuming nature was just her mode. Technology provokes her to disappear totally.

13. Neil Dio- the master in calligraphy…the chalk-eater…the board of director- Neil was picked just to write on the blackboard! Now by plunking his style on the cakes, he sails from one continent to another. Another happy disposition with a sharp tongue, Neil is everyone’s pet.

14. Ave Kay Balubar- I’m not certain but I feel that I was being introduced to Ave’s partners (from one to another). Though this appears to be absurd, the thing is…it only happened once. Talking without breathing, Ave is a barrel of narratives.

15. Emile Gonzales- …my secretary in Sangguniang Kabataan, prim and proper, ever studious, competent educator, and entrepreneur. I’d been an eyewitness of her love story with Jorem. Her career is all about earnestness.

16. Noems Patanao- The closest high school mate I have as far as geography is concerned. She has a camp with strong vocal cords and eventually ventured into performing in South East regions. Her manner of speaking could be her best asset; in fact, the bees & birds’ information is boundless. Another hilarious chum, Noems is always missed whenever there’s no fine tune.

17. Melds Mina- We had few acquaintances upon entering college. I remember she was staying in the dormitory with Meden & Myra; we used to exchange letters, photos, and voice tapes (too remote), which lasted for years until we were all succumbed by major subjects.

18. Lizette Cipriano- At times, her personality was too strong that she could almost swallow you alive! One whose voice could trigger your senses to fluctuate; it’s simply hitting North-South & East-West. Her giggle has a do-re-mi tune. On the other side of the coin, Her dedication to her family is something incomparable to mine…well, I have none!

19. Sandro Orido- I’m clueless as to how he was called “Bamba”…but I first heard it from the horse’s mouth, Janet. Anyhow, Bamba was a true homebody; he was hardly invited for events…not certain if he had a 6 o’clock curfew. We visited his house in Ligao for quite a dozen times…but never did we ever see its interior. Those were street chats, actually. Whenever he was on school vacation, he opted to initially visit me with a bike; thus, I accommodated him outside our house as well. LOL!

20. Meriam Garcia- The youngest entrepreneur I’ve ever encountered with. At the age of 8 (as far as I could recall), she entered school- carrying not only a school bag, but also a basket of veggies & fruits. I’m sure, I failed to patronize her items since I wasn’t a veggie-person then. Later in high school, the edibles had turned into cosmetics. Now, her nail is still into marketing…and just a wink of an eye…her commissions send her abroad to travel for pleasure & leisure.

21. Vice Garcia- He’s vice who became the school president! After some setbacks, you could still afford to laugh at his jest. He had this charisma of a true-blooded politician; that’s why his popularity was exceptional.

22. Joel Senora- Another nurse by profession, whose stout could pop you out. Yes, he was the largest, then. Our fathers were good friends, too.

23. Allan Imperial- The dark horse in our herd; somebody who could afford cash outflow…a real business magnate!

24. Casley Repotente- My distant relative...one who got closer to me when I opened up a bar business in 2003. Well of course, he was a boozer.

25. Paking Pacheco- I had an impression that he was a so-so in high school. Maybe just a decade ago, I had a light bulb moment; I got along with him and the rest of significant others…and he’s actually the most composed.

26. Don Ruivivar- A talented sketcher (I was only his 2nd best in Elementary), a “komiks” lover, a cartoon enthusiast, a basketball fan, and a nap-aficionado. Hardly you could feel consistencies in him…now he’ll converse; later he’ll abstain. Nonetheless, Don is truly one of its kind.

27. Lanie Ramirez- I feel that her family knows me well…I’ve been a friend to them; even with Lanie’s absence, I can stay & talk with the rest without curling my toes. My cousin, Kathy, was her close friend many moons ago. Owning a big hair… a comb could never be out of her paraphernalia.

28. Louella Velarde- Apart from Myra Bonayon & Edna de la Torre, she’s another batch’s Rip Van Winkle (out of touch) with a microscopic voice. She was hardly allowed by her father to join us in our activities; those were abortive efforts. Nobody knew for sure that we were colleagues in “Powerpage”…I joined the operations to maximize my time while training for other company.

29. Jaime Talavera- A friend who budded out of prospectus, but never a batch mate…and one of the campus’ best dressed and postured being. Jaime has been peeping the lens…transpired to be a professional photo & videographer.

30. Tupe Orendain- Jaime’s disciple and one who was overly-attached to our outpost then…would it be for fun or for co-curricular activities. His sister, Loreilyn, became my good friend, indeed.

31. John Regino- Used to create sounds by dangling his fingers with force, had an appeal that girls discerned. One who celebrates his natal day at the cemetery, John has been my close friend since grade school. We were seatmates, thus, I’d used to witness him pulling Cecil Jocom’s hair (sign of compulsion) in 2nd grade…now, they’re a couple! What a lengthy journey that was hard to pull!

32. Franco Birata- The tidy chum who ended up being the lone physician in our batch. Choy’s sincerity as a friend was easily felt.

33. Amadeo Tuazon- Good face value & a golden voice adhere together. One who’d been so flexible in terms of social dealings. Our friendship sprang from amateur interest that winded up into a veteran gab. Madz has been a loyal comrade. Whenever he’s around, he doesn’t fail to make a courtesy call.

34. Jenny Pebre- You could hear a pin drop with her. Her thin voice was deafening…so reserved that only her eye balls moved. Jen was a genuine conventional and a spinster by choice. Test the guts: Jen, among her batch mates, was the first one to work abroad.

35. Rose Marfil- With a towering height, Maye keeps her feet on the ground. We never attended similar classes, yet we became too close as we contended with the same troop then. She was my supporter in Sangguniang Kabataan and my “tambayan” (with my cousin) during vacation. She’s also in the UAE.

36. Romela Colima- One, though with a dominant family (Matias), had never used her brawn beyond circumstances. A religious conformist, Mela also welcomed me to be her brother’s (Emo) best buddy...even affirmed me for the influences I made. You couldn’t imagine but there were episodes when Emo didn’t behave properly in school & in public…but I was there to guide him.

37. Jessica Marfil- Tec has this personality that seems kicking the bucket all the time. Not because I’m her sister’s (Maye) friend, my attributes would match hers; in fact, she has maintained quality friends in good quantity. I actually owe her a lot…we stayed in one roof in Dubai and our friendship got a long way.

38. Joel Calacday- A principled politician in-the-making. He was a member of our council in Sangguniang Kabataan with sensible ideas. Being a silent worker, he didn’t pay much attention to acknowledgements; instead he sustained himself to be ever dependable.

39. Russel Ravalo- Wit & responsibilities share a space with him. I knew how he played a one-man-act show in the family; he’s highly commendable. We shared a roof in Dubai as well for a couple of weeks and being his friend then has no much difference from being his friend now.

40. Aldem Realubit- When the instance came that I understood about the essence of friendship…I could vividly recall Aldem was present to broaden & put life into it. We never entered in the same school; our professions are even sorted thru the four faculties: He’s into Theology & Law, while I’m into Arts & Medicine. I affirm his sharpness and being a reliable pal for keeps. We have this funny-old fact: Due to being too attached with each other & Mike (Borromeo), we decided to break the habit by not meeting for two weeks straight. One Saturday at 4 o’clock after that, we were scheduled to assemble near the church…and we did meet there!... the rest is history!

41. Ane Abo- Inhibitions are just down in the dumps for her. Probably the biggest female mammal in our batch; Ane has also a strong ego that could knock you off. A business-minded one…she’s just into it.

42. Jay Dayandante- Whenever the circumstance hits numbers and formula, his attention is merely evident. Well, we can associate this to his interest with women… Jay would hate to overlook. He’s been hardworking and self-driven… the spirit is remarkable!

...TO BE CONTINUED ...

COMMENTS:

Anonymous said...grabe ka talaga andy, what a memory!!! haha. you could still remember all of us and all the things we did during high school, tsk tsk, wa ako sey sayo...i miss you prend..i enjoyed reading your memories sa bawat batchmate ta hihihi..kakatuwa ka talaga.- lizetteSEPTEMBER 22, 2009 AT 11:10 PM

ALDEM REALUBIT said...hi andzz, ah ok lang po. lam ko naman bc ka lagi. hehe. di po ako nag take, di pa ready. bc man sa work kaya. . check mo bro blogs nina radden nibungco (my blessings counter), kaibahan mi sa seminaryo nikadto, then su ni recommend ko saymo before, life as ays see it, ni ays randrup. pareho mo rin sila, very creative writers, i enjoy reading your works. ALDEM REALUBITOCTOBER 5, 2009 AT 3:57 AM

JESSEL PAGOBAYAN-ROBEL said...Your writing is really good - excellent! a long way since high school hehe...you can make a fortune out of it (or you already are....) ..i will try to catch up on your blogs during my free time and after my driving test...(hehe). thanks for sharing your thoughts!OCTOBER 5, 2009 AT 3:59 AM

DEXTER RACADAG said...you're one of a kind andz...such a good blog.. i remember the song "in my life" by the beatles..OCTOBER 5, 2009 AT 4:03 AM

ALDEM REALUBIT said...mr. andy samson, i enjoyed reading your blog (Eager Beaver). the detail was so colorful, im sure a lot of bloggers would be green with envy. so much life in it. awesome. love it. keep it coming friend.OCTOBER 5, 2009 AT 4:05 AM

MARIA PERLA GARCES-DATINGALING said...hi andy! nice blog there :) keep the story flowing :DOCTOBER 5, 2009 AT 4:20 AM

SHEILA RUPERTO said...Very nice Andz! Keep it up!OCTOBER 5, 2009 AT 4:20 AM

NOEME PATANAO ALIE said...hey andz 'was moved by your blog..so inspiring...really nice...looking forward for the future blogs..OCTOBER 5, 2009 AT 4:21 AM

YEN POBAR-SAMSON said...I like this!OCTOBER 5, 2009 AT 4:29 AM

JESSICA MARFIL said...SMART & INTELLIGENT!!! Of course a great friend for keeps!!! miss yahOCTOBER 18, 2009 AT 1:11 AM

JOHNA POOT said...wow! ang galing mo naman to create this... Its really very beautiful and inspiring...NOVEMBER 3, 2009 AT 1:15

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