Author’s Note: Finally. After ten long years, I am now able to keep my promise of publishing “our story” on a “blog.”. I don’t know how you are right now; our supposed-to-be “reunion” wasn’t able to live up to its intentions. Nonetheless, I hope you’re all doing great at present (despite the COVID threat).
Anyway, I hope this prophecy that didn’t make it through our JS prom will bring nostalgia and fun memories of our good high school days. Until then, I hope you’re rich in love, relationships, dreams, and finances.
Happy reading!
“Every now and then, we find a special friend who never lets us down…
Who understands it all, reaches out each time you fall you’re the best friend I have known…”
Eyes half shut, I stretched my arms and reached my i57, which was emitting that melodious Wetpaint’s version of “Remember me this Way” featuring the international recording artist Kimberly Joy Zabala. As expected, the song hit the top spot of “The World’s Music Bulletin” and stayed there for almost a year.
“Open. Email. Voice messages,” I commanded to the gadget.
“Loading. Updating. Reading Messages. Message One: Bok Interview at Dawn Peek’s Hotel. Message Two: Filming and Animation Meeting schedule moved to the first Friday of next month. Message Three: Collaboration Meeting with Masashi Kishimoto and Hiro Mashima was canceled due to prenuptial. Message Four…”
Yes, it works via voice command! i57 is the latest smartphone distributed by NOQUIAO Corporation. It was one of the latest technologies invented by the renowned Eng. Jonnie Lambon—the humble man behind the paper-turned-money “Paper Machine”. A compact device that is—as small as an eighth sheet of intermediate pad paper—already packed with a multitude of features, including wireless connections, a built-in satellite, and an HD-quality video camera, not to mention the unlimited memory it encompasses.
Unable to uncover any meaningful messages, I placed the device back beneath my pillow and pretended to drift into sleep. However, sleep eluded me, and I ended up gazing aimlessly at the ceiling.
I am currently at the internationally acclaimed QUANTUM HOTEL, which is owned and managed by the PLATITUDE FOODTRIP GIRLS, composed of Jomelyn Hortezuela (CEO), Leah Angelie Dumagat (Board Member and OIC), Rose Mel Giltendez (Major Stockholder and Financing Department Head), and Jessa Corpuz (Board Member and Resident Chef of the Hotel’s Restaurant).
The resort hotel has earned global acclaim, receiving accolades from prestigious award organizations for its exceptional facilities and welcoming staff. It proudly boasts a five-star rating, a testament to its adherence to international hospitality standards.
With a resigned sigh, I acknowledged defeat. The harder I tried to embrace sleep, the more elusive it became. Finally conceding, I threw on a pair of denim shorts, donned a cozy cardigan, and decided to take a stroll.
As I headed towards the elevator, a serendipitous encounter awaited me. CPA Lawyer Eljey Laplap, the owner of the International Money Transfer and Bank, greeted me with a warm smile. Beside her stood Jonah Mae Pacres, the Board Topnotcher. Despite my desire to linger and catch up, the demands of time were pressing. With the stock market thriving, both had to attend to their business commitments. I couldn’t help but smile as I recalled how things had changed in such a brief period.
After enduring generations of economic oppression from oligarchs and corrupt politicians, the country finally emerged from its crisis under the visionary leadership of the re-elected President of the Republic of the Philippines, Jeric Numeran. Yes, the very same man who earned the title of “Sexiest Man Alive” in the New York Times and other international publications. The success story extends to his political partner, Vice-President Jad Atillo, and the unwavering support from the First Filipino President of the United States of America, Joseph Dean Coscolluela—owner of Sbarro International and Chairperson of BBC Network.
Rumors had it that he played a pivotal role in the success of Ruth Pharmaceuticals, the company that found a cure for all pandemic viruses worldwide. The business is run by his longtime friend, Ruth Abigail Igao, who is a licensed nurse and pharmacist.
The memories flooded back, and I was so lost in them that I accidentally bumped into Captain James Gringo Ramos of the Freedom Ship. Standing beside him was a woman who bore a striking resemblance to him. A confirming smile on his face revealed she was his mother. Thank Heavens, he had finally reunited with her after years of searching. Happiness radiated from him, but his mother hinted that there was still something missing in his life: a wife!
“Well, I think it’s high time you settle down, son, and give me that grandson I’ve been longing for,” his mother said with a playful tone, making it clear that the joke was half-meant and sarcasm was in the air.
“Yes, absolutely, we’re already planning for that,” a voice chimed in from behind us.
My jaw dropped when I saw the stunning lady who interrupted our conversation. It was none other than the ever-beautiful and recently crowned Miss Transgendered Beauty Queen, Hujhena Sanchez. She’s the CEO of Procter and Gamble Philippines SAGING Lever Corporation and the heiress of a vast DOLE Banana Plantation in Bukidnon. Who wouldn’t want to marry her?!
As usual, our conversation unfolded more than we had anticipated, all thanks to Hujhena’s natural charm and wit. Eventually, we had to part ways due to other commitments. They continued with their schedules, while I resumed my aimless stroll.
I stepped into the embrace of the refreshing summer breeze from the ocean, tousling my hair in its cool touch. The sun began its ascent, painting a captivating scene. Lost in contemplation, my thoughts were abruptly shattered by a ball smacking me square in the face. The pain was intense, and as I prepared to confront the culprit, I recognized the familiar face of Kevin Sting Alburo. He flashed an apologetic smile. Who was I to complain when it was none other than Kevin Sting Alburo—the owner of multiple branches of the International Housekeeping Agency and the libero for the Philippine Team, securing the country’s first gold medal in the Olympics. His name had been buzzing around town for quite some time.
To make amends for his unintentional offense, Kevin Sting Alburo invited me to join his group, which included Trizzia Lynn Charisse Brady (a Food Manufacturer), Anna Marie Sanchez (owner of ANS Chinese Restaurant and Executive Consultant of ‘PLAY NOW! Magazine), Vir Vincent Cabahug (OIC of PhilVirZel Animations), and Jizelle Jaca-Cabahug (NLEX Topnotcher and VirZel Medical Center Chairperson). The ensemble also featured the notable AK (Animal Kingdom) chicken, managed by the PLAY NOW! Magazine Editor-in-Chief and North Point Badminton Alley’s overseer—Dr. Zende Sanchez, a registered physician.
In addition to that, I also got to know the infamous “Death-Eater,” Formula One racer Kwesi Cruz, who checked into the hotel a day after clinching his 57th trophy at the Grand Prix Tournament in Paris, France. His consecutive triumphs in Mexico, Brazil, and Japan earned him the title of “Death Race King.” The group speculated that his daring participation in these competitions served as a coping mechanism for his recent breakup with the newly-crowned Miss Universe.
I wanted to linger and relive the good old days with them, but my boss called, reminding me of looming deadlines. Reluctantly, I had to say my goodbyes and head back to my room.
On my way to the office with my boyfriend, a.k.a. my recently acquired Dodge Viper, we happened to drive by Hacienda Sabarreta, an executive IT firm owned by Jan Myrr Sabarreta. As we left the outskirts of town and entered the city, I couldn’t help but notice a crowd gathering near a massive 4D screen.
Intrigued, I parked my baby boy and went to see what the commotion was about. There, I discovered an exclusive interview with the rising Korean star Wyndee Marie Quirante and Kim Jong Hoon, who were happily announcing their upcoming wedding. It was a dream come true for K-drama fans. Joining them were two of the most successful programmers globally, Fatima Casquejo and Annaliza Arreja—the brains behind the trendiest social networking program that led to the decline of Facebook and Twitter. Their MS Goat and Bee OS also played a part in the bankruptcy and tragic end of Bill Gates.
Following that, Mary Donabelle Macaday, rumored to be the girlfriend of business tycoon Michael John Samonte, reported breaking news. The spotlight was on the semi-aircraft carrier Freedom Ship, which docked at Quantum Port. Onboard was the Lenpis 32393, a private plane crafted by Danielle Bontilao. The pilot of this aircraft was none other than the former boyfriend of the Catwalk Superstar, America’s Next Top Model Winner, and Fine Arts graduate Mary Claire Mangapis—the woman who had broken the heart of Sam Conception. The crowd erupted in excitement when news surfaced about Everly Bentillo, another catwalk and ramp model, at the ECAEPIANZ MALL—the largest mall ever built in the whole universe!
Before being engulfed by the frenzied crowd, I quickly returned to my boyfriend and decided to explore the Ecaepianz Mall. Rumor had it that the mall belonged to the business magnate Jancey Canono—a man who had become the living example of the old saying that career and love can’t coexist. Despite being linked with ninety-nine women, each supposedly bearing his child, he still hadn’t found ‘the one.’ According to an undisclosed source, his enduring affection for his high school sweetheart, Glenda Marie Salundaguit, was the reason behind this romantic dilemma. Yes, the formidable lady owner of Glennie Foodhauz Resto-Café.
Before stepping into the mall, I passed by the ECAEPIANZ IT PARK—an acclaimed BPO in Asia known for its cutting-edge communication and animation programs. These accomplishments were attributed to some of the most eligible bachelors in the country: Rubb William Arreza (stockholder and Wetpaint vocalist), Rex Zaldy Aytona (Oscar Awardee for Avatar Rebirth Program and WETPAINT: Extinction Director), Oscar Cunanan (Director of the Board of Trustees of the Cunanan Medical Center, Wetpaint Guitarist, and advocate of the Oscar’s Awards), Gerald Cuyno (WETPAINT: Extinction co-programmer and heir to Gerald Cuyno Shop), Alver Noquiao (owner of NOQUIAO Corporation, recipient of the OSCAR Awards for best Background Music in “Moment of Truth” by Quicksilver in the epic movie Avatar: Rebirth, renowned painter of “Pasyon ni Kristo”—a masterpiece that outshone Leonardo da Vinci’s Mona Lisa and Last Supper, and Wetpaint’s Lead Guitarist), Jake Sanjorjo (IT Park CEO and mural painter of SRP Cebu Wall), and Mervin Saurin (undefeated online gamer and WETPAINT: Extinction producer).
In the center of the park stood a recently constructed building owned by Farrah Almencion. But the surprises didn’t stop there—I was astonished to spot John Lloyd Cruz filming “Thousand Miles” with the newly discovered talent and IT specialist, Dorothy Mae dela Torre.
I got so caught up watching them that I almost collided with a pedestrian crossing the street. In a split second, I slammed on the brakes, and time seemed to slow down. I struggled to catch my breath, my heart pounding. I nearly blacked out. It took a moment for me to come to, and fortunately, a group of nurses happened to pass by. They noticed the pedestrian who had ignored the traffic signal and also checked on me.
Sigh, not entirely my fault, but still felt guilty. The medical workers, Krisly Abelgas, Louisse Yaun, Clarissa Lopez, and radio technician Czarinah Taboada, quickly assessed and assisted me. Grateful for them. I resumed my ride at a snail’s pace, slightly faster (okay, maybe an octave faster) than the speed of a snail—yeah, a bit of an exaggeration. With my leisurely pace, I heard a car honking behind me. A Lexus pulled up beside me, and behind the wheel was none other than YouTube sensation and Computer Analyst Inna Penida!
I was stunned—I’m a fan, after all. After a quick wave, she accelerated and headed off to her press conference.
After wrapping up all the necessary tasks at the office, I rushed back to my sanctuary, the hotel. The hustle and bustle of the busy city faded away as I stepped into the cozy atmosphere of the hotel. As I strolled down the well-known paths leading to my room, I encountered the newly appointed DepEd Secretary and director of KOOL KIDS International, Miss Grace Requiso.
Accompanying her were Carla Monsanto (BBRC-JAM Foundress) and Mary Joy Jumamoy (BBRC-JAM Directress). They were engrossed in discussing the expansion plans for the exclusive school for gifted orphans. Not wanting to interrupt their important conversation, I discreetly excused myself. My attention shifted to a handsome guy kneeling in the hallway in front of Gemayel Hayden Canete—the Accounting Head of Quantum Hotel and President of Penguin’s Merchandise. She playfully shook her head. It seemed some things never change. She’s still enchanting guys and leaving them captivated, a seasoned player in the game of “love.”
Finally, after a day filled with unexpected encounters, I found myself in the elevator heading to my suite. Just when I thought the day was done, the LED screen inside the elevator caught my attention, announcing the upcoming debut concert of Sarah Geronimo’s ultimate rival, Shara Vergara. The concert would also feature the band WETPAINT and the highly acclaimed Broadway singer, Kimberly Joy Zabala. Hosted by the world-class linguist and entrepreneur Leodevina Velasquez, it was a concert for a cause.
I couldn’t hold back my emotions any longer. Ideas had been swirling in my mind since early morning, and words danced around in my head. As soon as the elevator doors opened, I rushed back to my room, fired up the computer, and began pouring out everything I’d been longing to write.
“Programs. MS Goat and Bee Writer. Open. New Document.”
The monitor displayed a blank sheet. That night, on the 101st floor of the Quantum Hotel and Resort, my voice echoed in the room as if I were an idiot talking to myself.
“March 23, 2009…
Every now and then… We find a special friend…”
P.S. I hope you enjoyed “our” story, bringing you a step closer to the dreams we once shared during that spontaneous interview. Life may have taken some different paths, straying from the prophecies we made, but I genuinely hope you find happiness in your current life. I miss all of you and look forward to seeing you soon, healthy and fit. May God bless you in all your endeavors. Keep dreaming those big dreams, and may your courage always rise to meet them.
Ecaepianz forever,
-Marj
If you ever find some time and want to relive those good old high school days, I highly recommend watching “Sunny.” It’s a real feel-good movie.
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Dakilanglaagan 