Our laughter dominated the pool area that late evening at the Costa Roca Resort Club. We didn’t have any drinks, but we literally looked like a bunch of crazies, playing word games and punishing each other by having to do some dives after losing the game. Since the pandemic, it has been the loudest—and at the same time, most calming—night of my life.
This overnight stay at Costa Roca in Balamban, Cebu, started as a joke. Like most working adults, my college barkada has been trying to swing and dance around our busy schedules in hopes of finally meeting each other. Even before the pandemic, we always find this difficult to do given that some of us work on graveyard shifts, others have already settled down outside the city, and we all have our individual priorities and responsibilities to juggle around.
After several attempts, many raised their white flags in surrender. It was seemingly impossible to do, much more so with the restrictions now. Through our group chat conversations, I ended up joking, “Atong pag-asa ragyud aning matapok kay kung nay kaslon. Galaw-galaw na mga friends.” (Our only hope right now is when one of us will get married. Who’s turn, is it?) And as if on cue, the most reserved member of the group replied: “Hello French Friends! Sending you all an invitation. Adto nya ta puhon2 maayong lawas.” And so, the planning began.
In our eagerness to celebrate Sundae’s wedding, we organized a simple bridal shower for our lovely bride. Despite the busy schedule of the couple, they granted us a little of their time to reconnect with them and send our well wishes as they start a new chapter of their lives.
The wedding took place a week after the bridal shower at St. Francis of Assisi Parish in Balamban. From there, we proceeded to the reception at Costa Roca Resort Club (formerly known as Binghay Marine Park). To make the most of the out-of-town trip, we decided to stay overnight.
Our Overnight Experience at Costa Roca
I have to admit that, up until now, I still find it difficult to fit in groups. Maybe it’s my introverted self kicking in. Probably my oversensitivity. Or maybe because my group of friends has set such high standards for what it’s like to be around people who accept you for who you are. As Jobert puts it in his interview, you will always be enough for the right audience.
Spending the night with Lixelle and the two Christines brought a lot of beautiful memories throughout our college lives. I felt ‘me’ once again. For a long time, I have always wondered how my life would have turned out had I not entered an exclusive school for girls. But talking with them made me realize that there’s absolutely nothing wrong with me.
My thoughts, decisions, and actions are all mine—and owning them does not make me less of a person. Not everyone will agree with my words and judgment, but that does not mean that they are any better or worse. These differences make us human beings, and our ability to see through and respect our diversity shows our uniqueness as human beings.
That night, our conversations shifted from K-dramas to finances and personal traumas. Ten years ago, all we ever talked about were the research given to us and the pastries on sale in Angelica Bakeshop at St. Patrick’s Square; now our discussions have centered on how our backs hurt (literally and figuratively) with all the loads that we have to carry.
We—because no matter how seemingly strong (and independent) we think we are, there’s just a certain amount of pain that we can tolerate. We need people to listen to our rants and relentless emotions before they eat us up.
And I thank the universe for people who still keep up with my random messages. Those who read through my rants. Those who persistently listen to my complaints and unsolicited pieces of advice. Those who still take the time to read this blog. And those who are just there: fighting and going through life one day at a time. May we all continue sharing our light with others in these dark times. We only have each other. Until it’s our turn, let’s keep cheering for others.
Dakilanglaagan 