One step forward, one glance back, one look inward...

Last night, I attended the birthday party of one of my highschool classmates, Jayvee. Now this event, much like Jervin's videoke birthdays and the Gobot's Oktoberfest, is a yearly occasion that many from our class look forward to. This is one of the traditions that keep us together.

The food was great! Aysee's sisig was superb, the beer--overflowing! But the certepiece of the feast was of course, the eagerly awaited Reyes corn casserole! In some ways, this dish is as much a tradition as the birthday itself! Some things, hopefully, never will change. Pero ngayon, may nakahanda nang Tupperware para kay Bhonny!

Speaking of how some things will always stay the same, it was very refreshing to spend some time again with old classmates and find out that among such friends, time apart is really inconsequential to the way we relate with one another. As our philosopher friend, Maochi, always says, when the truest of friends meet up again, even after so long a time, it would always seem as if no time had passed at all. Of course, he says this in tagalog, but that's generally the point. With real friends, changes can and do occur, but the most important aspects-- the good ones, the ones that matter-- do not. Once again, hopefully, some things never change.

But then again, sometimes change is good. Most of the time, in fact. Let me enumerate some good changes as of last night:

1. New friends- Bubbles and Joy were with us last night! Way to go Jerbiboy! (Teka, pinopormahan ba ni Bong si Joy...? Hmmm)
2. Nakasapatos na si Phumbs!
3. May bigote na si Gino (pang romansa daw...)
4. Jerv grew up - Huh? Well, this was one of the changes many people noticed last night. That, plus the fact na di na daw siya bunot. Hehe
5. Jayvee finally got rid of his braces!

And finally,....

6. Umuwi nanaman ng maaga si Mr. Castillo! Haha! This may not seem to be such a good change at all, but ask him if it is, and he'll definitely answer with a big YES!

So there. Change might be inevitable, but some things are worth holding on to. And sometimes, it is also better to simply let change wash over you. Who knows, it might even be for the better. In the end, it's all a matter of evaluating what you value most. Just don't lose yourself in the process of changing.

Finally, with the coming New Year tonight, I thank God that this dreadful year is coming to an end. This is one change that I truly welcome. Hopefully, 2005 will be a better year for all of us. With that said, I'd like to wish everyone reading this (yes, all three of you! hehe) a HAPPY NEW YEAR!

Ingat sa paputok!