"CURTAIN CALL"

(a tribute to friends that stayed no matter what...)

Our friendship started in a not so typical way. In fact, we have seen each other several times during our rehearsals in our theater play but we only know each other and become close outside of our practices. Honestly, nothing is really extraordinary in us. We came from different courses in our College minding our own studies so the probability of crossing each other paths would be unlikely. It all began, when I joined my other clubmates in inviting potential members of our theater club called CPArts (Center for Performing Arts) urging them to audition for the second season our play when I met Jimmy. He was sitting in front of me as I spoke my spiels to the whole classroom. After our announcement, I asked if there would be any questions, he raised his hand and although I no longer remember what is his question, I knew that it was a silly one because I still recall how the rest of the class burst into laughter. When I left the room, I didn't mind him at all because I knew that base on his personality, he will not take this invitation seriously. But I was wrong. I was surprised one day that I saw him in one of our meetings. He listened to our director's instruction, participated in the audition process until I just realized that he did stay in the group. Rehearsal dates and several dinners out together with the other members of the club allowed us to get to know each other. After sharing several funny anecdotes and life stories, I told myself, that this guy is not that bad at all. We have the same "wavelength" and wit, which results in many inside jokes and sudden laughter. I cannot count how many times I made Jimmy as my "go-to" person whenever I want to vent out something. If I felt mistreated or just want to forget all my issues at school and home, most of the time, he is there just to listened and understand. During the course of our friendship, he is always my confidant and ally. For those times that I'm on my peak of anger, he manages to show me a different perspective of the issue which led me to think and ponder on. He is my drinking buddy, my secret keeper - and sometimes, my personal assistant. (haha!) Melanie, on the other hand, is unlike any ordinary girl at our campus. More than her beauty, cute smile and charm, she is a woman with conviction, focused and determined. She knows what she wants and nothing can affect her even if sometimes, the rumors about her are getting personal. When she joined our club for a new play that we will be launching at school, everyone immediately noticed her. A pretty face that instantly catches the attention of our male members, she became an easy head-turner. But I didn't pay attention to her back then because people told me that the only reason she decided to be part of our team is because of the grades that she needs to maintain. I told myself, how would I be able to be friends with someone who just in it because it is a requirement for her to graduate? I want to have friends who have the same passion as mine when it comes to performing arts. I want a friend who is full of life and not just sits on one corner waiting for her name to be called. Friendship with her would only last until the play is over, it will only be a wasted opportunity. But things have changed when rumors starting to spread among the members of the team. Some people would say she is haughty, not easy to get along with, a mistress, a mother who has a child out of wedlock. All these rumors were very harsh and mean and instead of joining the bandwagon of people who were easily swayed by hearsay, I decided to get to know her. Deciding to have a conversation with her is one of the many things I would not regret. As we talk more and more each day, (most of the time during dinners after our rehearsals or after every performance) I found out that she is funny, easy to be with, not "maarte", always ready to hug you but can also be consider as one-of-the-boys. And as our friendship grew, I didn't care anymore if the rumors surrounding her were true or not. Whatever circumstances that led her to who she is right now, I already accepted her. Because other people will never see the Melanie that I see and knew. She is gentle, kind, has an infectious laugh, tough and yes, a real friend. Like most friendships, ours were not immune to conflicts and misunderstandings. There were moments of displeasure and wrong choices that sometimes lead to miscommunication but at the end of it all, we are still here for each other, supportive and understanding of each other's flaws and shortcomings. We might not see each other that often compare to other "besties" out there but once there is an opportunity for the three of us to meet, we make sure that we use every minute of our time together. Among the three of us, I can say that I'm the one who has a lot of making up to do. I know that there are a few important days in their lives that I was not been able to attend to which I still regret until now and I'm truly sorry for it. Oftentimes, I push them at the sides whenever I meet new people and will only come back to them when I have conflict with the people whom I thought was a "friend". But still, they chose to stick around and bear with my shenanigans and mood swings and with that, I'm very much grateful. This year, we already hit our 10th year (going to 11!) of knowing each other. A friendship that simply started as the curtain call begins, that flourished as we end each rehearsal, I'm still surprised that we even reach this far. Currently, Jimmy and Melanie were already married with their respective spouses and each has two children and I'm so happy seeing them having their own families which also a testament to how long our friendship has been established. As we continue to journey together going through our own different paths, I do believe that more challenges will still come but as long as we remain strong and continue to lean on the foundation of our friendship, Jimmy, Melanie and I will still be there for each other for many, many years to come.

#FriendsforKeeps