CURRENT FIXATION: this blog
LAST SONG SYNDROME: none
LATEST BOOK PLOWED: I still don’t have the time…
WORD FOR THE DAY: responsibility
This is the Message that I delivered earlier tonight...
As you stand at the crossroad of childhood and adulthood, more eager than ever to start your journey in life, I now give you my message taken from an old Italian wish which says, “Vive bene, spesso l’amore, di risata molto.” In English, it means to live well, love much and laugh often.
LIVE WELL. I know that it may sound as a cliché but it’s true that you’re going to be 18 only once in your life. Seize every opportunity that you think will help you develop your personal and most specially your spiritual growth.
LOVE MUCH. Spend more quality time with your loved ones, specifically your family, not just friends. Cherish every moment of it. Afterall, the best expression of love is time.
LAUGH OFTEN. It isn’t everyday that you will feel like you’re on top of the world but try to look on the brighter side of life. Even in the most grim situations, there are lessons that can be learned.
A few weeks ago, my bestfriend invited me to her sister’s debut. Vacation is almost over in just a couple of days and I thought to myself, “What a perfect way to end this summer!” My friend’s wedding was also slated a day before the debut – both happening on a weekend. It’s going to be fun, fun, fun! Woohoo!
There’s just one small point on the debut that completely weirded me out – I’m one of the 18 candles. Huwat??? In a nutshell, this was what happened over our exchange of text messages:
ME: Gud pm, I got your message. Punta kami ni Mama.
BESPREN: Attend kayo, ha? Prepare ka ng speech. 18 candle ka.
ME: Bakit ako 18 candle? Ang tanda ko na para dun. Sigurado ka bang hindi wedding mo ang pupuntahan ko?
BESPREN: Hindi pa tayo matanda para dun. Semi-formal ang attire…
It’s not that I don’t want to do it. It just felt strange. See… I had this perception that when you reached 20+, you’re through with that kind of stuff already.
On the one hand, it’s true but on the other hand, it’s also a chance for me to share with the rest of the young adult guests there what I think they should prioritize at age 18… something that‘s not quite clear to me when I was at their age.
When I got there, I enjoyed pretty much. I saw my bestfriend and her family after such a long time… though my moments with her were limited to only a few quick picture shots and chats every now and then; a brief walk down memory lane of our childhood years; some knowing glances… ehem! …and several meaningful smiles… ehem! …ehem! …ehem! Geez, how come my throat suddenly got irritated? …Harharhar!
How I wished we could talk longer… but that’s ok. She plays the part of a host cum program coordinator. I know that her hands are quite full already. If it was possible, I’m sure she’d opt to be in several places all at the same time… hehehe!
The food… ay grabe! Had I not been part of the 18 candles, I would’ve reached out for more…harharhar!
To the debutante, Godspeed as you begin another significant chapter in your life.
