Sipping, Singing, and Hitting the High Notes: An Epic October Birthday Bash

 

During the last presidential elections, a group of batchmates from the University of Santo Tomas High School's Class of 1994 came together to support good governance. United in our conviction, we campaigned passionately for then Vice-President Leni Robredo and her platform, "Gobyernong Tapat, Angat Buhay Lahat." Although our efforts did not yield the desired outcome, the experience strengthened our friendship. Since then, our group has continued to meet regularly, reminiscing about our high school days, discussing how the world has changed, and cherishing the bonds we have forged. We often take the opportunity of a birthday to come together and celebrate.

This month, three of us boys are celebrating our birthdays: Engr. Joseph Navarro, Atty. Jun Santamaria, and myself. Jun and I share the same birthday, October 20, 1977, and we turned 46 this year. Joseph, our Kuya, turned 47! Although organizing parties doesn't come naturally to us, especially us boys, we were determined to plan a fun birthday celebration. Thankfully, one of our brilliant lady-batchmates stepped in to lend a helping hand. She took charge of finding the perfect venue, making reservations, and arranging the menu. The three of us simply reached out to the rest of the group through our messenger group to extend the invitation.

On October 27, our group gathered for an epic videoke party at the Paragon KTV Bar in Araneta Center Cubao. The celebration started at 7 pm and continued well past 3 am, filled with laughter, singing, and indulging in delicious food and drinks. Some of us may have had a bit too much vodka and whiskey shots! The atmosphere was electric, with many of us belting out favorite OPM (Original Pilipino Music) songs like "Minsan Minahal Ako," "Sana'y Wala Nang Wakas," "Sana Maulit Muli," and "Paubaya," among others.

As the night unfolded, we found ourselves transported back to our high school days, reliving the carefree spirit and nostalgia of our youth. The celebration sparked discussions about the music, trends, and shared experiences that defined our time together in school. We found joy in rediscovering the songs that once held a special place in our hearts, singing them with unmatched enthusiasm, and raising our glasses to the beautiful memories they had created. 

Beyond the realm of politics, our group's connection remains steadfast, built on a foundation of shared experiences and unwavering support for one another. Coming together to celebrate birthdays is a testament to the enduring bond we have formed over the years. The October celebration exemplifies the resilience and joy that our friendship brings, transcending any external circumstances and rekindling the sense of camaraderie we have cherished since our high school days. 

We are looking forward to the next… 



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