When the Stars Align: A Rare but Fabulous Get-Together
There’s a rare celestial event that happens maybe once every few years — no, not a blood moon, not Mercury in retrograde, not even the next solar eclipse. I’m talking about me actually making it to a friends’ get-together.
You see, I have a driver’s license, but much like my treadmill, it mostly exists for decorative purposes. If Ralph isn’t in the mood to go, I’m basically grounded like a teenager with bad grades. But this time, the universe was on my side — Ralph is also friends with Christine Urbanuzo, one of my besties from high school who’s currently vacationing here from Chicago with her family. And since she’s flying back in just a couple of days (I think… unless my grasp of her itinerary is as accurate as my yoga balance in tree pose), I knew I couldn’t miss it.
The evening started with a twist — Ken and his friend Monica decided to give our 6 PM Friday yoga a try. They actually did pretty well for beginners. Thank God Master G gave us an easy flow, otherwise Ken would have been halfway out the door before savasana.
After yoga, Ralph and I headed to Masskara Chicken on Buri Road, where the whole gang was already gathered. It was so nice seeing Christine again. I honestly can’t remember exactly when we last saw each other, but I do know she came home last year… and yes, they all got together without me. Not that I wasn’t invited — I just didn’t go. But now that we live in Bacolod, it’s way easier to attend these things. No more “Sorry, I’m too far” excuse.
Dinner at Masskara Chicken was pure chaos in the best way. For some reason, Christine suddenly remembered my high school party trick — mimicking Ruffa Gutierrez’s voice. And because she’s a persistent queen, she made me do it over and over the entire night. We were in the airconditioned room, but there were other customers inside, and we behaved like we were the only ones there. Loud voices, hysterical laughter… I’m sure they hated us, but hey, memories don’t make themselves quietly.
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After dinner, Christine was craving dessert — specifically something with ube — so we headed to Calea. From there, Joyce decided the night was still young and started campaigning for bar hopping. Kristine Kho suggested The After Bar in Shopping, and off we went.
The moment we stepped inside, it was like being transported back to high school — the music, the laughter, the jokes flying across the table. For a few hours, life was simple again. No deadlines, no errands, no back pain (well, until the next morning).
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It was honestly one of the happiest nights of my life. I can’t wait to be out with my besties again soon. I just hope there are plenty more moments like this before I die — preferably with less ube cake and more Ruffa Gutierrez impersonations.
