New Year, Old Frendz

Though we might not see each other as often as we used to, or as often as we want to, it's always a riot when D' Frendz finally get together.

This coming 2026, here's to more meet-ups, iyak-tawa moments and discoveries with these long standing friends.

Just my luck

We've long been talkin about trying this Chinese restaurant called "Best of Luck" in Cubao Expo.

Today, we finally did!

And "luck" is an apt word because I'm lucky enough to share this experience with these wonderful people.

We call ourselves the "Matira ang Matibay" gang. Context: we've long been planning a get-together, things were finally set, and when the date was near, they started disappearing one by one. Except for the 4 of us. Thus, the name.

The situation reminds me of that saying that the best people in your life are the people who always show up. 

And I'm lucky to have this group who always shows up.

Reality Slaps

This popped up on my feed today.

So, it's been 11 years since D' Frendz had this pancake get-together at Slappy Cakes in Eastwood.

Back then, their concept was so novel. You get to make your own pancakes, right at you table. Back then, we'd experiment a lot, making different shapes, characters, combining colours and flavours - the works! Of course, the kids loved it, too.

While D' Frendz is still very much around, alas, Slappy Cakes is gone. Maybe it's because people got tired of the concept and they failed to innovate. Or maybe it's just because people don't eat pancakes that much.

Such is the reality of food businesses.

Be-mused

When we met up for our post-Christmas D' Frendz get-together at Mona's house, this very chic sight caught my eye.

Mona and Maricar as muses!

Incidentally, they were both wearing fuchsia blouses that I gave them. Both Mona and Maricar have a strong and fun sense of style, so it's always a joy finding outfits for them.

Like their outfits, true friendship never goes out of style.

F&F

Nope, this isn't about the in-house fast-fashion brand of Tesco.

(Gosh, it's still a bummer that they don't have that brand in MNL anymore.)

It's about how today was spent.

Still on Christmas mode, today was a get-together day with 2 groups of people who have been part of my life - and holiday celebrations - for ages.

FRENDZ!

We were almost complete today. We gathered at Mona's house - per usual - and marvelled at how the kids have grown and how many stories we missed in the years we haven't seen each other. (This was my first time to see Rona and TinTin in 5 years!)

FACULTY!

It;s also been a while since our last get together as a Mass Comm faculty. This was actually the first time in a long time that we were able to gather this big a group. 

Of course, we all had our share of classroom stories to tell. And admittedly, the half day we were together wasn't enough to talk about all the shenanigans.

So, to sum up today, I'll also use an F word.

FANTASTIC!

M&M

Nope, this isn't a continuation of yesterday's M2M post.

It's about the fact that Mona & Maricar was able to join my family birthday dinner!

(And Gary, too!)

It's a long overdue meet-up, which I'm glad finally happened. And as expected, the time felt too short.

Time for a part 2 soon.

Happy Tree Frendz

What do you do when you get together with Frendz at the mall?

Take a snap at the Christmas Tree, of course.

Christmas is definitely in the air. 

So is friendship!

Long overdue, part deux

It was Christmas 2019 when D' Frendz last got together at Mona's house.

Now, as we welcome New Year 2023, we were back at Mona's house with some of D' Frendz who I haven't seen in more than 2 years!

Gosh! The kids are all grown-up now! Especially Lucas and Becca!

It took time before we saw each other, so thanks to the New Year for allowing us to meet each other again.

Monalisa's Mile

Nope, this isn't about Julia Roberts' women empowerment film. 

But you know me. I'm a huge Julia Roberts fan and never miss a chance to gush about her.

This is about another Monalisa. An awesome friend who's celebrating her birthday today.

Mona and I met more than 30 years ago as Freshmen in UP Diliman. We were both in Block I-1 of UP CMC. Our block was a fun and diverse group of 1st year students from different provinces, schools and backgrounds. And I'm so fortunate to still be in touch with a lot of my block mates, some of whom have become very close friends.

While we were block mates and classmates in a lot of subjects in CMC, Mona and I moved in different circles. She was a member of "The Geeks," which was our version of "The A-list crowd that everyone wanted to be friends with." Meanwhile, I was just a plain and simple geek. Someone who wasn't cool enough to hang out with the cool kids.

Part of my college memories would be seeing them in CASAA. They'd have 2 rows of tables and chairs for their group, exchanging stories, laughs and Super Lemon candy. We'd say our "hi and hellos" when we'd pass by, but we'd often sit a few tables away from them. (Sometimes, even outside CASAA when it was really full.)

My next major interaction with Mona was when we were in 3rd year. She started this organization called "UP Unang Hakbang" which championed and benefitted street kids. There were two things that drew me to that org: 1.) the very worthy cause they were championing, and 2.) their logo - which is still fresh in my mind until today. It was a crayon drawing rendition of 2 kids, and the org name circling that visual.

That was one of the 1st instances when I was in awe at how Mona would go the extra mile for causes she feels strongly about. She was one of the main reasons I wanted to join. And back then, it was clear that Mona would be a leader who would do great things.

While I did apply for their org and participated in some activities, (okay, 1 activity), my membership fell through. It was probably because I was still working at McDonald's that time, and my crew life took most of my free time.

A year or so later, our paths crossed again in another org - UP Journalism Club. My decision to join the club was very Johnny-come-lately - it was during my graduating year. Mona was one of the officers that time, so she'd be very active in setting tasks for the org applicants.

When it was time for our initiation, we were en route to a "secret location" where the rites were supposed to be held. On our way to the "secret location," someone blurted out "Malapit na ba tayo kina Mona?" That was the 1st time we went to Mona's house in Marikina, and being in her house made me feel like I knew her a bit more.

After graduation, we went our separate ways. But as it usually happens, some of the friendships stayed well beyond the hallowed halls of UP and Plaridel Hall. In my case, those friends were Prichy, Kitel, Wowie, Lhorie and Eva. Even though we all had different jobs, we'd find ways and occasions to meet up.

A year or two after, my post-college-friends-circle expanded. This is when D' Frendz was born. Our group was actually formed in a very organic way. We just came together, grew closer, and stuck to each other for decades. 

It was during this time that I really got to know Mona. 

When you've known each other for 3 decades, it's a given that you'll really get to know each other - warts and all - as the adage goes. 

There are a number of things that I've learned about Mona which can be considered common knowledge, or things that most people already know.

She's intelligent, she's accomplished, she's a born leader. She's generous, she's selfless, she's a family woman - both to her immediate family and extended family (which includes us, luckily.) She's steadfast, she's headstrong, she's level-headed, and she has admirable Faith.

But in my decades of interaction with her, there are also things that I've learned about her through experience. Quite a number, really.

One that strikes me the most - she's an empath.

Empathy - in the true sense of the word - is difficult to find in people. And for Mona, it comes so naturally. 

In my personal experience, she knows when to talk or ask questions, or even offer help. She never presses an issue or a question, and has the uncanny knack of knowing when the right time is. 

She already knew Mark for many years when she asked me the question: "Is Francis your friend?" That question actually made me smile when she asked it. And it makes me smile thinking about it now.

After casually mentioning that my colleagues and I were having this issue with the company we were working for, she immediately suggested that we talk to one of the partners in her law firm that specialized in labor issues.

In 2019, while I was in the ER, she was suddenly there with Ate Bullet. She said that it just so happened she was in TMC and saw Ate, and quickly rushed to where I was. She even called Maricar, and I remember they were calmly talking to me and assuring me while lying in the ER. She even brought food from KFC to our room when I was finally admitted. She said that we probably didn't have dinner yet because of all the tests and paperwork being done that day.

Those are just some of the many, many, many ways that Mona showed her empathy and went the extra mile for me. And her empathy is just one of the many, many, many qualities that people don't commonly know.  But as friends, we're truly blessed to get to experience it in our frequent interactions.

Having true, close, dependable and admirable friends is a blessing. Having one like Mona is all that, and even more. That's why on her birthday, I wish her all the blessings she deserves and everything her heart desires.

Happy Birthday, Mona! 

Look, it's Lucas - now!

Back in 2010, we welcomed the first baby boy to D' Frendz. That baby boy is Lucas.

Now, 11 years after, our baby boy is a young man! A very talented young man, at that:

He's always been a musician, and this is influenced by his dad, Dip, who's also a very prolific musician. 

But more than just making good music, Lucas uses music to spread the Faith and magnify the Lord. 

Lucas is amazing, in more ways than one!

Wash granted

As discussed with Mona and the other Frendz, you know you're getting old and knee-deep in the "adulting" phase when online loot like these make you giddy!

Yes, I get excited shopping for laundry detergents and fabric conditioners from Lazada and Shopee.

It makes washing clothes a lot more fun. And fragrant, too!

One to Teen

While looking at these photos taken from Becca's Fiesta-themed 1st birthday party, it's hard to believe that this fun, Filipino event happened 12 years ago!

Today, Becca turns 13! Our D' Baby is now officially a teenager!

I've said this before, and I'll say it again: Gosh, I feel old!

Go, Virgo!

When Plains & Prints came up with a Zodiac collection late last year, I knew a Virgo who would look awesome in the "Virgo Dress."

That person, of course, is today's birthday girl, and Virgo, Chonabelles!

Happy Birthday Rona! (Vir)go and have a day filled with happiness, health and blessings!

The Age of Aidan

On today's edition of "Man, I feel old!"

It feels like just yesterday when we welcomed Bonique's youngest - Aidan - into D' World of D' Frendz.

And today, he's celebrating his 7th birthday!

Gosh! These kids are growing up so fast!

Fast and Furious Frendz!

The meeting was unusual.

It was by the roadside, it took less than 5 minutes, and it was fast exchange of food stuff.

But no matter how quick the meeting was, it was wonderful to see a ‘Frendz” again, live and in person, after more than 6 months. (The last time Mona and I met up was in January this year.)

Hope to see you again soonest, Mona. And not by the roadside, hopefully!

Timely text

When Bonique sent me this screenshot of Tita Norma's post on Facebook, I told her that this was exactly what I needed and arrived at the right time.

This is what they mean when they say that true Frendz know what you need even before you tell them.

BBBB: Bonique's Belated Birthday Bash

It was a belated birthday get together for Bonique, but it didn't make it any less fun.

Especially since it was with D' Frendz!

Happy Birthday Bonique! We should have more get-togethers like this!

Wonder Women

Today is International Women’s Day! And of course, Google is celebrating this big day.

I’m fortunate enough to be raised by and around strong, accomplished and compassionate women.

From our Grandmothers, Lola Dita who handled the hectic life of being a General’s wife with such grace, to Lola Pining who was both a Mayor and Vice-Mayor and handled her posts with a combination of authority and maternal instincts.

To my Mom who raised 5 children with her strength of character and abundance of love. She showered us with motherly care and imbibed in us strong core values. A combination that raised 5 level-headed and value-laden adults. To my 2 sisters who are both pillars of strength of their families. And of our family. Giving themselves whole-heartedly and unselfishly, and raising their boys with a great respect for women. To my sisters-in-law who are able to handle being executives and mothers with equal excellence.

To my college friends: women who are wonderful mothers, accomplished Lawyers, Corporate Executives, Educators, Business Women, among many others. To the women of St. Scholastica’s College where I am fortunate enough to teach - administrators, Sisters, fellow faculty members who have a strong sense of leadership, mentorship, and continue to blaze the trail for our students. The same students who are now women leaders in various fields.

To the women in advertising who I work and worked with, as colleagues, former bosses and creative collaborators. They helped me better understand women with their insights, stories and friendship, This enabled me to be a creative guy who’s able to handle women’s brands for more than 2 decades and counting.

To all these women, you have my utmost respect, my unfathomable admiration and my profound gratitude.

Happy International Women’s Day!

New Year, Old Frendz

What better way to spend a new year in life than with old, reliable friends who have been with you through the thicks and thins and highs and lows in life. Just like true and genuine friends do.

A lot has changed since our Block I-1 days. And I'm glad that despite that, the things that matter hasn't changed at all.

First job high

During the last Holy Week holidays, I was able to fix my shelves and found so many old photos - some as far back as college.

Since today is a #throwbackthursday, it's a good time to unearth one of those photos. Particularly, a photo of D' Frendz.

I think we were all on our first jobs when this was taken. And my theory why Mona isn't in the photo is that this might be the time when she was studying in Michigan.

Ah, the good times.