Gaining a friend to treasure for life

My 10-day stay in Bukidnon would have been only to learn more about the music in the Liturgy. On the first day of my visit to the place named Paul VI Institute of Liturgy, I was apprehensive about getting along with others specially that the first ones I met don’t speak the dialect I could be most spontaneous when talking. When I learned that someone was going to be a roommate, I prayed that at least he is from Mindanao. As he got into the room, we readily talked like we have known each other forever. More to our initial conversation, he is familiar with some people I know. Amiel has become a friend that day. There was never a dull moment with each other. We would sing almost every day, to the top of our voices the moment he skillfully plays the keyboard he brought with him from Davao. We talked about just anything under the sun. It didn’t take us long to ridicule each other, even everywhere.

Perhaps the time when we were given a break on a Saturday, was one unforgettable experience. We walked from the venue to the high way talking whatever came into the discussions. It was very sunny then that as we reached a shaded place, we removed our shirts and fan them off to remove of the heat absorbed from the noon sun’s beams. We were looking for a broadband kit at the commercial center. We asked every possible person where to by the gadget but it’s as if everyone didn’t know the place. Finally, we passed by an unlikely store, when he said we give it a try again. Indeed, there was one broadband stick available. It was one funny time when we were heading home because we were chased by the rain. We ran, well, despite our large-size tummies and reached the venue, not so wet. We were always late with the prayers and classes and we had decided on the last few days to come early to the chapel, which we successfully did.

There were many moments we made at PIL; a complete entry would be too chaotic (LOL). One thing I value about our friendship is Amiel’s effort for me to learn. During our classes in music, he would encourage me to participate. He might have heard of my threats whenever he literally dragged me to participate in solfeggio, but deep within, I truly appreciated his concern for me to learn. At night, he would not allow me to sleep until I get the right tones, of those he required me to intone. I now realized that he gave me more than what I shared him. Id**t, salamat sa shirt ha. Dako na gyud interes ang printing.. hehe.. **rk. I was the first to go home and he accompanied me to the bus terminal. It was the last time that I saw such a wonderful friend. I brought with me our word that we’d be friends for life. Until now, we still send our thoughts, thanks to the SMS feature of the mobile phones.

God truly works in ways we don’t expect. My anxieties about how would I be able to cope with music lessons at PIL, deal with the feeling of homesickness and befriend with everyone were unnoticeably faded. Added to my superfriend Amiel were our super trainers and my super co-participants. Ma’am Cynthia’s very difficult lessons did not eclipse her being kindhearted. Sir Ferds, was very great to get along with. With Fr. Nilo, there’s just no dull moment. I always have the LOL times with him. Fr. Anscar’s wisdom truly gives enlightenment. Fr. Albert always gives me encouragement. I found Sr. Noelle to be so lighthearted. Seminarians Carlo and Roy were easy to get along with. I had lots of funny talks with Fr. Danto. Everyone just became a friend. How I miss our laughter and togetherness. I'll have them all treasured in my heart.