Good day everyone! It was months ago
since I last posted a blog here. I was busy with school, writing my newest
novel in which by now, is shelved again (it’s a long story peeps and it’s kinda
frustrating to tell), endless household errands and also, with pure honesty, I
got lazy. When you have a chance to go a day with me you’ll understand the
laziness.
In
this post I would like to kind of, reroute all of you from my traditional
Filipino related topics. This time, I will share my personal experience
attending collegiate Acquaintance Party days ago. Yes! I went to a simple get-to-know
and Show-off-like-a-model Party that I never planned to go. It’s never in my
wish list nor fantasizes about it as a part of my college life. I am a very simple
guy who loves to be at home and be a couch potato for hours. Boring? I agree
with you hundred percent but that’s how I roll. My home is my fortress and
kingdom that’s why parties are my allergies.
What
made me go there? The answer is Change. Change made me do that. This school
year has a bunch of changes not just for me but for the whole Communication
Society in which I’m the newly elected President. In a matter of weeks, I
immediately understood how important my position is, not just to the
organization but also in developing my own personality. I need to be a role
model and be an active member of the institution. I need to come out of my shell
and support my buddies who trust, respect and entrusting me of upholding the
qualities of a good, obedient and efficient leader they could have.
Filipinos have this irresponsible
handling of time. Well, what’s new right? It was specifically instructed to us,
Org. leaders, in a short meeting happened in the eve of the party to be in the
venue before five (5) pm. Clear, concise, easy to follow but still, divas and
Mr. Pogi Wannabees seems to live in a different time zones and have a defective
watches.
The
Party, which has its theme by the way, showcases Denims and Diamonds. I’m not
good at fashion and cluelessness on it is an understatement. I was anxious just
by selecting the right clothes which makes it a Party pooper problem number 1.
The mood is light and the sea of
attendees wearing navy blue and sparkly crystals dominated four rented halls of
Queen Margarette Hotel where I actually had two of my dull and
not-so-flattering JS Promenade. The evening also catered different fashion
styles that highlighted students’ personalities. Some wear blond wigs, body
hugging cocktail dresses, denim after denim apparels, boots of different
heights and colors, flamboyant and edgy attires, and most especially the domination
of denim jackets which is kind of beneficial on my part cause it was really
cold inside.
Party
Pooper Problem number 2 came when the program started. The Induction or oath
taking ceremony where I am a part of gave me chills and fear. I hate going in
front of everybody where fiery eyes are on me of whom might criticize my Baduy
outfit. It was nerve-wracking and on the whole oath taking, I tried my best to
hide behind a close friend so that others won’t look longer at me. That was
quick but it was like the longest five minutes of the night.
The
program wasn’t smoothly delivered because of some technical issues which are
not new on live productions but it’s kind of annoying most especially on venues
like that.
Tables were not stable. Arm pressure
tilts it every single time but since we have no voice to address it to the
staff due to fear of having faux pas, we just transferred to an adjacent table.
Our table with one drinking glass, a pair of spoon and fork atop of a thin
napkin with the Hotel’s logo is so unappetizing to see. It’s as if we’re in a
local cafeteria where one plate of Adobo can be shared by three.
One highlight of the night is the
outgoing SASEC (Student Organization) President’s speech. At first it was
promising for he was narrating his accomplishments and how he changed the way
the organization should be managed but when tears and dramatic tone set in, it
became one of the most awkward moments of the Party. He mentioned his claims of
unjust criticism and unfair treatment from the whole student body that led him
asking an apology of which he refers as “deserving”. Don’t get me wrong. He has
the every right for any type of apologies cause the hurting is very visible and
evident but the occasion and the venue don’t permit that kind of speeches for
it twitches to a total fiasco. He has a great and impressive legacy and I hope
his emotional speech won’t be his memorable moment for the students.
This marks my Party Pooper problem
number 3. Be prepared for unexpected scenarios.
His successor had a crisp, simple, and
resonating speech. She was a total opposite of her predecessor. She narrated
with juncture, formality and confidence without sounding boastful or bossy. Her
uniqueness and simplicity will definitely bring a positive and a brand new vibe
to the Organization. I just hope she will truly represent us and uphold our
interests.
Production numbers brought everyone on
their feet. There were funny and comical numbers while the other makes you
wanna dance too. These performances are memorable to me cause I vividly
remember, I’m starting to get bored and sleepy due to the room temperature and
hunger. We arrived there early and our tummies were crying for food.
Speaking of food, it reached our table
at the end of the program. It didn’t taste good. No. it’s not good at all. A cup
of rice with pancit and hard-to-eat steak comprised our three hundred thirty
pesos contribution. I was expecting more, maybe a sophisticated dish or even an
appetizing and salivating one but after eating it all, I come to notice that
what we paid wasn’t enough to meet my expectations. I realized I was
daydreaming of something impossible. Three hundred pesos won’t go too far in a
hotel like that.
That equates to my Party Pooper
problem number 4. Home food is frugal and tastier than anything.
The night ended with romance and love.
Pairs danced their way to the middle as they share unforgettable moments with
whom they admire. This was the time I felt sad, lonely and isolated. It was a
fast slap on my face while contemplating on how empty my love life is and how
boring I am. My colleagues took photo after photo, wacky poses after shots and
candid glances after every joke. I joined them, believe me cause I love the
company of my close friends. I shared good photos with them, had a fun and
laughing convos with them. I even became their kuya at some point but the
venue, the occasion and the atmosphere made me uncomfortable.
I’m not used to dim lights, party-like
gestures, night activities away from home and being in a room where almost everyone
is not familiar to me. Maybe if the room was exclusive for me and my friends, I
will be all out and enjoy the night away. I’ll forget the time and ride with
the music and dance my heart out but it was not. It was not the way I wanted it
to be. It was not how I pictured it in my nutshell where I am safe, where I am
no one, where I am okay.
Before this acquaintance party
resurfaced as a part of this month’s school activity, I can’t fathom the
reasons of having an acquaintance since there’s no newbies. That’s the biggest
question of everybody. I too, got this in my head for weeks but during the
party I got my answers.
This Acquaintance gave me the
assurance that partying is not bad. Parties are social activities I need in
order for me to relax and have fun without handling books or even watching my
fave nightly news at home. It taught me to appreciate my friends’ company, to
share my few hours with them and enjoy moments not school related, to find new
ways of experiencing happiness by trying new things and accepting new norms, to
test how far I can go and how will I handle stepping out of my comfort zone, to
somehow feel that I belong to a society where glitz and glamour prevails and
lastly to understand that submitting yourself in the authority just to show
allegiance is not all there is. Attending this school event opened my mind that
I can still be reserved and at the same time pour my heart out.
