FOURward to TEN

i'm a pessimistic optimist (or an optimistic pessimist, however way you want to put it).

i was one of those people who welcomed the thought of having a 10th year reunion, but i wasn't too keen on being part of the organizing committee.

but fate has a twisted sense of humor, and i suddenly found myself thrust in the position of heading the organizing committee. i could only think of 2 outcomes at that time: the reunion would either be a failure or a disaster.

organizing the event wasn't an easy ride. but everything would have been so much harder if i didn't have a few very reliable people at my side.

come day of the event, i wasn't even prepared for my opening remarks. i didn't want to mouth off platitudes such as "it has been a long time" or "it's nice to see everyone again," but those were the only thoughts running through my mind. bahala na. come what may.

my mind was a blank when it was my turn to speak. i was blabbing for a few minutes then it suddenly hit me. i was actually glad to see all those familiar faces again, and at that point, saying "it's nice to see all of you" was nothing like a cliche. it was amazing to think that seeing those faces was like witnessing myself grow up (in hindsight) through other people. not all of my high school memories were pleasant, and some hurts will always remain, but on that day, i was willing to get to know everyone again. my batchmates were familiar and new to me at the same time. i was seeing them through my 27-year old eyes, and they are so much bigger, wiser, worldlier, and much more interesting than when they were 17 or 18 years old.

the reunion was hardly phenomenal (despite having it on a very fortuitous date), and a lot of people were sorely missed, but it was definitely a fun event. i am glad that i was able to be part of it.

here's to FOUR more TEN's for batch 2000 :D