Class Prophecy
"Passengers of flight 719A, we are boarding the plane bound for Paris, Italy, in an hour."
It's crowded in here. You can see a lot of people going in and out of NAIA. Children are crying, parents saying their goodbyes; students being sent off by their friends as they cry and ask for 'pasalubongs'; some are here for education, some for business, some are just here for pleasure.
But one thing is for sure. They all have dreams, ambitions that they are willing to turn into reality. Pretty much like me a few years ago.
It has been ten years since I last set foot in the Philippines. After high school, I packed my bags and flew to college. I'm a professional now, and is very successful at it. I came here for vacation to visit my parents who sent me halfway around the globe to prepare for my future.
Way Back Home
When I came back to my hometown, I was lost. Samar changed a lot! Especially Laoang – with new buildings, malls, just like Manila, but with less pollution.
I went back to my Alma Matter – Laoang National Technical High School and was surprised to see Josie Menguen, Jennifer Ochia and Erlita Dominggo as Secondary Teachers in Math, Science and English respectively, here in our school!
"When did you come back?" asked Erlita.
"A few days ago, I'm on vacation for about a month. Then I'll be back to Paris. So, what's new?" I asked them as they took their coffee break.
They told me a lot about our classmates in high school like Abegail Giray and Julie Ann Irinco who are now English teachers in Sewon High School, Seoul, South Korea.
"So many of us had gone into the teaching profession and are doing great," I mumbled while drinking my coffee.
"Yes, and there's more!" Jennifer said excitedly. "Have you ever heard about Myx Fusion?"
"Well, yes. I heard they were famous here in Asia." I replied.
"That's because they are!" Josie said "You wouldn't believe who their vocalist is!"
"Oh-Kay. Who is it then? " Boy, are these people weird! How could I possibly know? All I know is that it's a band that sing songs, do world tours, sells albums and then signs autographs.
"Ate Adz!" they all shouted in unison!
I don't believe it! I just sat there with my mouth open. Wow! Adelyn Galero, you are really something!
"She is living in Korea right now and is married to Jake Angelou Vargas. You know, the singer/actor. Ruffa Irinco's there too, wed with his long-time-crush from high school, Mark Anthony Corocoto. Ruffa has her name all over Korea. She owns the Irinco – Corocoto Architectural Firm. Teffany Dula owns the famous restaurant Collins that specializes in Asian Cuisine combined with French techniques. Her husband, Kyle Collin, gave it to her for her 25th birthday. Pablo lives in Seoul too. He works in Ruffa's Architectural Firm. They usually chat with us on Skype. He's a real woman now." Erlita lengthily explained.
My eyes grew wide!
"What did you say?!" Maybe I just heard it the wrong way.
"It's true," she replied calmly. "He's now transgendered. You wouldn't even recognize him. Actually, he's been a model in the States for three years now and is a contestant for Ms. Universe 2023."
"Are you serious?" I asked, still not believing the news. It has been a long time and I have lost contact with most of my friends.
"Yes," Erlita walked towards the trash bin and threw the styro-cups in. "the coronation is tomorrow night. We could still make it if we leave now."
Leaving just like that was a little bit absurd but I really wanted to see what Pablo looked like. So we packed our bags, and got into a plane to Vegas.
"Ma'am, would you like some refreshments?"
I looked up to face the flight attendant in front of me. Oh my! It's Judith Mejica!
"Judith!" Erlita pulled her for a big hug.
"Hey you guys! I missed you!" Judith said with tear-filled eyes. "Why are you going to Vegas anyway?" she asked.
"We're going to support Pablo. He's a contestant in Ms. Universe." Jennifer explained.
"Ah yes, I've heard so too. Wow, I wish I could go too, but my fiancé and I are going out for dinner." Judith said with dreamy eyes.
I'm sensing love in the air. It's not even February yet. Isn't it too early?
"Congratulations!" Josie said while clapping her hands.
"Thank you! He's even here. You know, Charlie Green. I've got to work. Have a nice flight." She said as she left with the food trays, facing the passengers again.
A few hours later, we are in front of the MGM Grand Arena for the coronation night of Ms. Universe.
As we took our seats, I saw famous personalities like Charice, Beyonce and Jay-Z , Oprah Winfrey, Justin Bieber and Selena Gomez, The President of the United States of America with his secret service headed by Jerome Giray. He smiled at our direction as he escorted the President to his seat.
I also saw THE famous photographer Nigel Barker together with model and America's Next Top Model creator – Tyra Banks followed by model and theater actress Andrea Camille Magno with her husband Harry Styles from boy band, One Direction.
"Cacai!" I called out to her. She waved at me and excused herself from the group. I hugged her really tight. She hugged me back and gave me that what-are-you-doing-here-i-didn't-know-you-were-coming look.
"We're here to support Pablo." I explained as I rolled my eyes.
"We?" she asked, a bit confused.
"Well yes, I'm with Josie, Jennifer and Erlita. Come on, I'm sure they'll be so glad to see you." We talked and laughed at the same time. I missed her.
"Oops! Sorry!" I blurted out as I accidentally bumped the man in front of me.
"It's okay!" he said.
"Lester?" he looked at me in bewilderment.
"Tabs! It's you!" I said as I slapped him in the back.
"Cacai? Jade? What are you doing here?" he asked.
"The same reason as you are, moral support." Andrea said.
A woman suddenly appeared from behind him and took hold of his arm.
"Lester, let's go, they are waiting for us." It was no other than Angielyn Espina, his wife.
Angielyn owns the infamous Toy Company which has over 700 branches around the globe while Lester is a primary investor and business associate of Lopez, Ayala and Zobel. They are quiet a business minded couple.
They took us to their group. My classmates who migrated to America is here too! This is awesome!
The lady in a black office suit with long curly hair looks just like – Jasmine!
I was right. If it isn't my favorite niece. I hugged her. "Wow, you look great!"
"Thanks," she said. "I'm a lawyer in Canada. I took an early flight to catch this."
"So I've heard." Kuya Gener had it all planned out and volunteered to shoulder her tuition. She is very lucky.
She took Cacai and me to their seats and pointed out each member of the group.
"Rizza Beth Centino, " she began.
"Model and fashion designer." I but in. I still remember Rizza, she was my classmate in Paris School of Design. Mary Joy Cerbito is here too – with Coco Martin?
"Yes, I'm officially Mrs. Rodel Luis Cortez Nacianceno." She said laughing. Coco just sat there holding her hand, beaming with pride. Mary Joy is also a well know fashion designer, like Rizza and I. She went to Paris too, but now lives in Canada with Coco.
"Melanie Cerbito, proud owner of the Famous Lanie's Bakeshop is here too. Chelin Luto is here with her husband, singer Greyson Chance." Jasmine continued.
Wow, I never knew that they would be successful like this.
"Mary Rose Cerbito, is a registered nurse in Canada, she married Niall Horan. Jobert Luis Cabales is a professor in Canada. Maidy Joy Ruga is also a teacher in Canada. She ended up with Alex Espejo."
"Wow! Maidy! Finally you realized how you loved Alex!" I said teasingly. "So where is he?"
"He was invited to speak in a university in U.K." she replied.
Just then, I heard a ringing laughter. A very familiar one.
"Oh that's Jessa Balanquit. She's a computer programmer and works for Bill Gates together with Shella May Aducal. They are one of the very few whom the company recruited."
"Ladies and gentlemen, please be seated. The final judging for Ms. Universe 2023 is about to start."
As we sat there all throughout the Question and Answer Portion, I could not stop thinking about how fast time had gone by.
Oh yes, Pablo looked so real. Such a beauty. Yet, he is still Pablo – competitive and sarcastic. Gay, but still true to himself. Maybe that's why…
"And the winner is…the lady with exquisite beauty and wit is no other than…"
All Ye Rejoice!
J
We're now heading off to one of Teffany's branches of Collins here in L.A. to celebrate Patricia's (As Pablo calls herself) victory. Our HS classmate is Ms. Universe 2023! How cool is that?!
Guess who we found sitting by the glass windows? The owner of L'Oreal's newest product endorser, Hessian's Hair Café – Gildalyn Ronato who is now married to Al Lipata a professor in UST; April Josoa Pulga, personal Accountant of The First Family and works in the White House, Washington D.C.; Elle's Beauty Salon's, Ellysa Mendoza; and Milva Irinco, owner of Minnie's Catering - America's No.1 Asian Themed Catering Service.
Not far from them is teacher Noime Vistante with her husband Felixander Neones.
"Hey you guys!" I called out to them as we entered the restaurant.
They looked at us and were surprised to see that almost all of batch 2013 is here.
"Let me guess, the coronation night." Gildalyn asked while eating her entre.
"Yes! But we didn't see you there. What happened?" Maidy replied.
"So did we. I mean, the MGM is huge, it's almost impossible to make contact with people you know. Besides, we had to leave. Noime wasn't feeling well." Ellysa explained.
"Well, I won! Don't you feel the need to congratulate your friend?" Patricia exclaimed.
"Nah. We don't feel that need." April said.
"What? How come! You are such a…" Patricia looked like she could eat a person whole.
"Here we again." Jasmine rolled her eyes.
"This is gonna be good." Lester sarcastically whispered to us.
April and Patricia had always been the cat and mouse of our section.
"…No, we don't feel the need to congratulate you. Because, we don't need to – we want to. Congratulations Patricia! You made us all proud." April said laughing. "Got you there Patrice."
"…such a nice person. Thank you April!" Patricia finally finished her sentence with a big grin on her face.
We ordered their specialty and went about talking. The food was good! We've got to commend her husband's chefs.
"What are you eating?!" A loud scary voice made us all stop – with our spoons and forks still hanging in the air.
"Eli Rose!" we shouted in unison, pushing our chairs to greet her.
"No, no, no! It's Dr. Eli Rose Potot, resident pediatrician at your service." She said matter of factly.
"Oh, I wish Rosary was here." I said hiding my smile.
"What? Why?" Eli Rose asked, a bit confused.
"So that we could get her checked." I blurted out laughing.
"Ha-ha, real funny."Angielyn said.
"Nah, the Doctor is Out." Eli Rose laughed with us.
"Anyway, where is Rosary?" I wondered aloud.
"Oh, she's not coming. She's a teacher in Singapore. Felomina married DJ…" April answered.
"…Wait, what?! DJ?! As in THE Daniel John Ford Ejercito Padilla?" I asked.
"Duh. Is there another DJ from our generation?" Maidy cut in.
"How?" I still couldn't believe it!
"Well, the best way to a man's heart is through his stomach. Felomina owns Minniel's Cake Shop – named after her husband (which was still her crush at that time) Daniel, which serves mouth-watering chocolate desert, cakes, and other pastries. Maybe that's how they met." April explained. "Anyway they are on vacation in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia."
"Hey guys, I forgot to mention, but John Ronald Atencio, called me just before coronation to wish me luck." Pablo/Patricia said out of nowhere.
"Where is that gay… guy… whatever." I asked. Really, we were never able to figure out if he was gay or not. He was – undecided.
"I know what you're thinking, but no. He have decided 5 years ago, and is married to a hunk Argentinian model." Patricia said.
"Transgendered?" I asked.
Patricia/Pablo cocked an eyebrow at me.
"What is that supposed to mean?" Patrice accusingly asked.
"No! It's just that, you'll never know." I nervously replied.
Her death-glare softened a little. "No, Ronald is not transgendered."
Uncovered: Missing to be missed
After eating we stayed a little while longer and decided to hang at the bar at the fourth floor of Collins.
"Oh wait," I stopped just outside the elevator. "I forgot my purse on the dining table. You guys go ahead."
"I'll go with you. Besides, it's my restaurant. I won't miss anything." Teffany offered. "Let's just use the short cut. Trust me, I know this place." She winked as she pulled me through the noisy crowd, waiting to hitch a ride on the elevator.
We went through a white door that led to a spiral white staircase. Its designs were intricate, just like the designs on the entrance door of the Titanic. It must have been copied from the Victorian era.
I halted. My feet froze. Is that Lucky and Kent?
"Ah yes, Lucky Boy and Kent Joshua. My husband traveled with them once. Hence, the picture. They are sailors of the Black Pearl. A very expensive cruise ship, who travels the Caribbean seas." Teffany explained hurriedly.
We reached the bottom of the stairs. She pushed a protruded brick towards the wall and it was torn in two, revealing another door, which opened to the dining area.
No one noticed our arrival. We were hidden by hanging vines.
"Kyle showed me that passage way when we went here before. He said, it had always remained a secret in the family members. This used to be the meeting place of important people in history."
"Wow." I was really astonished.
We took the elevator back to the bar. Whilst inside, she told me lots of encounters with our classmates, like Eng. Dexter Joseph Acuyan, who is the now the Ambassador of the Philippines to Dubai, and Ronnie Cerbito, a wild life photographer in Australia.
We had a great time that night but unfortunately, I had to go back to the Philippines the next day, so I bid them goodnight and left.
The second time around
It is truly hot in the Philippines! My sweat was dripping as I waited for a taxi to pick me up at the airport. Just then, a pregnant woman fainted! I ran to her, and was surprised to see who it was! Gladys! I called for an ambulance. Luckily, a passing nurse came walking by.
"Richelle!" thank God for nurses.
"What happened to Gladys?" she asked.
"I don't know, she just fainted." I replied.
The ambulance came. Richelle cleared out the people and motioned for me to go with her.
As we went through the traffic to the hospital, I remembered our role playing in Biology and our Christmas Party in senior year, where she played a pregnant woman. And now, after ten years, she really is.
As we waited outside the ER, Ferrea and Rogelyn came rushing in.
"What happened?" Rogelyn asked frantically.
"She fainted. But she will be okay. They are checking on the baby right now." Richelle said, calming them down.
Ferrea and Gladys have been business partners for years in their business venture – GlaRea's Pinoy Food Cart Franchising Company, which reached the international market earlier this year.
Rogelyn on the other hand became the heiress of her Aunt's merchandising business and was able to upgrade it within two years. She now owns the biggest and most successful fast growing mall-chains in Asia, GSM (Gelyn's Super Market) and GMA (Gelyn's Mall of Asia) which now stands on the former location of the SM Mall of Asia, whose venture she was able to end.
I left them to bond as the doctor declared that both Gladys and the baby were alright.
As I was walking down the pathway, I saw a tall morena lady talking loudly on the phone.
"You're choppy! I can't hear you… yes, just don't alter anything and I'll be… hello? Hello?!"
"Rochel?" She really looked like her.
"What?! Oh… Hi!" She smiled.
"Hey! How are you? You look great!" I couldn't help but compliment her.
"Yeah, Engineer Nebrida at your service." She said grinning.
"…and married too, as I see." J I laughed.
"Yes, with Renzo. Do you remember? You were my first friend in high school, and the first one to know about my love story. He's an engineer too. He was on the phone a while ago."
"So, where are you going?" I asked in curiosity.
"UST. We're reconstructing a few buildings there. Want to come with?" she offered.
"Sure."
Homeland noblemen
On Campus Grounds…
"Wow! This place is huge!" I exclaimed.
"I know right?"
"It's the oldest too." A familiar voice said from behind us.
Our heads shot back. It was Prof. Al Lipata J
"Hello!" he said cheerfully.
Three more heads sprouted from his behind him.
Who would have thought that Mary Rose Lagrimas, Joan and Aljun would also be teaching in UST?
"Hyper!" Rochel hugged Mary Rose. "You didn't support Patricia." She said accusingly.
"We have classes." Hyper said.
"But, we did watch the telecast on Velvet." Aljun said.
"Yes, and we won right?" Joan hyped up. "I taught him all that." She said, raising an eyebrow.
"Sure you did, hon." Aljun replied.
I turned to face Kuya Al.
"You should be with your wife, you know." I said.
"Let her be. She's on vacation." He said sheepishly.
"And why didn't you come?" I pressed on.
"Do you know how hard it is keep your cool on crazy coeds?" he laughed heartily.
"I'm there with you." I agreed as they led us away from the construction site.
"I heard you are based in Paris?" Hyper piped up.
"Yeah, that. It was just only supposed to be after graduation. But, there were great opportunities at that time, and I just couldn't leave." I said.
"You could've gone home." Kuya Al interrupted, "There are lots of opportunities here too. Besides, you are a Pilipino. What about working for the betterment of our country?"
"It is always better to be where your ancestors have once stood. To be home – nothing beats that." He continued.
"I know." I sighed, "But I guess, we each have our own roads to tread."
I knew he was right. I could even just stay here, and not go back to Paris in order to serve my countrymen. But you cannot live a life which is not yours. And with an abnormal brain like mine, I longed for adventure.
One day, I know I'll do exactly that – stay, to where my feet were supposed to take roots. And be a proud Pilipino once more.
On the Wings of Life
Now I'm on my way back to Paris.
"Final call for the passengers of flight 719A, we are now boarding the plane bound for Paris."
It's crowded in here. You can see a lot of people going in and out of NAIA. Children are crying, parents saying their goodbyes; students being sent off by their friends as they cry and ask for 'pasalubongs'; some are here for education, some for business, some are just here for pleasure.
But one thing is for sure. They all have dreams, ambitions that they are willing to turn into reality. Pretty much me a few years ago.
After what seemed to be eternity, we arrived at the airport. From there I took a cab to my flat.
"Mademoiselle," the young courier called out to me just as I entered the re-modeled 12 story white Venetian styled building. "A letter for you."
"Gracchi." I said as I opened the brown envelope. Out came a single dove's white feather, with the tip covered with a huge golden ribbon, which had a felt-tip pen writings on it.
You are cordially invited
To witness the
Iovelli – Balanlay
Nuptial
This Friday, 9:00 A.M.
@the Palazzo Iovelli
Diane is getting married! And to the richest bachelor in our city! This is good news! I immediately called Teffany and she said that she had just received the letter last night. They are the best of friends so normally, she would be one of those few who would foresee the event.
"When are you coming?" I asked her.
"Tomorrow, at the least. I'll book my flight this morning. " she said before hanging up.
So in love <3
As one of the bridesmaids, I made sure that I wore my finest things.
"We are on in a minute."
Said the woman in the headsets. She must be the floor directress. I mean, this wedding is televised all throughout Paris!
Diane finally arrived.
"Congratulations!" I said as I kissed her cheeks.
"Thanks! I'm so happy you could come." she replied, "where is Teffany?" she asked
They talked only for a few seconds then we started to walk.
As my turn became nearer, I saw the church. It was huge, and had probably the longest catwalk-like aisle that I have ever seen!
But that was not the end of it.
I was even more surprised to see Reverend Fr. Ronnie Sister, as he performed the wedding rites to the young couple before him.
I caught up with him at the reception. He told me about how he's changed, and is now happily abiding God's word.
"Congrats Diane!" I said as I came near the newlyweds. "Congratulations Mr. Iovelli."
"Gracchi." he said in a happy voice.
"Thanks," Diane added. "Stay longer, okay? We still have tea at the palazzo gardens."
"Yeah sure." Suddenly, my phone rang. "Sorry, I'd have to take this." I excused myself to the group.
"Hello?" "Who is this?" I asked.
"I'm sorry to disturb you Mademoiselle, but your client needs you at the Parliament in a few hours. Have you forgotten that today is the hearing of the case?" Gertrude, my secretary in my Law firm called.
"I'm sorry. I totally forgot. I will be there soon." I said.
"Oh and, Vogue Magazine and Gucci wanted to remind you about the upcoming fashion week. You are to submit your designs as early as next week. " she continued.
"Okay, is there anything else?" I asked
"Yes, only one important thing. The Royal Ballet is requesting you for the castings of the 2023 Swan Lake Performance in London, for the Queen's Birthday. You are expected to start casting for roles as soon as next month."
"Thank you Gertrude! Bye now. I'll be sure to meet those deadlines." I assured her.
'til we meet again <3
Busy schedules, weddings, heartbreaks, victory, adventures.
This was what awaited us in the past ten years of our existence.
- A new life, a better life that we thought we'd never have.
And now, I can safely say that we all have our purpose in life.
- I guess we all have places to be,
A place to take roots, and a place – with the best view, to reminisce about the past.
Some are in that place for education, some for business, romance or even just for pleasure.
But one thing is for sure. They all have dreams, ambitions that they are willing to turn into reality. Pretty much like me a few years ago…
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