Friends: Part 1

Schooling days are over. I'd been in school for 16 years exclusive of preparatory years. Before I finally step into the world of professionals as a civil engineer, allow me to recognize the people whom I called friends or in street term "katropa" during my stay in school. These people I will cherish and keep until life is over.

Let me start with my college "tropa". The person I would like to give recognition are those whom I had during the course of college life in Bicol University College of Engineering. I met these lovely persons six years ago, the start of our new student life in 2003. It was destiny that bought us together. From childhood ideas to maturity we shared the happiness of university life together. Crushes, relationships, foods, studies, and ehem "tong-its", cheering during Intramurals, and a lot of funny stuffs. Also we were with each other during the low times. These wonderful persons are: (named in no particular order)


Rossel T. Lopez (Otel) - Otel was my first friend when I entered college since we've been friends in highschool (although we're from different schools). This dance princess is from Ligao City and born October 3, 1986. Otel is loyal to her friends. This lady has captured the eyes of men and I believe you would agree with me. Being with Otel would always make you feel happy because of her words that are spoken unconsciously and frankly. FYI: from Bicol Regional Science High School and a member of She's Magnanimous - Ligao.

Jose Christopher Ramirez (Peng) - Peng was not a CE student like us. He studied computer science but we have included him and treated as part of our family since he's always with Otel. Even Peng has graduated, we still keep in touch with each other. Peng is such an accomodating person. FYI: birthdate - July 2, hometown - Ligao City.




Leah Llaguno (Lhie) - Lhie I think is like our big sister. Everytime we're on decision making, Lhie's opinion is the one we put grave on. During times of emergencies or simple things we need, she's the first one we run on to. Lhie has always been the first person to be happy when you are happy and at the same time the first one to cry. Surely no one could ever say she hasn't been a good friend. In fact the word good is not enough to complement her. FYI: hometown- Legazpi City, birthdate- October 29, 1986, Bicol University College of Education Lab. High School.

Jonard Apuya - Junard who originally is not part of us, but after that memorable day under a mango tree in CENG campus during our freshman year, he has become undeniably part of our clan. Nard who plays guitar is a funny person to be with. You would burst into laughter with him especially when he acts like gay. He is such a determined person and to add a very kind person. FYI: hometown - Legazpi City, birthdate - August 16, 1986, St. Raphael Academy.

Tatum Lucena (Tatz) - I believe many would say that their first impression with this woman is an intelligent, demure and naive. I would definitely agree because all of them are true. But naive as she is, she is very much willing to conquer the world and learn things she wishes to. FYI: hometown - Legazpi City, birthdate - March 13, 1987, Bicol University College of Education Lab. High School.

Richard Buenaagua (Tat) - Tat is an ME student. How Tat has become our family member is history (which I prefer not to tell). Change is inevitable, and although situations changed, we still had him as our "katropa". Tat can make your day glow with his smile that he always wore, and his "emo" messages can make you ponder. FYI: hometown - Daraga, Albay, brithdate - February 26, same as Lhie's and Tatz' high school.

Kristian B. Mallorca (Tian) - Born on April Fools' Day (April 1, 1986) and is very much suited on this day. Tian is Lhie's counterpart. Everybody runs on him in times of need. He is a friend we consider as a "one text away" friend. Tian loves to eat and sing, go to movies (alone?), likes the color red so much and has a weird style of tieing his shoelace. He is also very loyal to his friends. FYI: hometown - Daraga, Albay, Bicol University College of Industrial Technology High School.

Karen M. Evangelista (Kren) - Kren is a sports inclined person. She plays point guard in the basketball team and plays volleyball. In times of doubt on certain things, you can seek her advise and opinion. Her point of views are highly considerable. FYI: hometown- Daraga, Albay, birthdate - October 9, 1986, and is Tian's highschool and elementary classmate.

April Ballaran (Apz) - We have one thing that is common with us, and that is we are youth coordinators of our parishes. We both work for the youth ministry and that we share ideas. Apz is musically inclined and that she plays guitar on their church choir. She is such a nice and kind person. She values everything and is easy to be pleased. FYI: hometown - Legazpi City, birthdate - April 12, 1987, St. Agnes Academy.

Dave Klint Almilla (Deyb) - Lavs as I call him is simple looking person. Ironically, he is conscious of his skin tone. He's friendly even though he's a suplado looking guy and a bit of mataray. Deyb also is a funny person but is caring to his friends. FYI: hometown - Legazpi City, birthdate - November 22, 1986, St. Agnes Academy.


These are the wonderful persons that completed my college life. I would not deny that shortcomings and misunderstanding came on our way. But still we stand firm and has kept each others company. And now, even if we're far fro each other, the love and care and trust would remain the same. I miss you guys.