There are friends who come and go, like limited promo codes.  Then there are friends who stay through bad fashion trends, worse decisions, and decades of unsolicited advice.  Karen, Beth, Jing and I belong to that vintage category: pre-mobile, pre-social media, pre-carb consciousness.  We are living artifacts of an era when texting is called dialing and catching up involved landlines and a lot of waiting.

     Last weekend, we reunited with a planned full-day ahead.  The day began at Spectrum in Fairmont Hotel, where we attacked the lunch buffet with quiet focus and had storytelling that deserves its own Netflix limited series.

     Then, came Holy Mass at Greenbelt Chapel, because nothing balances indulgence like a little spiritual detox. Besides, only true Titos and Titas of Manila can pivot from lechon carving station to communion with elegance.

     The evening started or rather, sparkled with a Spanish dinner at Las Flores, where we raised our glasses, our voices, and our sodium levels.  The food was divine: Nachos, Calamares, and Mixto Platter. The stories were better.  I even have a clip of myself nodding attentively while chewing something dangerously crunchy, proving that one can listen and snack at the same time, a life skill they really should teach in school.

     So yes, I made a reel.  Not for the algorithm (although I wouldn’t mind a few hundred likes), but to capture the sparkle of the moment.  Set to Kylie Minogue’s Raining Glitter, which perfectly matches the energy of four souls who may be older, wiser, and better moisturized, but still refuse to dim their shine.  This was not a random night out.  This was full-course memory, curated by time, flavored with laughter, and seasoned with the kind of friendship that survives everything, even group selfies in public.

     Watch the reel.  Then message your oldest friends.  Take them out.  Feed them well. Attend Mass if you must.  Order the calamares.  Life is too short not to sparkle so always end the night with the right amount of glitter.

Masayang kasama ang mga bruha kong kaibigan!