On that bench...

“That bench,” I muttered to myself. “That was the sole witness of our friendship.”

I am now the CPA I dreamt once of myself to become. I am now twenty-five. Ten years ago, I was sitting on that bench – that bench that was used to be painted with no hue, just the natural color of the concrete it was made out of - not just with myself, but also with the people whom I called friends. Now, as clearly as I remember, we were there laughing boisterously, chatting incessantly... and doing stuffs that afterwards or by tomorrow, would just become another forgotten fragment of our innocent memories.

It was on that bench that I learned the real essence of having friends and of being a friend. Life is not merely a sojourn that one is to endeavor all by himself; rather, it is a voyage of a pack... a journey of a flock of birds or a school of fish... a pilgrimage of a multitude... an instantaneous story that one creates together with the cherished persons he refers to as FRIENDS. And in my part, testified by the earth beneath it, that bench I am now looking at had witnessed the different stories I consciously and unconsciously fabricated back then with my friends.

And then for an instant, vivid memories of high school started to flashback overwhelmingly, like a fall profusely cascading its white waters down on earth.

On that bench, I saw Archie Cabacab expertly trying to adjust the sling of his sling bag. I never saw him do this on a backpack before for I never saw him carrying one on his back. He is now ready to go home, hurriedly leaving to catch a cab that would take him to his destination. Archie is a diligent and a comical friend who showcases an array of talents such as acting, singing, dancing and even mimicking. Loyal and true – that’s definitely him!

On that bench, I saw Judel Cleopas. In deep contemplation, he observes his crush who is now busy on sweeping their porch. Judel has long been eying this lady from the neighborhood, but hasn’t taken any action over her in the fear of being rejected. Judel is certainly timid, but he sure is wise in many aspects, an ideal character of being leader. No wonder, as early as this stage in high school, he’s already being hailed as ‘Kapitan Judel’.

On that bench, I saw Alvin Coñado, small in size but large at heart. As usual, he’s now bubbling jokes, with a wide smile etched up to his ears. Like a “Black Phoenix,” his signature in his text messages, Alvin dares to be fiery especially when he cheers up the strained atmosphere of his surroundings, as clearly depicted by his smiley, cute face. Optimism is certainly what Alvin is made of, despite the dimness which persists to overshadow the scene.

On that bench, I saw Jireh Cuarto. As if letting the wind caress him, Jireh is now again being deeply absorbed by the enigmatic songs of Mariah Carey that his MP4 has been playing repeatedly. Jireh as well loves composing songs. He is a humorous person and is undoubtedly easygoing himself. Living life to its fullest makes a big deal of sense for him as he himself simply does what he can in everything that he might be into.

On that bench, I saw Haryl Stephen Daluan with his dearly treasured drawing tools. He’s now again up for scribbling lines and curves on his drawing pad. You bet he wants to take over his parents’ profession as engineer. Haryl is an artistic and creative fellow who also shows the potential to lead the group. Moreover, his groovy talent in dancing is stunning, as his being independent in various things is as well amazing.

On that bench, I saw Joemar Dellaban soaked in sweat. Their basketball practice must have probably just ended. Aside from the court, the next arena for him is the internet cafe - a battlefield where raging wars of computer games take place. Joemar is sporty, physically fit guy who, despite his sturdy features, can also be as tender and sweet as anyone else whenever he decides to do so.

On that bench, I saw Al Savior Dimo. As usual, he’s now again busy singing Lady Gaga songs, unmindful of the their correct tone and melody. In euphoric reverie, he assumes himself as a versatile singer, singing songs of extremely high pitch. Ambitious? Perhaps just too optimistic. Al is anyway an intelligent and extrovert lad who can deliberately be very serious unto something when he sees the need to do so. ‘I get what I want’ – that’s him.

On that bench, I saw Anthony Edmund Dumaog somewhat like rehearsing another dance presentation. While waiting for the bell to ring, he possibly might have decided to consume his free time in a stuff that no one but himself alone can really appreciate – the hip-hop dancing. For he aspires to be a Dance Instructor someday, he sure is wise enough to start off his venture in the grounds of school.

On that bench, I saw Glen Mark Enloran. With seemingly impatient look, he is now waiting for the school gates to open so that he could immediately check out his farm and aquarium on a popular social site in the nearby internet shop. Glen is a practical and a diligent schoolboy who is also perceived as an approachable person. Hardworking and determined – qualities of Glen which propel him in achieving what he wants.

On that bench, I saw Alemar Genabio literally engrossed with his cellular phone. With the peculiar joy portrayed by his face, he is again no doubt exchanging text messages with his talked about girlfriend from the neighboring class. Alemar is a keen, silent-type of guy who prefers to cage himself in the solitude of his own world. Nevertheless, he is an organized fellow who does things in a systematic mode.

On that bench, I saw Jaime Hayson. With a facial expression so hard to interpret, Jaime is now whimpering in front of his mirror, somewhat agitated with the small pinkish pimple popping out at the tip of his nose. Jaime has always been vain about his looks. But truly, Jaime is a very funny lad who is always fond of showing his reactions exaggeratedly. Sorrow? That’s absolutely not his word.

On that bench, I saw Ronnel Lumintad, once again being so preoccupied with the company of his cellular phone, and probably stealing glances to any pretty girl schoolmate that would luckily pass by his sight. Precariously silent, Ronnel is surely a boy whose words are as sharp as that of a double-edged sword. He is just simply full of mysteries. If one word can mirror his personality, the would be ‘unpredictable’.

On that bench, I saw Arvin Pagutayao. Now, or perhaps as always, no one can really tell what he might be into as he strikes up conversations that seem nonsense for everyone. Arvin speaks English very exaggeratedly and absents from his classes very frequently. His towering height eclipses with others, as his changing moods sometimes annoy them.

On that bench, I saw Ellsworth Miller Orlasan. With voice so loud and sharp, his naughty giggles about the girls he fantasize about, and the squeaks made from yelling “Regards lang ko!,” are very audible no matter how far you may be from him. But definitely, he is a magician of numbers as shown in his Mathematical prowess during classes. Ellsworth is however very delicate and sensitive with a lot of things – ‘war shock’, so they say.

On that bench, I saw Norman Umala Jr., now strumming the guitar as he soothingly caresses everyone’s aura with his versatile, powerful voice. As much as he acts independently on many things, he also remains firm in his principles despite having the world go against him. In addition, Norman wonders on a lot of things that surround him. Curious and eager – that’s how his personality is summed up.

On that bench, I saw John Rey Viola, a lad whose totality remains a puzzle for everyone. But to think that he’s able to magnetize heaps of girls, many should learn then that being a silent-type of guy can afterall serve as one’s sure weapon in attracting a lot of admirers. Apart from this, John Rey sometimes tends to be overly serious with things he considers as his own business.

(wala pa ang girls ! hehehe !)