Old Hogs

Nilo. Owen. Fred. Dennis. Jack. Mark. Kambal. Yolo. Dean. Nicko. Obet. Ahay. Tommy. Quad. Deps. Bong. Uding. Jun R., Emer, Ahay, Glen, Ibo, Aida and Chito. These names are familiar in all four corners of Maangas but all except two (2) never really spent 365 days in any of its streets. They come and they go just like the rains do but sure they will come back in one season or two.

The third Sunday of May when the moon was new these vampires gathered in the old famous basketball court, the venue of the Fiesta Party, a tradition that has been observed since I learned how to stay up late at night. And that was a long time ago. The gathering was an informal way of renewing ties and bonds and friendships that has withered storms, crossed boundaries and tested our patience in all ways imagined. Over a bottle of beer or gin if the first is out-of-stock, the old hogs were unmindful of the time, enjoying every moment, sharing the same old stories said in a new different way, though we all knew the ending, we stilled laugh hard together at the punch line.

There were no invitations sent, but just the same, the group met at the same spot where we last met one year ago. There were those who haven’t come but I’m sure they will probably this year or 2 years from now. Joseph Mustafa is in Davao. Maricel in the US but was around 2 years ago. Jun in the US too. Many were not around but wherever they are, I’m sure we shared the same celebration in spirit.

Complete or otherwise, we shared stories and fun that night. Who would ever forget Chito requesting for Craig David’s Insomnia to revive the crowd at quarter past 2 in the morning. Insomnia indeed! Obet, Tommy and Yolo lined up for a sleeping contest. Nilo found himself inside the venue just to notice later that he was wearing shorts, so underdressed for the occasion and he had to excuse himself later. And Uding, the brother of the MYS President, he took care of business, pulled a case of beer after every case whenever the tables and bottles are empty. I had my own blopper that night but that doesn’t deserve a space.

And for those wondering who Bong is, he is the old “Absalon” of the famous Joe Lando Clan. He changed his name. Mark is Marcelo. Deps is Pedro. Jun R is Salvador and Nicko is Kulas. Old Hogs with new names.