Dear S,
When we were in Elementary school in Grace, I can’t count
the number of times people confused us for sisters. We pretty much had the
same height and built, we had the same last names (CHING), people thought we
looked alike, we both had BEAUTIFUL mothers who graced the parking lots as if
it were their runways, and it didn’t help that we were always joined at the
hip! Remember Mang Nards? The "manong" at the canteen selling us our favorite
tetra pack juices?! He always confused one of us for the other CHING sister and
could never quite tell us apart. Back then when we were still kids, I didn’t
realize the true meaning of friendship YET, but my, was it a lot of fun to have
somebody who shared the same interests as I did at that time and somebody to
hang out during lunch and recess. We had our own little clique with Madeline
and Heidi.
Come High School, things changed when I got separated from
our barkada. I was assigned to a different classroom. And at the time, that was
like the end of the world for me. I knew absolutely NO ONE and all my friends felt so far
away even if you were technically only a few classrooms away from me. Since I was forced to
find my own way by making new friends and adjusting to a different environment,
we got caught up in our separate worlds that being friends seemed harder. And
we didn’t try hard enough to maintain that closeness. I know that "I" didn’t try
hard enough and I always regretted that after high school. But I knew that we
were both fine, it’s just that we lived different lives already and it always
felt like I lost a very big part of me, I felt like I lost a sister. It feels
weird that somebody who was so close to you before now feels like a stranger.
Fast forward many years later, I can’t remember who reached
out to whom, but we got reconnected somehow. It felt like old times to be
talking and laughing again…and it was our love of the TV show phenomenon GOSSIP GIRL and
our passion for FASHION that truly made our bond stronger. Like Blair and
Serena, we’re best friends who will do anything for each other. Like Blair and
Serena, we don’t always see eye to eye about things yet in the end always find
our way back as sisters. Like Blair and Serena, we will always protect each
other. I know that we’re ready to fight each other’s battles no matter who
we’re facing. Like Blair and Serena, we can accomplish anything if we do it
together. Remember stalking ED WESTWICK at Manila Peninsula and doing that
successfully?! And finally, Like Blair and Serena, we cannot live without
SHOPPING and of course, gossiping! Girls will be girls, after all.
Like Blair, I’m the prim and proper one who likes things in
her control and like Serena, you’re the free spirit who’s not afraid of
experimenting and being a REBEL (especially when it comes to fashion). Where
Blair is CLASSIC and TIMELESS like me, Serena is CURRENT and EVER-CHANGING like
you… but it’s those differences that make us bring out the best in each other. We
don’t have to compete because we shine in our own ways. I think that’s what
makes our relationship special and unique. :) I know I do not share this kind
of bond with anyone else. Now that we’re older, I realize now what true
friendship means and it’s the kind that I share with you. In this ever-changing world, it's nice to have that sense of security of having friends who will always accept and love you for who you are. You'll always be my "S" and I'll always be your "B"!
On your wedding day, I SHOULD be there…if only you got
married sooner than me! We would’ve have had so much fun making your dream
wedding happen. I regret missing this once-in-a-lifetime occasion in your life.
Nevertheless, I know you’ll look BEAUTIFUL, and I know you will achieve that
rebellious bride look you’ve always wanted. By the time that you have to walk
down that aisle, remember that THIS IS YOUR MOMENT. Take it all in. Take each
breath with gratitude and a positive spirit, knowing that this day was meant
for you and your groom BIRDS to enjoy, remember, and CHERISH all your lives. Appreciate
the family and friends who are there to celebrate this union with you…because
without them it will mean nothing.
As a couple, you’ve been
together for 10 years. That gives me so much comfort knowing that this relationship is tried and tested to last the next 60-70 years! But November 24, 2012 is another start to your life now as an OFFICIAL married couple. Enjoy this new beginning of your journey as husband and wife. I couldn't be happier for you two lovebirds! CONGRATULATIONS! May you enjoy life's blessings and endure life's trials together with the strength of your love. I love you both!
XOXO,
B
