This entry is purposely for my buddy, adviser, bestfriend, and brother Neil.

Neil and I have known each other since 1st day of our 1st year in college. We both took up B.S. in Computer Engineering at AMA Computer University (graduated batch 2002). Since then, we became block mates, close friends, and barkada.

Since we’re barkada, we reviewed, hang-out, strolled around the mall, dine-out, and watched movies together with our friends. I never had a dull moment every time I’m with him.
At one point in his life, GOD put him to the test. I saw how he strived hard on his studies, how eager and determine he was to maintain high grades to prove his worth to his parents. But unexpectedly, the day which should have been his DAY, the day he offered for his mom and dad, weathered by sorrow and mourning. A few weeks prior our graduation day, his father who then working in Spain with his mom, who supposedly be coming back in Philippines to attend his graduation and to go with him on stage to accept the medal, passed away. I felt sorry for my best friend because I believe he doesn’t deserve such providence. But GOD has all the reason for everything.

A few weeks after graduation, he flew to Spain with his mom. He pursued his career there as planned by his family. Little by little, he was able to adapt the spanish lifestyle. A once very conservative, timid, simple guy has transformed now into a matured, confident, and stable man.

Distance has never become an issue for both of us. In fact, we even became closer now. He knows ALL of my deepest secrets and grievances. Although I am not physically present to console him whenever he has problems, he knows that I will always be here for him and will help him carry all the loads the best way possible. And I will never ever turn my back on him whatever happens. As I keep on saying, friendship is a lifetime commitment.

My life after school somehow didn’t turn out to be what I have expected. I’ve been through a lot of trials and sufferings in my career and most especially in my personal life. Luckily, he was there to give advises, to share his experiences, to comfort me so to speak. Though we’re miles apart, I feel his presence. We haven’t seen each other for years now, but I still don’t feel that way perhaps because we make see to it to chat or email each other often. Our personal blogs also plays a big part on our friendship because we we’re able to know what’s happening on each other’s lives. At times, I have serious problems that I know only him can understand. He’s the perfect person to give me advices. And I am lucky that he was always there for me. With that, thank you bro.

He’s staying in Madrid, Spain for more than 4 years now and I am very proud for all the accomplishments and successes he has in his life. Keep it up bro… Hope to see you soon.

Now that you are celebrating your 25th glorious birthday, I am wishing you all the LOVE in the world! You know what I am talking about hehe. *wink *wink

Oh before I forgot, he was the one who encouraged me to try blogging and make one for myself. So without him, solaceandserenity blog will not exist. Hurray! Cheers!

Friends, a simple word uttered everyday to almost every person imaginable. I used to think that friends were the people that you could laugh and talk to. Now I know that they aren't that, they're the people that touch your heart. You could spend hours with them doing nothing at all and it can be the best time of your life, just because it was with them. They're the people you can share your secrets with, cry with, laugh with, and just have fun with. They don't judge you or make you change. They accept you exactly as you are. They look at you and they see a great person, one they love spending time with. You all share something in common and are tied together by memories, tears, laughs and smiles.


Date Scribed: November 6, 2006