I thought it was a futile attempt at patching up all the years ripped apart by indifference. But then again it felt reassuring that the quilt of love we once created hasn't torn to pieces after all.
I almost didn't notice the brief disturbing chills that ran up my spine while skimming through my high school batchmates' Friendster profiles.Was it nostalgia? It was indeed a long time ago. I suddenly recalled our graduation ceremony, complete with tears and hugs, almost five years ago. Just thinking about it made me shiver. 
There were those who clearly stood the test of time and continued to look as if high school hadn't passed. Some undeniably evolved judging by the changes in wardrobe and yes, the mature expressions etched on their faces. Back in high school, I dreaded my twenty something years, a time I once thought was old and scary.
Year passed and my day dreaming surely went on. But then, I started trading my girlie uniforms for real life wardrobe and learned to plan. My visions transformed into a definite, realistic blueprint and my talks became serious discussions of attainable goals, and the castles I now tried to build are of rock - pure, solid, and measurable.
College changed me in ways unimaginable to my high school batchmates but justifiable to my family (hmm, if they knew better). I learned to swallow the big ego that I harbored for so long and accepted that anybody - young or old - could always beat me at my own game anytime. I was humbled, if not intimidated, and realized that people don't give a damn about my angst and personal issues. I could curse the world for giving me shit but the people around me, even those I call my friends, won't always be there to save me.
As some of my batchmates work their way to the top management of several companies, I remain hopeful for my anticipated graduation, praying that I pass the remaining 18 units with flying colors, or at least, just pass. Rubby's already a CPA and Joe's job in Arizona seems to be stable, Cheryl's adjusting well in Florida while Glim and Matt are making ends meet in Cebu. The rest are probably in Manila, Davao, and wherever God placed them, taking whatever board exams they're preparing for, reaping the benefits of their first jobs, or simply enjoying the company of their new families.
How I happened to click on my high school friends' profiles was nothing short of a puzzle but I'm glad I did it anyway.
We barely begun holding our breaths for the revelation of this year's Miss Silliman when Grace's name boomed throughout the gym, sending a small but boisterous crowd on the bleachers to stunned silence. Everyone rooting for her was speechless as we watched her smilingly accept her 2nd runner up awards and stood poised for roving cameras. Towards the end, Grace was glamorous and radiant while we, shocked and infuriated, were just gearing for battle.
What the judges lacked in decision, the spectators made up for in a series of congratulations and assurace that Grace was the most deserving of the title. As if pressure wasn't suffocating enough, Grace said "Sorry" to KMC President Lyde Villanueva and Masscom Dean Rose Baseleres as the latter hugged her and the former reassured her of what she knows deep inside - that she was the smartest and therefore the best. Dirgy looked as if ready to punched whoever caused Grace's defeat and Marianne, if I'd known better, might've cried at the news.
Miss CBA, in dazzling white gown and stunning over-all stage presence, deserved the crown and I have no qualms regarding her win. My congratulations goes out to her and the rest of the CBA family which technically includes me since I'm a black sheep of a management senior (hehe). However, while Sarah Martin was the epitome of a beauty queen - graceful, intelligent, and charming, Grace clearly embodied the qualities of a Miss Silliman.
As a trendsetter and oldest known campus beauty pageant in the country, the Miss Silliman is arguably not just a beauty pageant. It incorporates a woman's aesthetic and inner qualities creating a balance that transcends the society's concept of beauty. It takes pride in being represented by intelligent and empowered women, trendsetters and achievers in their own right, effectively leading and influencing others to join different advocacies for a healthier and more sustainably vibrant community.
Why then is today's Miss Silliman focused on prioritizing those with impressive stage presence? Does the pageant still uphold the tradition of selecting beautiful brainy candidates that are genuine and not pageant-influenced? If so, why was Miss Computer Studies made 1st runner up when a lot of people knew she didn't deserve a title at all? The fact that Grace's witty remarks was trampled by Miss CS's lame answers was so infuriating that Mich had to rant about it in her column.
"Bale wala nalang diay ang brains karon?," she wrote. And I couldn't agree more...
Grace's answer to the standard question about naming the best manifestations of a 21st century woman is that of global leadership. What else can you relate with 21st century but leadership? And how else can women be empowered if not by having the voice and confidence to lead?
Grace is the real deal. A true Miss Silliman in every sense of the word. Anybody opposing to the idea is a lowly mortal and like all dieties, we have no choice but respect their obscured judgment.
Posted December 5, 2006
Spending Mich's birthday at Santander, Cebu where the white pebbles meet the clear blue sea couldn't have been better than battling harsh Balinsasayao terrain. I've come to love my tWS family and now understand Mara's immeasurable devotion to the publication.
There's a memorable spark where crazy spontaneity meets anal retentiveness.
