my BFF

Since today is my BFF's Joel's birthday, I'm posting the speech I gave during his last year's party.  Ready to go cheesy?

dinner with friends

"I prepared a speech for tonight because I might get too emotional, hence incoherent and senseless. I actually read this several times so I won't be in tears while reading this to you. For someone who has been with me for 12years, you have seen me at my best, my happiest and you've also been with me at my worst, my monstrous, my lowest yet you never failed to give that kind of caring and advice to help me get up, gather the pieces and start anew. Since day1 we've gone thru challenges together, from answering a tough question in a quizbee that brought our schools victory to supporting each other through heartbreaks and defeats in our careers and lovelife. Of course I give you much credit for helping me survive all those, for keeping me sane and especially when I have to decide whether or not i should accept a job offer. You shared my joys in the accomplished projects and promotions, and as well as my disappointments over my dealings with my boss, some officemates, friends and family. You taught me to whine for only 5mins then move on. You taught me a lot of valuable lessons no other friend can share, and I feel so blessed for that. I thank you that despite my weakness, vulnerabilities and inconsistencies, you stood by my side through the years. You're my avid fan to watch all d shows I invited you to. You are my favorite travel buddy kasi matipid, jologs at di maselan kasama. I will definitely miss the days when we are just one text away. I hope I can still call you and ask you to crack a joke to ease my blues away. Though it will be different now that we'll be time zones away, but how I esteem you will remain the same. I can't promise to be able to follow you where you are, but I can wait til you come back so I can welcome you with open arms. You will forever be my super dooper bestest friend slash fiancé who sings like Josh Groban but looks like Richard Reynoso."

our first EK trip some years ago

Bohol trip 2009

I am just so blessed to have a friend like Joel who's always with me through ups and downs, when  my mood is grouchiest or sweetest.  Everybody would love to have someone like him, and thanks to God that I've been given more than I deserve.