j a n s e n. i. s. m.

Every now and then, I get an invitation from my college organization (FORCES and/or CGATES) to come to an event they sponsor. I have already turned down a few invitations they had in the past so when I got another text invite a few days ago from the current CGATES president Rren, I knew my attendance was already half-assured. I just had to ask Rodel (a former FORCES president himself) if he’ coming so that I have company going there and positively, the deal was sealed.

The event by the way, is called “Kamustahan Party”, there wasn’t much information on what the event really is going to be but invited alumni can pretty much know what to expect based on title itself or so I thought. We arrived at Villa Teresa Resort late at past 4pm, although there was no official arrival time required. Dressed in a crisp white rolled up sleeve polo over gray pants and sneakers, I knew the moment I stepped in the resort that I was overdressed for the occasion for it was a literal pool side party with a little fiesta feel to it. Inside Rodel, Mimi and I were greeted by Irah, Rodel’s cousin and current FORCES officer, then we surprisingly saw our former classmate Reynalin Cuevas sitting in one corner. Apparently she was there because her beau since our college days, Anson was there performing for the eager crowd. Soon, we were getting attention from the student attendees, some familiar, most are not. Then there’s the dean, finally welcoming us with her usual enthusiastic glow. She was happy that we came and instantly she mentioned about a meeting she’s planning next week asking Engineering alumni to help the would-be graduates in finding a job.

Next we saw was the cheerful Mam Agnes, our former Chemistry teacher who’s now spearheading the FORCES organization as its adviser. She was thoughtful to offer us to eat and even gave us a little souvenir for the event. Looking so summer-y and blooming is Mam Jen, our CGATES adviser during our time, one of the closest professors I had in college who welcomed us with warm hug. Other faculty members present were Mam Teogangco, Sir Doza and Mam Sheilly. Alumni also present were Heidi Lunggcay and her ECE/CE batchmates, Robby and Leslie who were the CoE graduates after us also previous FORCES presidents. The occasion was supposed to bridge some gaps but it was a little disappointing that there was more picture-taking involved than actual human-talking. After eating, I almost had the feeling that we were there to merely observe as visitors.

I knew I would have greater fun there if the people I really missed in college were present in this event like my college friends, CoE classmates and yes, my crush. We left the party early, just almost 6pm with me thinking that those who failed to come and didn’t get the invite didn’t really miss that much and knowing that the actual homecoming I envisioned is yet to come.