The Wedding Singer

I have been singing at weddings from the tip of the Ilocos Region up to the tail of Southern Luzon since 1998. Boy, I have come this far. Maybe I should be considering it as a serious career by now. But, no thanks. I would say I have not reached the professional level yet, and most of the weddings I sing for were of relatives and friends -- people who could honestly appreciate and endure my voice for the sake of, well, kinship. The recent wedding I sang for was last November 30. It was a wedding of the daughter of my teacher-aunt's District Supervisor to a gentleman from Dagupan. I thought there was a convention of public teachers or so. They were dressed in their best olive green gowns, and much as I hate to say it, they put on their best shining, shimmering accessories which they only get to wear during these occasions. So okay, I would pass being the queer-eyed critique for the worst and best dressed teachers, oops, principals. I was late for the bridal march so Regie took the lead for "Angels Brought Me Here'. The couple were already at the altar when I arrived. I saw the bride wiping off her tears. That wasn't a first time scene for me. I mean, I have seen several brides weeping when we sing them songs especially if the song is the couple's lovesong. I have seen a couple cry too! Is that what they call the tears of joy? I have this funny feeling the brides might be thinking they're about to make a big mistake and they can't turn back. But hey, it must be really love. I was told once, 'You must get there to understand what it is.' Hmmm. Okay, okay. Speaking of getting there, I nearly choked on my food when I was cornered by my cousin while having lunch. She said, 'You're singing for a wedding again. Will you always remain the wedding singer? And who would sing for you when your wedding comes?' Answer: deadly silence with rolling eyes. Interpretation: I have no freaking idea. She's actually freaking me out whenever she puts me in the hot seat. She grinned. And that means she had me thinking like Plato.

*****

Phone beeped. An SMS. I checked the clock, 10 minutes past midnight. Am I dreaming? No. It was a message from Jhia. 'Tin pwede din yung Two Words ni Lea Salonga.' She was suggesting the song of Lea for her bridal march. And yes, like the suggestion cannot wait for tomorrow. I thought she might be expecting a reply so I hit her back with 'Mabagal ang transition ng words. I sing that song for the exchange of vows.' Then it was a peaceful night after my message was sent.

Jhia is getting married on May 2010, with Jaicus. He asked, she said yes. The proposal was made in Singapore with Jhia wearing sleeveless blouse and well, her usual self. But she did bring a dress to Singapore, only she was not expecting the proposal to be delivered soon before she could change costumes. Hahaha. But I love how the proposal went -- when Jhia least expected it. Because proposals are supposed to be surprising, aren't they? So Jhia, you had it.

Congratulations to you both! And yes, I will sing at your wedding.

Jhia Turns 26

Today. It is not as though she's having her debut or her natal anniversary ends in 0 or 5 that I have to write something about her. Nor is it for the lack of blog topics to think about that I have to exert this effort. Merely for celebration purposes, I guess -- of another hopeful year and of friendship. Add to that the fact that I do not have a present to give her (because I am still waiting for Junlee's chocolates from London. By request, I'd gladly exchange my dark chocolates for whatever Jhia has in the package. Am I not so sweet?) And yes, I just love reminiscing about the past, a sign of old age.

It was year 1998 when my 4th year high school class was having the time of it's life being a good representation of the jerky adoloscent population. My classmates were young and in between (You know, like what's in between ugly and pretty, naughty and nice? I guess you could understand what I am talking about here because the adoloscent period is a transition phase, right?) But where does Jhia come into the picture? The schoolyear was nearing it's half period when our Adviser (Mrs. Theresa V. Vila) informed the class that a transferee from down south of the Philippines is coming to join us. I have a few questions then running in my mind (I am a silent type of person. Bah!). Nevertheless, the announcement prompted murmurs among my classmates. For the boys, simple: 'Is she pretty and sexy?' (Maniacs!) For the girls, 'Will she join our peer group?' (Obviously, factions do exist even in a class of 27!). And here's the funny part, her arrival suggested 'threat' to the A-students (including moi) because our Adviser emphasized this: "She's a DaMath champion."

Jhia Belle Fabio. Was she an embodiment of all our expectations? Wrong! She was more than that. (Ayan naman! Sweetness!) There is no point arguing that Jhia is pretty and PRETTY (ok?). She did not have difficulties mingling with the class despite the differences. She just 'clicked' with us. And about the 'threat', she's a bomb! (Hahaha.)

There was one vivid instance when Jhia was asked by Mr. Cesar P. Jacoba to read a portion of the book of World History by Sonia Zaide (I have a fantastic memory!). Jhia pronounced 'church' as chorch and I could not help myself laughing. I thought that was hilarious. I was mistaken. I have my times too when I mispronounced words. Jhia taught me one thing: She's human and I am too. A beautiful human at that. (So vain!)

Even if Jhia and I only shared a few months (shorter than the period I shared with my other classmates), we have eventful times. She was instrumental to the ceasefire between me and Ryan because of the 'Never Ever' lyrics. Her ref cake was the best dessert prepared in our THE class (under Ms. Jocelyn Sarzaba). We spent delightful afternoons in her house after class and unbeknownst to her, I goggled pleasurably at Kurt (her younger brother and ONE of my high school crushES). Even after high school, Jhia did not cease to intrigue me with 'relationship issues' I never saw coming (I love you Val! May he rest in peace.). We once had dinner with Dharold a night before her CPA board exams but we were deprived the opportunity to spend even a single dinner with Mhel when she was home. One time I was only replying to a probing email from a BPI HR officer about her, and then another moment she's already tracing a career path in Bangladesh. I won't be surprised anymore if by next year, I am holding a wedding invitation for me from her or vice versa! Hahaha.

Well, that is Jhia, CPA. Having survived a quarter of a century, she can already manage living on her own or with a lucky someone. She's a woman of substance, you bet. Composed and witty. Sporty. Pretty, and then again, pretty. No wonder you should always affix that CPA in your name: Composed, Pretty, Achiever.

Happy birthday Jhia! Cheers to our friendship! I'm sorry I did not get you anything special today. :(

This is her and me (during the 30th Anniversary of ECCP).