Confessions of An Undisputed BFF

I count myself fortunate to have found that kindred spirit at 17.

There was no moment of eureka, no spark and nothing that gave clue to a friendship that would eventually run so deep.  She is the effervescent social person while I possessed the more reserved yet impulsive persona. Take a long look at us and our contrasting looks and qualities would not make the cut for the typical BFF poster. One would easily wonder how complete opposites could manage to get along so well!

I guess the beauty in friendship is that its beginnings can be credited to chance – a small encounter in a coffee shop, a mutual friend or shared interests, but everything else is attributed to choice. It is a relationship bound by neither obligation nor kinship, but one that is fostered by time and the continual decision to cultivate it. I remain to believe that some friendships are the most unadulterated form of human connection today. Because the greatest reward in friendship is simply friendship itself.  

Ours is 8 years in the making, and still counting. We grew up not knowing each other but our bond lies in the fact that we matured together, in years and in life’s experiences. We met during the first day of college when we were still the idealistic teenagers certain that the universe would conspire to make our wants and dreams come true. As we were trying to forge our place in this world, we saw glimpses of each other’s triumphs and failures, experienced growth, and found our passions. We have had a taste of the world while we traveled, met new people and mastered our crafts. Sure we have had our shares of disappointments, failed relationships, and periods of personal ruts, but they were lessons that must be learnt. Through it all, we made it a choice to standby each other’s most blessed periods and times of personal ordeals. It was our unspoken pact that our lives would be forever entwined in shared glory and travails. Walang iwanan. At almost-25, I have come to value our friendship the most. There is no equal to having a 24/7 listening ear, a shoulder to cry on, and having that friend I am certain would stay by my side through all the joys and hiccups, whether I am right or wrong.

It is also in man’s nature to thrive in the company of others. And friendships become the great teachers of this. My inexperience in dealing with life and its complexities is also compensated with having people like her who continue to teach me life’s lessons. Every person that manages to touch me so deeply also teaches me a lesson so affecting. Through her, I have learned bits and pieces of a valued life: honesty and respect, sincerity and loyalty, and genuineness. At the end of the day, our goal has always been to be wiser and braver players in this world, the best persons we can possibly be. I have become a stronger person, an improved student of life, and a much better friend. We have become each other’s helpers in this mission.

Our journey as friends is far from over. Together, we continue to trek life with anticipation and excitement.  Each new day, we rest our foot forward in hopes of carving and finding our destinies - wishful, hopeful and prayerful for each other’s happiness and success. And when we have found our balance and serenity, we will be grateful. And we will be happy for each other because we know Happiness and Peace have been found.

I had always thought that with soul mates came romance. That is, until I met my best friend.

“We made a deal ages ago. Men, babies, doesn't matter. We're soul mates!”

-       Samantha Jones, Sex and the City 2