SMC HEAD OFFICE ACCOUNTING REUNION (APRIL 26, 2012)

Reunions regardless of essence are always met with great anticipation.

 Beholding familiar faces always brings back so many gratifying memories.

Last night, April 26, 2012, our SMC Head Office Accounting (also known as SMC Corporate Accounting) family held a reunion at Max's Restaurant-Shaw Blvd.

It was such a delight to see one another once  more. It is always nice to reminisce the good old days and be in the company of people whom we regard as our extended family.We consider the office as our home away from home, because we spend longer hours at work than in our homes. The evening was not enough to catch up on each other's lives/activities, especially for those who are already enjoying the fruits of their retirement.

Cognizant of the fact that time is an integral factor, as much as possible, we try our best to make our reunion an annual affair. We also make it a point to have a dinner or lunch get-together (even for a small group only) everytime a colleague based overseas comes home.We encourage everyone to take every opportunity to attend occasions like these and delight in each other's company, because for all we know, the next time around some of us may no longer be here.We all know that life is unpredictable so let us cherish one another while we are still accorded the time to do so.

However, amidst the festive occassion, let us not be oblivious of those who failed to make it due to illness or death. It is sad that a lot of our colleagues have already gone to the Great Beyond and we truly miss them. I am sure though, that they are probably having their own joyous reunion in Heaven (specially with Mely and Tita Chit having joined them now).

It is also important to note that despite who we become, or whatever we achieve after SMC, we cannot strike out the fact that once in our lives, we worked for the same institution and spent most of our fruitful years there.We should be grateful for the golden opportunity of having known and interacted with one another, even if only for a momentary span of time.

For how else could we gather beautiful memories? Memories of days gone by that would sustain us through the years.

In behalf of my fellow coordinators, Glacie and Bogs, we would like to express our gratitude to everyone who unselfishly sacrificed their time to attend and make the reunion possible, despite the distance and their busy schedules. We would also like to thank those who extended financial support, and most especially to Messrs. N. Avendano, F. Constantino and B. Navarro for honoring us with their presence and their inspiring words of wisdom.We look forward to seeing all of you again, with God's grace, hopefully next year.

Until then, treasure the memories.

WHAT KIND OF FRIEND AM I?

I have always thought of myself as a sincere, concerned and loyal friend. At least that's how my friends describe me. And maybe, just maybe I might be inclined to agree with them. Why?

The truth is I do have a deep concern for my friends. I always want to know how they are doing. I also pray that they continue to be in the best of health. It pains me a lot when my friends get indisposed. I commiserate with them and can almost feel the pain they are going through. I also get affected when they open up their problems with me.

I am loyal too. The moment I become your friend I would remain as one regardless of who or what you turn out to be, good or bad.

I accept people in my life for what they are and not for what I want them to be.

Putting all these aside however, I am inclined to second-guess on what kind of friend I really am. Let me tell you why.

You see I have a friend whom I love very much. He accepts me for who I am even though sometimes I dissapoint him for not being able to do what is expected of me. He is very forgiving even though I 've hurt him countless times. His patience never runs out on me.

Everytime I need him he is there for me, but can I honestly say the same for myself?

Much as I want to answer in the affirmative, I have to be truthful and say no. I am far from being the kind of friend he is to me.

There was a time when he was being tortured, humiliated and stipped of his dignity, but I was not able to do anything to preclude the agony he was subjected to. Of course I could always use the flimsy excuse that I was not around yet when that happened. While it maybe true at that time, but what about now? A lot of people continue to hurt him, maybe myself included, but what am I doing to avert this? How can I shield him from all the pain?

I can feel that sense of guilt all over again. It makes me wonder what kind of friend I truly am.

Do I really deserve the love he has for me? Maybe not, but I know he does and will never stop loving me because his love for me is unconditional.

I always tell him that I love him even though sometimes it doesn't seem so. I know he believes me. He always does.

He is after all my best friend, and your friend too.

You call him Jesus, I call him Friend.