Party
As social beings, we find a need to relate with others. And oftentimes, we use special occasions to realize this social necessity. A celebration of one's significant stage in life, these are milestones that would signal a passage that we cannot simply regard as trivial for they bring good memories. Birthdays, Christmas, holidays, weddings, anniversaries, and many others are occasions that provide us opportunities to build new relationships and strengthen existing ones.
For the past days and even the coming weeks of December would be busy for some. Planning and attending parties here and there become a part of our calendar. At least for the past weeks, I attended two birthday parties, one for my former colleague Dr. Primitivo Ereno and the other for my former student, Jose "Jojo" Tan. For both of them, I just can't decline their invitations for they have been part of my teaching and theatrical undertakings. For Jojo, one of my "alipores," as my UPSTAGE president during his high school and college days, he managed to hone his acting and singing potentials.
Three gatherings I eventually declined due to pressing concerns. One was the wedding of lawyer Ian Vincent Manticajon, UP Cebu Arts and Humanities Cluster's Christmas party, and The Freeman's Christmas party. Specifically for Ian, during his high school and college days, how can I forget an active student leader who has an enormous knack in public speaking? He has likewise honed his acting skills by portraying certain roles in some of my stage productions. Let God be the center of your marriage, Ian. As my responsible student, I know you are a blessing to your wife Arrah Quistadio-Manticajon and your future children.
I really wished that I could have attended all momentous occasions so I can relive good memories with significant people but I just have to take my commitments as I can manage. Family matters, especially when illness strikes to a member of the family, is just so strong for me to attend to. I just can't bear the feeling of being with others, merry-making and all, and here comes an important person suffering from illness. I even find inappropriate to see pictures of relatives on Facebook in their merry-making when there is a suffering member of the family. It's like partying here and there when you know you have brothers and sisters who are in dire need for food, medicines, and care.
We just can't have everything we wished for. Sometimes it's nice to be in a place but other priorities set in that are oftentimes need us most. There are just situations that are beyond our control.
Because more than all these celebrations is the quality of moment we shared. The occasion is just a reminder of a very important aspect which is our relationship with others. Such relationship would come to a point when we need to relive, reinvigorate, and reconnect as we continue to search for meanings in relationships.
Much more that in this Christmas season, we are pre-occupied with parties, weeks leading to Christmas would not pass without parties. More than the material, temporary aspect is the significance we can find in every gathering. May we use this occasion as an opportunity to get in touch with long lost friends, reconnect broken ties or strengthen one's presence in others.
Year after year, it's a constant evaluation and re-evaluation of our relationships. And as we aspire for higher level of meaning, it requires quality relationship. Such quality cannot be attained by just one encounter. It requires nurturance and commitment, and therefore needs time.
This Christmas, it is my fervent hope that we can find beyond the temporal meaning of party. Because such superficiality is passing, it withers through time. On the contrary, the kind of relationship we have with our loved ones and our Creator is enduring and lasting.
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