By Gabriel Bernales
February 25th and March 1st are my scheduled hangouts with friends. I have different sets of plans for different people, whether it’s a weekend meetup or an event booked three months in advance.
Ironically, despite living in the same city, it takes years to see my friends in person. Most of our interactions exist in a digital space, a portal we use to stay connected.
College has been a pain in the neck, and juggling school, hobbies, and social life is no easy feat. But as a biology major, I’ve learned to adapt and thrive in new environments.
Back then, all it took was one message in the group chat for all hell to break loose. A simple “Libod ta, our usual spot,” and suddenly, our phones would erupt with notifications.
The rush of adrenaline that came with picking the right outfit for a spontaneous hangout felt like I was starring in Vogue’s 73 Questions. The never-ending “Diin na kamo?” messages always got me because, let’s be real, none of us ever left home until someone else said they were already on their way. Armed with a mismatched outfit, 150 pesos, and a dream, I was all set.
These casual hangouts were never about extravagance or meticulous planning. It was all about the vibes, being with people who understood and loved me, my soulmates. We let spontaneity take the wheel, and the rest became history. Coming home after those nights felt like a high—pure euphoria mixed with the bittersweet realization that the moment had passed, leaving only a memory behind.
And, of course, the group chat buzzed non-stop as everyone demanded the digicam photos. Let me rest first, please!
Now, things are different. No one really wants to go out anymore. We just rot in our beds, doomscrolling on our phones, using the excuse, “We’re adults now, Gab.”
And I get it—some days, we’re socially drained and just need to prioritize our inner peace. But come on, I’d still love to go grocery shopping with you, share a cigarette while sipping our favorite iced coffee, or even take a stroll in the park. It’s never about what we do; it’s about the connection we share.
I understand that we all have personal lives now, and the world treats us more like liabilities than assets. But at least I’m experiencing this harsh reality with you. We escape, we vent, and most importantly, we get each other.
