July 22, 2023. 15:00 | HOMEI looked out the window and saw dark, heavy clouds looming over. Five minutes later, it began to pour. I took a sip of my coffee and realized it wasn't warm anymore. I put the cup down and started heading back to the bedroom. Getting snuggled underneath all those blankets and sheets on a rainy day sounds better than a cold coffee, I thought.
I moved toward the bed and felt a much stronger gravitational force around it. With barely four hours of sleep, I could have easily collapsed on the soft mattress, pulled my phone out and made up a convincing excuse why I could not go like I usually do.
But I just sat down and waited. "It's going to be a good day to be sleeping and I have better things to do," I thought to myself while anxiously looking at the dark, angry skies.
I waited for a few more minutes in case there was someone brave enough to be my passenger after I offered a free ride to the venue. But there weren't any risk takers and the weather was just getting worse by the minute. So I grabbed my favorite pair of shoes and drove off.
16:15 PM | ARRIVAL, THE BLOOM COFFEE
It was still cold and raining when I arrived at The Bloom Coffee & Startup Space. And the moment I opened the door, I was welcomed with radiant smiles and high-spirited Hellos. A warm feeling washed over me and suddenly, it wasn't gloomy anymore.
I shifted my gaze outside to see if I was just imagining things because everything seemed so bright and sunshiny.
Nope, it was still raining. And nope, I was not imagining things.
Excitement was just radiating all over the place.
The once quiet space was filled with cheerful noise. The cafe's industrial and monochromatic interior was brightened up with different shades of magenta, donned by the familiar and new faces I was so eager to see.
I caught up with some fellow bloggers and got acquainted with the newbies. Then I took a seat and looked around, all the while I was beaming from ear to ear.
Because I knew it. I am sure of it.
Even with this bad weather, IT IS GOING TO BE A GOOD DAY!
Why wouldn't it be?
It's the Davao Bloggers Society's (DBS) annual acquaintance party! Ω©(◕‿◕)ΫΆ
17:00ish | THE PARTY, INSIDE ONE OF THE FUNCTION ROOMS
The party started with the usual program. You know... prayer, opening remarks from the President, welcoming speech, and such.
Followed by the raffle draws. the fun-filled games, dinner, raffle draws, the induction of New Officers and introduction of new members, and more raffle draws.
I am not going to fill you in with details about what occurred within the walls of the function room. If you want to know how much fun we had, what surprises were in store for us, and what future plans were laid out before us, you better sign up and attend the next time there will be events like this (and be a member if you aren't yet) because you don't know what you're missing.
But I can tell you one thing: WE ALL HAD A GREAT TIME.
Of course, this would not have been made possible if it were not for the dedication of the officers who tirelessly worked day and night just to bring us all together.
 |
| Awesome job, officers! |
19:30ish | THE WIN
Ever since I started joining these DBS events, I hardly ever win raffle draws. And I had almost believed that I carry with me a curse that whichever team I am in is always assured a defeat.
But that night, I walked out the door, struggling to carry a loot bag and all three prizes I have won!
You could say that it really was a good day for me. There's no doubt about that.
But believe me when I tell you that even if I leave empty-handed, I will be going home with a heart that is so full. It is always a winning situation whenever I am with DBS. Because it is being with them, where the good, the silly, and the fun memories are always guaranteed.
19:45 PM | THOUGHTS, INSIDE THE CAR BY THE CURB SIDE
It's unfortunate that all the fun had to end.
I bade goodbye and noticed a slight raspiness in my voice and an almost unnoticeable soreness in my jaw. I suppose that's what you get from shrieking with laughter and smiling the whole time.
The sky was already calm when I got out but there's still a hint of drizzle. So I braced myself for a 30-second run to where I parked. I got into the car, patted myself dry, and wished I was already home.
And it had me thinking...
Sure, anyone can say that the DBS acquaintance party is no different from any other acquaintance parties or that we have been to better parties than this.
Some time a few weeks ago, I was invited to a party—it was a social gathering just like any other. I chose not to go even if I was free and well-rested that day. I admit, I do have these moments when I try to avoid social interaction. And the older I get, the more I prefer to stay home and do nothing.
So what makes this simple DBS acquaintance party so special that I would postpone a Saturdate, sacrifice a much needed sleep, and brave storms just to be there?
It is the people. It is always the people and friendships that have been forged and the great camaraderie that has been fostered within.
The Davao Bloggers Society has taught and inspired me in so many ways. It is with them that I have experienced growth in my craft through a range of activities the group puts together. It is with them that I have developed my leadership and communication skills, not to mention my confidence (did you see how I transformed from a gawky blogger to a proud and confident queen who is always trying to slay in pictures? I got that from DBS y'all). Finally and most importantly, it is where I have always felt that I belong.
As I was cruising along the coastal road on my way home, it just crossed my mind that I have been attending these DBS Acquaintance Parties for
ten years already. I gave out a tired but genuinely happy smile because that only means one thing...
It was, still is, and will always be.
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