75 Girlfriends ... and counting - One Year Later

Last year, a group of enterprising, vibrant and beautiful women met in the now-famous, (or is it infamous) Wheatberry's Cafe on July 1 to reconnect and relive the good old days of High School. A few days later, on July 5, our exclusive SMC_83 Internet group was born. Seven ladies, mostly from Manila, initially signed up for this group. By the next day, most of the attendees of a 2004 Southern California "mini-reunion" had signed up. By the end of the first month 58 ladies from the Philippines, the U.S.A., Canada and Australia were plugged in to this group. A whopping 1334 public messages have been exchanged and "mini-reunions" were happening all over the world. By the end of 2006, at least a third of Saint Mary's College, Class of 1983 had renewed, revived or re-established old friendships and have created new ones from all over the globe. SMC Batch '83 was officially a phenomenon.

However, we were not just a bunch of girls who existed for the latest gossip. We were all brought together, at this particular time in all our lives, so we can support one another, grow in each other's friendship and ultimately help the ones who need it most. In the last few months, this group of fabulous women have gotten together and defined a purpose for our group's existence.

After the Wheatberry meet, a formal general meet occurred on July 22 in conjunction with our Alma Mater's homecoming for Batch '81. The "Core Group" was established and at the same time, the group's officers were voted into office. The first collective photo was posted and the first round of “Who is she?” or “No, I don't remember her?” started.

Individuals also started posting their personal collections of High School class pictures and everyone wanted to know - well what happened to our Senior Year class picture. Sadly, we didn't have one - it's called a yearbook and we didn't get to have that one as well. And yet again more rounds of “Who is she?” or “No, I don't remember her?”

Here is an excerpt from my article last year:

"When I stop and think of what is happening, I once again find myself in awe and wonder of God's plan. I long ago stopped believing in coincidences and this is no exception. God is moving in our lives in ways we don't even comprehend. God allowed this group of 40-something women to be formed, after all these years, to remind us of who we were, what we've become and what role He has played in the shaping of our lives and our faith.

God in all His glory brought us together, some in person, most through the Internet, and allowed us to minister to each other in our time of need whether we acknowledge the need or not. In the blink of an eye I know have girlfriends who I don't have to explain where I'm coming from as they were there with me at that same time and place."

A flurry of mini-reunions and group activities followed and whether it was to plan for the direction of our group or just to gather around and talk, it was loud, filled with laughter, peppered with memories and lasted well into the night.

November 2006 brought an unspeakable tragedy. We lost our first batch mate in the person of Cecille Andrada. Cecille passed away from a heart attack at the age of 39. Due to financial straits, Cecille's family was in a bind to finance her funeral. A donation from SMC Class of '82 and our Class of '83, on top of the flowers we sent and the mass that was scheduled on her behalf, provided for Cecille's loved ones and they were able to commence with her funeral without further incident or delay. And though we all grieved, Cecille's loss was a testing ground for our mettle, resolve and purpose and we passed with flying colors! SMC Class of '83 has arrived.

To date, we've had several "mini-reunions" not just in Manila for all the "Balikbayans" but also over the world. Many of us have laughed or cried or rejoiced at each other's silliness, failures and successes. We've shared life-changing events and heart-breaking tragedies through our life stories. We've offered counsel and prayer and a helping hand. And unlike our younger days, our friendships are no longer solely for our "barkadas" anymore. Experience and maturity have taught us that we can all be girlfriends with a common bond regardless of where we are in life.