41: The Gem in Jem

Ted's Oldtimer La Paz Batchoy

Iloilo City, PH

July 28, 2012

Project: Food and Thoughts No. 41

Even before landing in Iloilo, we already made plans that the first thing we will do right after we find a hotel is to eat. Weather wasn’t as nice as we wished it to be but we can’t complain, right? -  we landed safely, it’s Jem’s birthday, we are on a place we haven’t been to and we are not working. Who can complain? 

We tried Iloilo's famous Ted's Oldtimer La Paz Batchoy in Iloilo City. The meal was perfect for the rainy weather. We ordered the following:

Supreme La Paz Batchoy @ P63-

Pandesal @ P8- each

Puto for P15-/4 pcs

While enjoying the warmth of the tasty batchoy, the rain was pouring heavily. But it never, in any way, dampened our spirit and ...our hunger. 

It was the perfect moment to give Jem our little birthday surprise for him. We asked most of our close friends, his, former trainees and colleagues to sign their birthday greetings for him. Jem isn't really used to these things. Am not sure how he will respond to it but why not give it a try, i thought. 

After reading the messages (which he did first before finishing his meal), he was happy and grateful. With a little convincing, I got him to allow me to post the birthday message I wrote for him. This message explains why I came up with this idea in the first place.

The birthday boy.

My message says: 

Jem,

First of all, let’s come to terms with a few things:

First, I know that you find things such as this a little corny. Please bear in mind that when you get older (as in really old) you will appreciate this. You’ll probably hold this every night before you sleep or during your coffee while a chair rocks you.

Second, No! I have not developed romantic feelings for you so you are safe being friends with me. (Sorry, I had to say that! Haha!)

Third, you deserve this.

I hope this gift tells you things you don’t tell yourself. A lot of times, you don’t believe in yourself and what you are capable of. I think you need a reminder. One day, we will reach that age when even our memory will be taken away from us. Today is the day to remember, while we still can. Remember that you are blessed in every way – you have a loving family, friends who treat you like family, a chance to travel and see the world, a job, pains and heartaches that made you strong and a God who is faithful.

Happy Birthday, my brother.

Friends forever.

I love you.

Fox 

If you know Jem at arm's length, he isn't the most likable person in the whole world. He can be a little bit difficult to handle sometimes. It's funny how we always joke about how being friends with him can be the greatest test of someone's patience. You need patience? Be friends with Jem.

With Sugar, an equally dear friend.

Jem and I didn't become friends right away. In fact, I didn't like him. But being the teacher that I am, I did not stop at the first impression. I gave him a chance and I gave myself a chance to know him more. It wasn't an easy ride. We've fought, shouted at each other, declared a silent war many times but we stood the test of friendship. 

Jem isn't the typical type of friend who would reply to all your text messages,  who would say the nice words you want to hear, who would give you the most sensible advice in the world, and would always be aware of everything that you are going through without telling him. No, he isn't that friend all the time. There are even times when he would skip those parts of a typical friendship. But a few things you will adore in his not-so-typical-of-a-friend qualities are the following: 

Even if he tries to hide his pain and anger in the intention of not being too obvious about it, ironically, he wears his heart on his sleeves (all over his shirt and pants and everywhere else). You would know how he feels with how he acts.  He loves unconditionally when he decides to love; sometimes to a fault. He hurts when someone dear to him gets hurt. He loves his family dearly and talks about them almost all the time with his trusted friends. He chooses the people he trusts, but when he trusts, he holds no reservations. He can be a little jealous at times but that's only because he treats you as his own. He can offend but is always bothered when he hurts others; not everyone can see the guilt but we do because he doesn't hide at all. He protects like a brother. He takes care of the people he holds dear just like the way he folds his hanky - neat, careful, and might take time. 

Just as his name sounds like, Jem is a gem. Most gemstones are hard and not polished when found. It takes time to turn it into a visually perfect stone. Without luster, most gemstone might be taken as useless just by looking at it from afar. But luster can be achieved thru polishing - thru time and effort. Rarity is another quality of a gemstone that mirrors Jem - not your typical friend but is truly precious in every way. 

Happy Birthday, Jem. 

We've gone so far from our first not-so-good first encounter. (See this link, for those who don't know about it). As agreed, you will be my Best Man (male version of a Bridesmaid) on my wedding. 

I hope that through this entry, people get to find the gemstone I found in your friendship. Thanks for being a brother and a friend to me. 

Friends forever!