Don’t get me wrong, he’s not my boyfriend and neither am I dating guys although some of my former and present colleagues still think I’m an X-Man. NOT!

I’m a P.U.P-ian or from the Polytechnic University of the Philippines. It’s a University attended by 49,000 students. I believe the student population have increased to date. During my college days I was headstrong, a scholar at one point, and quite religious as well. I kid you not! Orly was a testament to all these. Fact is, some of my buddies who now live overseas have emailed me saying stuff like “Are you now a Punk Rocker?” or “Are you a hippie now?” or “What’s with the new hairstyle?” or “You look good man!” When some of my classmates gathered last year in Manila they’re very surprised. No, they’re shocked to see how different I am now! They’ve probably visited my space on friendster and here @ Power98’s webpage.

Anyway, back to my classmate – Orly. Here’s a lil conversation I had with him:

Orly : ‘Saw you on the web and checked out your photos!

Me : Really? And…

Orly: I thought, maybe it’s more fun to hang around with you now (giggles)
Some of our pals even said “Was that our Big Brother Mario?!”

Me: (In my brain – Yeah, I was really quite a bore!) What do you mean?

Orly: Looks like you enjoy nightlife, maybe a lil drink here and there…

Me : Well, ya know, a lot has changed. It’s been a long time.

Orly: We heard that you Deejayed in Manila and overseas. Not a thing
we’d imagine that you’d enjoy doing (giggles/we both laughed)

To cut the story short, I tried to bring him around town in the end I took him with me (by force) to watch the football match between Singapore & Malaysia @ the National Stadium. I made him wear the red POWER t-shirt. Mind you, Orly was up since 3AM from his Sri Lanka flight! After the wonderful match, we went home, freshen up a bit and told him “U still up?” He said “Yeah.” I was about to bring him to New Asia Bar @ Swissotel Stamford but we ended up in Mustafah Shopping Centre coz he needed to buy some stuff. After his shopping he wanted to rest (already?!) I don’t blame him. He flew to Manila that Sunday morning @ 9AM.

The partying Orly I knew was right – I’ve changed. Maybe, the Mario he knew then is now a much happier man. Not that I’ve changed my values. My world just got bigger and reaped tremendously from my work & travel experience.

When Orly comes back here, it’ll be a refreshing after work kinda drinks, cool sounds, and maybe other stuff that keeps me alive and sane!