Asian Journal- The Filipino-American Community Newspaper

Nakikita ko siyang palaging dumadaan sa tapat ng bahay namin sa Marikina. Every time he would pass by, myself as a spirited teenager would always yell out not-so-kind words at him. Dala na rin pagka-intrimitida ko noong panahon.

One day, he got fed up and actually confronted me. We started hitting each other and what ensued next was like a scene out of the Maximo Oliveros movie.

It was like the ultimate gay match in the middle of the street. Talaga namang pinanood kami ng mga tao. Needless to say, it was a big scene.

Eventually, Niela and I patched things up because our common friends Fabiana and Menchie insisted on it. The four of us became really close and were known as the "four musketeers" in our neighborhood.

I remember that Niela worked at a shoe factory, cutting and sewing patterns. Even back then, I already saw in him a work ethic na dala-dala pa rin niya hanggang ngayon. He was always very professional and patient.

The four of us friends would hang out all the time. It was the kind of friendship where we would always engage in playful banter and arguments about who has the best idol. I was a staunch fan of Susan Roces while Niela was a die-hard Amalia Fuentes follower. When we weren’t arguing about our idols, we were planning and staging our very own awards night.

We would invite friends and hold the event at the school auditorium without the administration’s knowledge.

The no-cost production was fun to do! We would fashion our own awards trophies similar to the

FAMAS trophy by curving boxes and wrapping them in aluminum foil.

That activity signaled the beginning of the Marikina Gay Association. That was over 30 years ago! I’m thankful that up to this day, Niela and I are still connected. When I left for the US, Niela had his own salon in Marikina.

Years later, he called me from South Carolina where he was staying. I invited him to come to California to work at my salon. I did not hesitate to invite him at all because I know that we already have good chemistry working together.

Fast forward to this day, Niela is now a top stylist at Monet Salon. Over the years, I’ve seen his loyalty and competence. When it comes to work, he is very professional and he is very cordial to everyone he works with.

Sometimes, we tend to forget and acknowledge the people who helped us along the way. Niela, I want you to know that I haven’t forgotten. I’m proud that even after so many years, you remain the same.

I’m looking forward to working with you for many more years to come!

Happy New Year, my friend!

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