beer.

i guess it just happens when you least expect it to happen.

in the midst of spirited conversation and intermittent banter, what is bound to happen, happens.

i personally do not know when i came to that realization, but once i saw the irony of things making more sense and being more clear when the consciousness is altered and everything seems to be a blur, i came to understand that sometimes things can be too simple, but we are the very architects of our own evils, confusions, and paranoia.

"tagay", sambit ni dino.

"isa pa ka round", matod pang nelbin.

"di na ko, goods nako", tua ra si edon.

in that fleeting but very real moment of us collectively traversing the world of spirits, and transcending the limited possibilities of reality by the intrusion of the beautiful poison of choice, we have practically become brothers.

yes, in that shared moment of brotherhood and camaraderie, our hearts, for once, smile a genuine smile, and we know that even when the world can rip us apart and gnaw at our very core, we can still be happy.

memories, they say, can be very deceiving. sometimes, when your life is practically reduced to shit and you have nothing else to cling on to but the blissful recollections of the past and the nonchalance of life, you will think of happiness that was effortless, the temporariness of sadness, and the constant promise of love.

and when this juxtaposition ensues, your lips can only curl to form a genuine smile, and you know that even when the world has broken your heart and spirit, you can still be happy.

for in the rubble of an altered reality, the anecdotes that have been repeated for the umpteenth time, the beautiful poison of choice, and the fraternal warmth from those who have practically become your lifesavers, you suddenly realize:

yes, we all change, but our friendships will ever remain constant.