Tribute to batchmate Lorena Maraan by Chelit Bataclan

Simplicity .. Still In Fashion As Time Goes By

Of all the many things I remember from the past, the era of the 60’s point to the direction of warm sentimentality, contentment and simplicity. The cyber world of high technology was not in our midst yet, nor even in our dreams.  Those were the days when we didn’t have to worry about lugging around gadgets such as many mobile phones, laptop, musical player like iPod and the newest gadgets or devices in the market.

Those were the days, when we ate simple and healthy food; didn’t have to exert the effort in keeping up with the latest fashion and technology; didn’t have to pretend to be with the “IN” crowd to be accepted; didn’t worry much about vanity and appearances; but we did share innocent jokes, stories, childish laughter; we focused more on happy relationships rather than possessions plus being satisfied with what we had or did not have.

Those were the times when life was oh, so simple then.

Unfortunately, in the culture of fast, steady and constant change, it seems to cause people to lose sight of the good things from the past. We seem to throw away good habit and virtues, in lieu of something new and shallow .. like simplicity. 

We overcrowd our lives and clutter them with many complexities, that we forget the real meaning of being simply plain and humble.    Oh, where have all those simplistic lives gone? 

Speaking of simple, there is one person in high school that I remember so vividly, who is the very epitome of simplicity.  In truth, the recollection of our happy days together as classmates never left this little chamber in my mind.  Aside from knowing she is a Registered Nurse (now retired as you read this blog) and that she lives in Southern California, happily married with children .. that’s the only information I may have about her. 

Memories flood my mind as I become reflective about this one person we chose to be our representative for the JS Prom night in 3rd year.  She was our muse and we rooted for her all the way.  Her trademark is what we referred to as “Dalagang Pilipina”, she exudes innocent charm, prudish and soft spoken but funny in her own way. 

She has this wispy smile; her expressive eyes spoke a thousand words when she looked at you and she was always prim and proper.  She was generous even then, as she would  open her home for us almost every day of the week to have our lunch break together and shared her “ulam’ as well.  She was a dreamer and wanted to be a nurse, so her being diligent and studious paid off because she did become a nurse and worked in one of the prestigious hospital in the USA.

Thank God for batch reunions, get together and Facebook founder Mark Zuckerberg! 

As certain as the wind blows, it’s inevitable to find long lost friends.  The FB language goes, “Add Friend”, a curtailed “Hello message” from her, turned into another exciting outcome and it started the ball rolling.  We touched base exchanged PMs, chatted and shared stories and photos.  Facebook can be so informal and abbreviated, but nevertheless, it’s broad and outreaching. 

She decided to come home for a vacation and a lunch date was in the offing, for her class/batch mates.  For many weeks my heart was singing with joyful anticipation because I will be able to meet with her once again after forty one long years.

Stylishly clad in a trendy Ralph Lauren pinstriped black shirt with matching dark denim pants and wearing a pair of shoes that’s faddish, Lorena Maraan Bello, breezed into the Cabalen Restaurant at Trinoma Mall in Quezon City, the restaurant of her choice (she lives around the vicinity) for our get together.

I could decipher the warmth within her as she gave me a welcoming kiss and hug.  Her off-shoulder length tresses complemented her still attractive looks.  Lorr- as she prefers to be called now (we used to call her Lorie) - to say that she “hasn’t changed a bit” is an understatement.  For today, she has this demeanor about her that tells all the signs of confidence, self assurance and prosperity.   She is clearly glowing inside and out.   It seems like Déjà vu, call it high school-ish epigram, as she entertained everyone with so much gusto, hopped from table to another to chat and mingle.

It was really a wonderful thing for her to spend precious time with us.

And us, means, in alphabetical order, fun-loving junkies:  Chuchi Estanislao, Dorri Santos, Goody Sabasa, Lanie Reodica, Lita Viray, Malou Domingo, Abe Espiritu, Leo Valmorida, Manny Palafox, Rey Bugarin, Rudy Balleras, Tino Viray.  The limelight was on her, as photographers delighted on clicking their “digicams” away. 

As I perceived it to be, lunch turned into a photo shoot, buzzing with spontaneous and vivacious conversation and storytelling.   What a great way to spend an afternoon that makes it into something memorable for a long, long time. 

Lorr, knows that we appreciate it a huge lot!

Superfluous to say that her presence seems surreal yet animated, her bearing unassuming yet refined and she captured my heart again; just because of the one best thing I admired most about her,  her simplicity - - - even in these days of very high standards of technology and where immorality is rampant - - - is a thing of beauty. 

Lorr is a friend in need and indeed, leaving simple yet, beautiful footprints in the hearts of the people whose lives she touched in the short time she was here. There is one fashion that is not old fashioned at all, and that is simplicity. 

Some things don’t really change after all.  Being simple in mind, body and spirit is still the best attribute one can possess.  Back to basics, they say.  If we only let go of things that hold us slaves, we can be free to enjoy the everyday tiny miracles

God so provides us with, like enjoying the sunset or counting stars at night.  To quote my favorite Bible verse, “Seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things shall be added to you”. 

Like vintage wine, true friendship is priceless like a friend named simply,   Lorr!