My Favorite Regret

When I think of Makati Shangri-La Hotel it follows of remembering someone special too—I guess not just me but my family and friends as well.

I remember John. We met in Shangri-La years ago when I worked there for some time and he works there too as well. I can still remember how everything was on our first encounter. I am a bit hesitant at first because of the age gap—he is 5 years older than me. I never really took things seriously because I am more focused with other things but fate really brought us together.

On my last few days at Shangri-La, it was December 2000. I saw him waiting at the lift which took several minutes before we finally get inside. That's the time when he asked me out! Since I have to pretend not to show that I felt a little tremor inside me, I just laugh about it and didn’t give him an answer right away. ”We’ll see. I’ll let you know if I can.”

When there were only two of us left at the office, he suddenly came and asked me to help him with something. He looks sick but still cheerful. He asked for my number and I said it hastily while he looks so funny trying to catch up and memorize it correctly.

On my supposedly last day at work and the day I agreed to go out with him—I got sick. He called home and asked if he could just visit me but I said I’ll just meet him the next day. He was a bit disappointed and asked me in a serious tone if I am really willing to spend time with him or I am just being polite.

The next day I was there. When I was walking out to the employees exit, I saw him already standing by the big tree waiting for me. I was serious when I said that my world suddenly in slow motion. When he turned to my way I felt like my world stops as we beams at each other when my friend just finally pulled me back to reality.

We had dinner together and for the first time I saw that he was a bit nervous. He was fun and it was one of the best night I ever had in my entire life. It’s been 4 years now since that moment happened. Today is exactly the day I remember I went out with him.

Thanks John for all those lovely years! Sometimes I thought what if I didn't walked out from your life? I don't know..but i'm sure now you will always be my favorite regret.