I went back to my alma mater last week (I think it was last Friday). I stayed inside my favorite place in the entire school, the DBMC room. I felt like a stranger when almost everyone there is new. But, I still recognize a few faces, and by the time I left, I felt like home. :)

I remember four years ago when I first started attending summer training. It was hot. I started out with the bamboo flute with the flag at the side; then the (mini) lyre ending with the table lyre at the end of the school year; then the plantsa (table lyre but bigger and with stand) with an occasional marimba at the side.

I met a lot of people who became "family". Even if I was just an officer for one year (my senior year), the whole experience was worth it - even if I had to sacrifice time, effort, and other clubs that I wanted to join ever since first year.

It was fun "going back" to where it all started. It was like American Idol - where the top 3 go back to their hometown... except without the "hero's welcome" and all the fans. Nevertheless, I thought of it as "paying back" to the home where I have been for three years.

I miss the times when I would play my heart out. I miss the times when I would look forward to every after-school practice because I want to escape the "cruelty" of every class hour. I miss the times when I would catch up with the song easily. I miss the times when I would leave the log-in sheet and check the attendance every meeting. I miss the times when I would post in the YG about the next schedule. I miss playing during flag retreat. I miss everything that revolved around DBMC.

I ended the day with a trip to the store selling drinks outside the school. Awesome. :)