A Facebook Post That Sparked a Memory
Recently, a Facebook post by Miss Catering, a comedian and transgender influencer, caught my attention. She wrote, "…when you're willing to travel for how many hours just to have a one-night stand." It was humorous, yes, but also deeply relatable. Reading that post made me pause and reflect on my own younger self—specifically, a rather bold and adventurous experience during my college years.
My College Life: Broke but Bold
Back in college, I was a financially struggling student living in Binangonan, Rizal. Life wasn’t easy, but I made do with what I had, balancing academics with the usual growing pains of youth. I was navigating life as a young gay man, curious about the world and driven by the heightened testosterone of my age.
One memory stands out vividly: the time I traveled from Binangonan to Tarlac to meet a guy I had connected with on PlanetRomeo (an LGBTQ+ dating platform). It was an impulsive decision made in the heat of curiosity and youthful lust—a true testament to the chaotic energy of my college years.
đŸŽĽ WATCH MY SIT-DOWN VLOG (vertical version):The Journey: Four Hours of Anticipation
The trip was long and grueling. I took a jeepney from Binangonan to Cubao, then transferred to another ride to Monumento before hopping on a provincial bus to Tarlac. In total, it was a four-hour journey one way. As a broke student, I relied on public transportation, carrying nothing but my nervous excitement and the hope that the experience would be worth it.
When I arrived, I was greeted by a guy who was undeniably attractive—closeted, charming, and from a well-off political family. His life felt worlds apart from mine. I remember being introduced to his family as his "statistician," a title that made me chuckle inwardly. Little did they know the true nature of my visit.
A Moment of Regret
After spending time with him, I began the long journey back home. As I sat on the bus, exhaustion set in, and so did the realization of how much effort and risk I had taken for a fleeting moment. Was it worth it? At the time, it felt like a mix of both regret and understanding—an experience that, while reckless, was part of growing up.
A Decade Later: Life Comes Full Circle
Fast forward over a decade, and life had changed drastically. I had a stable job, financial independence, and a better sense of self. One day, at a random event, I heard someone call my name. To my surprise, it was him—the same guy from my impulsive college adventure.
He looked older, more subdued, and very different from the person I had met all those years ago. We exchanged pleasantries, and he reintroduced himself, even though I had almost forgotten his name and who he is. Our interaction this time was casual and platonic—a far cry from the emotions of our first encounter.
Lessons From the Past
Reflecting on that chapter of my life, I see it as a defining moment. It was one of many seemingly irrational decisions that shaped who I am today. At the time, it felt like sheer madness. But now, I view it with a mix of humor, nostalgia, and gratitude.
Life is a series of experiences, and some of them won’t make sense at the moment. But over time, they form the mosaic of who we are—every impulsive decision, every mistake, every lesson. My younger self may have been reckless, but those adventures taught me resilience, courage, and the value of knowing myself better.
The Takeaway
To the younger generation: don't be afraid to make mistakes. Those wild, crazy moments might not always make sense, but they’re part of the journey. Just remember to learn from them, laugh at them, and grow from them.
And to my current self, who sometimes cringes at the thought of that four-hour journey for a one-night stand—thank you for living boldly. After all, life is about the stories we create, and that was one story worth telling.
Did this story remind you of your own wild college days? Let me know in the comments! Don't forget to like, share, and subscribe to my channel for more sit-down vlogs and personal life stories.