F R I E N D S

"Filled with humor and bittersweet emotion, the series finale of Friends finds Rachel, Monica, Phoebe, Joey, Chandler, and Ross embarking on the next chapters in their lives. The six of them have been there for each other through all the ups and downs of becoming adults. Now it's their last day together, a day of momentous events and last-minute surprises. Even as the friends make major decisions on their futures, there is a bond between them that will last forever -- no matter where their paths lead."

Yes, I am inflicted by the Friends syndrome for 10 years. How can you not get hooked? They have oh-so-different personalities--a naive, a ditzy, a clueless, an obsessive-compulsive...name it--but they manage to co-exist. I watched the final episode...and then watched the pilot episode which was included in the DVD. Wow! It sure is very amusing to see each one of them "evolve" through those years (with the thought of how I looked back then...not so amusing...haha!). Mind you all, I also watched the main-title segments--the intro--of all 10 seasons! (Yes...I didn't get irked by the repetitive "I'll be there for you...") It is just so sad that it all has to end...

Speaking of 10 years, I am really pleased and overwhelmed to know that I am still in touch with my peer from high school (Zobel batch '97)--I still get to hang with them, know what's up (and down) with their lives, listen to their stories, and most importantly bond. When you think of it, there is a Friend in all of us; I can either be Rachel, Monica, or even Phoebe at certain times in my life. Relating them to my own circle of friends...a couple finally broke the barrier of denial and just risked it. Let's focus on this a bit...in the ten years, they had fallen in and out of love trying to search for Mr./Ms. Right not knowing that that person has just been around the corner in all those years. A nice thought actually...very nice indeed. On another note, the group entered another chapter in their lives when a baby (or babies) arrived. To fill you in, our group is expecting a baby next year! I cannot and will not list all the comparisons, but I'll reiterate...we have all been a Friend one way or the other.

I can never and will never forget the times we spent back in high school where I was seeing them everyday (including weekends), where I just cared less about school stuff as long as I get my dose of talk-time and laughter with them, where it was pure fun! Then through college, where I got enrolled in a different university, which resulted in having less time with them, which in turn made me meet new friends...but then again, I still managed to see them; though not that often. Then now in the real world where each one is leading a different life, having new experiences, getting caught in the web of stress...but guess what, we still spend time! Not to brag...but how many groups do you know that survived 10 years...and still counting?! Bottomline...I am genuinely proud to have cherished such friends who share the same sentiments of preserving the bond despite differences...