In barkada they trust

Real-life friends and Greenwich barkada talk about their thoughts on friendship and adulting

There’s nothing like the bond we share with our barkada. They are the people who have seen the best and worst of us. We run to them when we need a set of ears to listen, a shoulder to cry on, or simply just someone to share our small wins in life with. But of course, friendship is not that all easy. Like every relationship, it goes through different tests and trials.

Yassi Pressman, Bela Padilla, JC Santos and Robi Domingo, real-life and reel-life friends who share the same love for Greenwich, chit-chat about friendship, and what lengths they’re willing to go for their friends, now that they’re “adulting.”

Unlike in kindergarten, where friendships are made in an instant, maturing can complicate some of our relationships. There are so many things we have to consider with the friends that we have now that we’re adults, which include fitting our hangouts into our schedule, making sure our friends approve of our significant others, and everything in between.

Get to know what Yassi, Bela, JC and Robi think in a Q&A:

What is your idea/concept of a barkada? Is “all for one, one for all” right or wrong?

Yassi: For me, doing things as one should be on a case-to-case basis. Not everything should follow that “all for one” principle. In the spirit of good fun, it may apply but if there’s something shady or wrong about a certain barkada activity, then it definitely doesn’t apply.

Bela: I agree with Yassi. That line has to be placed in a proper context. One should not be pressured to do something, especially if it doesn’t feel right.

JC: This kind of solidarity in a barkada is only good when it doesn’t harm anyone. Some people can get into trouble by taking this line to heart.

Robi: For me, a barkada is an extension of the family. It’s the group of people you can turn to during high and low moments. This “All for One, One for all” only applies when it is for good or wholesome instances. If it compromises one, then it shouldn’t be done.

How would you react if your barkada gets in the way of your family?

Robi: I’d feel bad, of course, so I’ll check on the reasons why there’s a concern because it doesn’t really flow naturally that a barkada should get in the way of family. Family will always be first. If you share the same values as your friends, then this priority should be a given without questions.

Bela: I’d probably feel frustrated by the fact that instead of my friends and family complementing each other, one gets in the way of the other. I’d definitely check on myself first and assess where it’s coming from then talk to my barkada after to set things right.

What was the best and the worst thing you have done for your barkada?

Yassi: I think the best thing that I have done for my barkada was when I threw a surprise birthday celebration for one of my best friends. It was a nice feeling to be able to make someone feel so special, especially on his/her birthday. I even had some of our favorite food there like Greenwich pizza and Greenwich Lasagna Supreme. Because we’re adulting in life, we want the best pasta so that has to be present.

The worst? Maybe when I’d cancel plans last minute because of something unavoidable that came up. Cancelling plans makes me feel bad but sometimes it happens. It can be the worst.

If you fall in love with a barkada and the other members object, what would you do?

JC: It’s a feeling that is between the two people involved and if no one’s getting hurt intentionally, the rest of the barkada will eventually see that it’s okay. It only is a big deal in the beginning, I think, but eventually, it should feel normal for the whole group.

Would you take a bullet for a ka-barkada?

JC: I most certainly would for my best friends.

Robi: I’ll even “catch a grenade!” So yes!

What is your most and least favorite thing about adulting?

Yassi: Favorite ­is my adventurous side is being developed as I go through adulting. I get to travel and try out new things that I would not be able to if I were still younger.

Rob: Least favorite is Bills! Bills! Bills! No escaping them now.

JC: Favorite is the milestones and experiences I have gone through (and still will) together with my family and friends. Always nicer to share these with them.

Bella: Least favorite is as I adult, my family and friends also grow older. I’m not too thrilled about that part so I make sure I spend a lot of bonding moments with them as I go through adulthood.

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