By J. Irving ft. Generative Pre-trained Transformers

As mistahs, our shared memories began in the same company barracks, classrooms, on the same parade grounds, in the same noisy corridors of youth. Back then, as plebes, the world was simple: reporting to upperclassmen, compliances, punishments, escape and evasions; then, as yearling and an uppie: exams, weekend plans, hops, bugabugas, and dreams of what we might become. Yet as time moves, so do the topics that animate our fellowship reunions. What we talk about at each stage of life mirrors who we are becoming.

After graduation, the first reunions are filled with excitement. We talk eagerly about our assignments, first combat experience, foreign schoolings, the professions we pursued, the opportunities we chased. Some are already climbing the ladder, others still searching for their place—but all of us are driven by the energy of new beginnings.

When we meet again, a few years older, the topic naturally shifts to marriage. “When are you settling down?” becomes the most common question. Wedding stories, proposals, and shared laughter fill the room. We admire drawing swords, trade advice, and tease those who say they are “still evaluating their options.”

Then comes another chapter—one that arrives quietly but firmly: family life. Conversations now turn to children. How many do you have? What schools? What are they like? We share the joys of parenthood, the pride of achievements, and the everyday challenges that come with raising the next generation. We talk about our spouses, our households, the rhythm and responsibilities of family—topics unimaginable to our younger selves.

As the years continue their steady march, we begin to notice small but unmistakable signs of age. Blood pressure readings, diabetes, cholesterol enter the conversation, as do maintenance medications and annual check-ups. What used to be jokes about physical fitness are now sincere discussions about keeping healthy, losing weight, or managing stress. It becomes clear that our bodies, once taken for granted, now demand respect.

Inevitably, we talk about classmates—those who have succeeded, those who have drifted away, and those who are struggling. Memories resurface, stories return, and our bond deepens. Health, sickness, and even death become part of our conversations. We mourn the ones who left too soon and speak their names with a mix of sadness and gratitude. Their absence reminds us of the fragile gift of time. We noticed that two classmates died every year. In 2020, Jibs left. We were able to cross the year 2021 without anybody dying: but starting in 2022, Cecile and Primer bid goodbye; in 2023, there goes Jess and Ariel; in 2024, Dippon and Batman followed; in 2025, Eldon who survived 12 years on bed and Epoy with heart ailments … in 2026, only God knows. A reminder for everyone to stay healthy and play golf! Have you noticed? Non-golfers sila lahat.

Onay said, Bolo is a twice DCS recipient: a Distinguished Conduct Star and being a Determined Cancer Survivor. haha

What remains constant through all these changing conversations is the unbroken thread of shared experience. We may talk about different things now—careers, marriages, children, grandchildren (yes, apos apostolic duties and teasing those who have none), health, losses—but the warmth of camaraderie stays the same. 

As always, plebehood is our timeless and favourite topic; already said and heard but still we laughed with the same roar.

Age shifts our priorities, but it also strengthens our appreciation for one another.

In the end, the topics may evolve, but the meaning does not. Each fellowship is a reminder that we have journeyed far, survived much, and grown together—still mistahs, still connected, still part of one another’s lives …

There is a plan to meet again.