Marby

my hall of famer

It is said that opposites attract or at least you tend to gravitate towards people who would complement your personality. One such gal who I was lucky to have met is Marby --- my total opposite. Whilst I would be content to be a wallflower, Marby would be in the limelight without lifting a finger. Her sunny disposition, her 500 words per minute and quirks puts her on centerstage effortlessly. She is by no means a person who hogs attention, but rather it’ll be hard not to notice her with her humor and infectious laugh. Her antics seem to be out of place but en point. Did I tell you that she can make you laugh out loud? Oh God. She can. She is a breath of fresh air.

When I met Marby, she was 24 going on 25 in a pharmaceutical company where we both used to work. I think I felt at home with her when I found out that her birthday is the same as my HS bestfriend’s. But then again, it’ll be hard to resist her charm. Being the youngest in our team, you’d think she’d shy away from everyone but heck no. Before you know it, she has taken hold of the whole department and given it a face lift. No more quiet work hours. Instead, we’d have this ongoing discussion on company gossips WHILE working (I promise!). No more senseless lunch breaks. Instead, we’d have meaningful conversations on whether Bea Alonzo turned down John Lloyd’s proclamation of love in the popular telenovela. No more happy birthday greetings through email. Instead, we’d have this super birthday surprise for each of the guys in the department, complete with banderitas --- leaving the likes of Mamsy teary-eyed with the gifts, food and bouquet she received. Mamsy, the guru in the department (because she has been with the company when I was still in my mom’s womb), plain existence was no more. She’d go out on gimmicks with us younger kids and do sleep overs --- which is very un-adult-like. That is all through Marby’s bag of magic tricks!

Marby did not waste her talents in our department alone. She is the most sought-after key person for any company event. Whether it’d be hosting, singing, cheering or planning, she is the IT girl. I don’t remember any event where she wasn’t in the sidelines waiting for her turn onstage. Even without a script, she can segue her way into any program.

When she turned a quarter of a century, it was a big event for Marby. And she threw the birthday event of the year! At least, in my book, it was the best party I have ever been to in this lifetime. What better way to celebrate your birthday but in the country’s favorite kiddie place, Jollibee. Oh yes. At age 25, Marby held her coming out party (haha!) at Jollibee SM North. We dined on spaghetti, chickenjoy and rocky road sundae! There were parlor games and a huge Hello Kitty birthday cake. And she really went all out on this with her special guest, no less than, the big bee, Jollibee himself! It was so freakishly hilarious but darn it! It was the best ever!

Fast forward to her 26th birthday, this was an immense contrast to her 25th celebration. It was held at the more reserved and laid back, Jade Valley. But as usual, her funny self shone through. Friends came up, gave testimonies and shared their most memorable stories about Marby.

For someone who has been a constant source of joy for her friends and family, it was tragic to hear the news of her dad’s sudden death just recently. Marby is daddy’s little girl. With her mom away overseas, she, being the eldest of 3, had to carry the full weight of her father’s death. She had to go through the motions of arranging everything for the burial. She put on a brave face throughout the whole ordeal and triumphantly came out of it as a better person.

I miss her most these days when it’s too quiet in the new office I’m in now. For Marby, even at the most trying times, she never fails to find something to talk about, laugh about, and smile about. I always tell her that she is a breath of fresh air coz she really is to me.

These days, she exchanged office work to manage the business her dad entrusted to her and her brothers. Though I’m a bit sad that she suddenly had to grow up and leave the team she loves, I know she is better off where she is at now. I’m sure she’s happy and at peace with her decision. And with this knowledge, I know she can laugh and smile without a heavy heart and would continue to bring joy to all of us.