Of Teenage Fantasies and Grown-up Wishes

I was and still am a great fan of Westlife. Yes, that Irish pop group which dominated the 90's music charts. My high school group was even named "Westlife sisters" because obviously, we were crazy about the men who sang My Love, World of Our Own, Flying Without Wings, and many other love songs which moved countless young hearts. :)

I was a super fan. I would save my school allowance just to be able to buy Westlife merchandise from tapes to CDs to magazines to posters to everything I can afford. Included in my Bucket List is to go to Ireland and personally meet them. Among the five members, I fell desperately in love with Shane Filan. I loved him so much that I was badly hurt when he got married to Gillian Walsh.

Sadly, the boys had to go separate ways. Aside from having their own families, they also have their own careers now. And my darling Shane is having a Philippine promo tour next weekend!

Two days ago, I got a very tempting offer from my brother. He shared to me the link to Shane's tour announcement and said, "Balak ko sana surprise to, pero wala akong time lakarin eh. Sagot ko na yung bayad na 1,800. bday gift ko sayo. take it or leave it. hehe."

I got so excited that I actually palpitated. Could this be it? I was elated at the thought of seeing Shane face to face, in the flesh! I shared it to Lawrence and I was surprised at his response: "nakakatawa. i was thinking of buying you the gold package for shane filan. hehe. siguro hati na lang kami ni arnold sa birthday gift para hindi din gaanong mabigat sa kanya."

No doubt about it, the guys really love me! :)

So, am I finally seeing my teenage love?

...

In my dreams, I guess. Or on TV. :)

I did not accept the offer even though I really wanted to. It was a hard decision for me... so hard that I even cried and tried to think of ways to bargain with God. But I was at peace with my decision. :)

I still love Shane, and I really would love to meet him. But I have prior commitments that weekend (CLP Talk 3 in Kabisig on Saturday, and CLP Talk 3 in Riverside on Sunday) and I don't want to rush things just so I can catch up on another commitment. But more than that, when I think of the Php1,800 that my brother (and Lawrence) would spend, I think of the many other things that can be bought with that amount of money. I remember lola and my relatives in Iloilo who sleep under the stars (literally) because the house renovation was halted due to insufficient funds. I remember the victims of war (especially in Syria and Zamboanga) who are starving and are left with nothing but their precious lives. I remember the many Filipinos who suffer because some conscienceless politicians spent the people's money to sustain their luxurious lives.

I know Php1,800 is just a small amount for some, but it can go a really long way. And as a grown-up, I'm not going to spend it to feed my teenage fantasy. My priorities have changed, because I have learned to value the more important things in life - family and service being among the most important ones. :)

I'll be 27 next month and if there are gifts I humbly ask from the Lord, they would be peace, love, and joy not only for myself, but for the whole world. ♥

P.S. I came across this article and I wanted to envy the author for being able to speak with Shane, but honestly, I didn't get jealous because I know if God permits, one day, I'll be able to meet Shane as well. Baka nga sa Ireland pa! :D

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