Tick... Tock...
Can you hear it? Time slipping away...
The older I get, the more I feel it. Time with family becoming scarce.
It's funny... I recently saw an IG Reel about how the time we spend with our parents and siblings drops dramatically as we hit our late twenties. Work, life, responsibilities—they all get in the way.
Ever since I moved out and hit my mid-twenties, spending time with my family has become something really special.
Growing up, my situation was a bit different. My brothers are at least 18 years older than me. It often felt like I was an only child. They were living their own lives while I was still figuring out mine.
But now, as adults, we’ve found this incredible new rhythm.
We’ve started a tradition... monthly meetups. No strict plans. Just lunch, talking about life, and sharing stories.
It’s amazing how refreshing these meetups are. Even after spending seven hours together, it never feels like enough.
We don’t need fancy activities to keep us engaged. Just sitting down, eating, and listening to each other.
Our stories range from everyday stuff to really deep conversations. Sometimes, we tackle tough topics that can be uncomfortable.
But despite any disagreements, we all look forward to these hangouts.
The generational gap between us adds so much depth. My brothers could be my parents, and my dad is the age of my friends’ grandparents.
This difference adds layers to our conversations. It shapes how we respond to a variety of topics. Is Elon Musk great or just crazy? Should we be scared of an invasion from China? Who could be the most ideal presidential candidate in the Philippines?
And beyond these issues, we talk about how we consume information—TikTok or YouTube? Our views on health and managing illnesses?
These differing perspectives make our talks so much richer.
We share stories about relationships... especially romantic ones.
My dad talks mostly about his early adventures with my mom. My siblings? They often discuss how they navigated married life and adjusted to parenting. They share their regrets, but more often, they express gratitude. Gratitude for the lessons learned, the changes they made, and the wisdom they gained.
And here I am, a recipient of this unfiltered wisdom. Directly from their experiences.
We laugh about funny adventures and weird interactions with unique people we’ve met. Like quirky religious figures, celebrities, politicians, or even a run-in with a criminal.
I can’t believe some of the names I hear are people I’ve seen on the news. And no, I can’t name them (peace).
Each story, whether funny or serious, adds a new dimension to our understanding of each other and the world.
I love bringing my modern-day perspective to the table. Talking about tech advancements and entrepreneurial dreams, I see how my insights fit into their stories of the past.
It feels like time traveling, hearing their firsthand accounts.
One memorable moment was visiting Quattro. It’s a bar on Timog Avenue, right in the Scout area of Quezon City where I live now.
None of them live here anymore, but they all have memories in this area. My dad was assigned here during his policeman days. My brothers worked in the film industry and had offices nearby.
They hung out here during high school and college. They even rented a place as a family right across the block from where I live now, more than 30 years ago.
I wasn’t born yet, but knowing they had lived here before made it even more special.
Quattro was magical for me because of that realization. It’s a place that has stood the test of time... just like our family’s relationship.
Growing up, I envied my friends who were close to their siblings or had big families. It was mostly my dad and me.
So now, in my adulthood, this experience feels richer. I super value it because I know their time is becoming more scarce. We all have other priorities.
The fact that we make time for this shows the special love we share.
These monthly meetups connect me deeply with our shared past while grounding me in the present. They’re not just about reminiscing but understanding how our lives are evolving.
It’s a blend of history, personal growth, and family bonds, making each gathering feel like a meaningful journey through time.
In a world that’s always changing, these moments of connection and shared history become more valuable.
They remind me of where I come from, help me see where I’m going, and keep me anchored with the people who matter most.
So, if you’ve got family, don’t let the clock tick away without making those connections. Whether it’s lunch, a phone call, or just sitting together... make time.
After all, these moments become the memories that ground us, shape us, and remind us of who we are.
Don’t wait. Start your own tradition. You won't regret it.