Serenade-me-n ot

College is a very exciting and fun-filled experience. It is always full of twists and new experiences. I think proved the latter to be oh-so-true in a sort of “freaky way”. Let me tell you how.

Every year, in honor of Valentine’s Day, my university launches a one-week fair. Different organizations will set up food stalls, henna tattoo stations, souvenir shops and the likes along the vast field that we call “Freedom Park”. Fraternities, on the other hand will invite famous bands to perform for free. Dormitories would open their doors to visitors all-day and lift their curfews. This is a much awaited event especially for freshmen since this is their first time to experience the said fair.

I was in my freshman year of Valentine’s fair when I experienced one of the most hilarious yet embarrassing and creepy episodes of my life. A famous band was scheduled to perform at Valentine’s night and my dorm-mate and I decided to come together. We had fun watching the concert since it was her first time to ever watch one. By midnight, the band said their farewell and the two of us headed back to the dormitory. When we reached our room, we found out that our other two roommates were still up and studying. Feeling a little sheepish and guilty, I decided to open my books too. We all stayed up until three o’clock in the morning studying. Finally, we all agreed to call it a night (well, it is technically morning right?). Due to our previous “ghost experience”, we decided to keep the lights open. All of a sudden, somebody’s singing “oooohhh… my looooovvveee…. My daaaaaarrrliiinggg…” somewhere outside! All four of us jumped up from our beds and exchanged bewildered looks! Somebody is serenading either one of us!!!

“Who are you looking for?” my roommate asked. My heart went wild when I heard that he is looking for me! Prodded and pulled by all three of my roommates, I peeked at the window and you can imagine my surprise when I saw a classmate of mine whom I have never ever talked to standing outside holding a guitar and looking expectantly. When he saw me, he began singing his own version of “Unchained Melody”. It would have been cute if he’s on key! I honestly had a hard time trying to conceal my laughter (and I still am having a hard time controlling my laughter as I write this down). After his song, he gave me a single rose and left. I on the other can barely sleep from all the teasing from my roommates. I strictly forbade them to let this incident spread around the dorm.

Serenades are a very old custom here in the Philippines. During the times of our grandfathers, men would serenade a woman to show her that he is interested to her. It is actually supposed to be romantic – but in my case, well, it didn’t have that effect.

I actually told my dad the incident and after the unbearable teasing session, he said that I should be proud because these days, girls rarely experience what I just had.

Up to this day, I still laugh my heart out whenever I hear Righteous Brothers’ Unchained Melody.