The tale of the empanada pictures

Two days ago, I was writing an article about Ilocos empanada and miki. Unfortunately, I could not find any old pictures of Batac empanada in my archives. I messaged my friends if they have any. One of them was a high school friend.

To be honest, I was hesitant at first because we are not that close. Since we were chatting a few weeks ago, I thought it would just be okay to ask for a favor. I was desperately in need of “original” pictures, and so I took the courage to message him.

The last time I saw this friend was during an official org meeting. His org wanted to partner with my org. It felt great that I got reconnected with him after our graduation in high school. We were classmates for two years in high school. One memorable event with him was when we were called for a disciplinary meeting. I could not recall what had exactly happened, but I believe we had learned from those days.

After explaining to him about the pictures, he told me that he would check his files. I was not expecting that he would still go back; I admit that my request was not a big deal or at least an important one. To my surprise, he responded with pictures of Riverside empanadaan and Batac empanada. He actually went to the place just to take photos. He added, “wait lang hingi pa ako sa friends ko na mahilig magpicture.”

That experience was nothing new; I have met many people who would go the extra mile for me. But some people despised me for reaching out to them when I would need their help, and they were the same people who would always say “Chat ka lang kapag may kailangan ka.”

This particular friend proved that one could still ask for help anytime from low-maintenance friends. I understand the frustration we feel from those people who would just remember us in times of their need. But how about those who seem to be innocent and unintentional of being “abusive” in our relationships? Maybe we should rethink first before accusing our friends as opportunistic or “users”. Or simply, be the friend you wish you had.

It was an unexpected encounter with my friend. I then replied to him with words of gratitude. His reply? “Wait may miki pa haha.” To my astonishment mixed with embarrassment, I just said that those pictures were good enough for my article. We then exchanged a few more lines talking about our lives. That day, through that simple request for empanada pictures, we found out that we share the same vision for our future.