Whoever said dreams can't come true? For many ShinIans, theirs did at the very first ShinIan get-together last September 15 at the Regency Park Clubhouse in Santolan Road, Greenhills.
It was a mix of those who already know each other and newbies who were so excited to meet them for the first time. One of them even said she couldn't sleep the night before and was up very early the next day in anticipation for the get-together. Well, she didn't go through that experience alone. Many admitted to being so excited even days before the big day. It was a pity that there were quite a number who really wanted to be there but had to cancel because of make-up classes in school.
Everything went well. Despite the rains the past few days, the sky was a bit cloudy but not a drop of rain fell. The place was great...a pagoda stood between the basketball and the swimming pool. No heat to beat because the place was windy. It was like a big picnic for us.
Shin and Ian arrived together a little before 1pm. They were with Shin's mom,Tita Russ, and her two siblings, Jaz and Xelljohn. Berna (Shin's PA) and Jhune (Ian's RM) were also there to join the fun. Of course let us not forget Mang Dodong and Paolo who patiently drive Ian and Shin, respectively, to where they need to go.
It was fun to see most of the ShinIans become suddenly breathless at the sight of the two. I can understand. It was just so cute to watch their faces as the two made their way to them. They said hello to the people and then it was chow time. There was a table full of food -- kare-kare, adobo, lumpiang shanghai and lumpiang ubod for lunch. Thanks to the Go family also for the pancit. Then there was chocolate cake or banana for dessert. I think the ShinIans were too excited that they only ate a little. Hehehe.
Shin and Ian played a little basketball while the others finished their lunch. They were joined by Jhune and Mang Dodong. It was refreshing to see them having fun like ordinary people. And I'm pretty sure the ShinIans were multitasking that time...eating and peering at the two at the same time.
With lunch over, we all sat together to welcome Shin and Ian and thank them for sharing their time with us. We also gave a little background on the ShinIan Global Friends. The program was hosted by Fatie who was bursting with energy that afternoon. Fatie, puede ka nang stand-up comedienne.
Then came the Q&A. It's was long enough for me to forget most of what had been asked and answered. Not to worry because we will be posting the video soon. Everybody was all eyes and ears...hanging on to each word they said. There were tickle-pink questions that made everybody gush. There were also questions that revealed their weaknesses (at may kinilig pa rin po habang nega ang mga pinag-uusapan). These were the questions though that made them more real, more human to all of us. For a moment we saw them get down from the pedestal most of us have put them in. And it was so nice to see them in such casual surroundings. Oh, by the way, these questions were submitted by ShinIans from all over the world.
It was time then to pick five lucky ShinIans to bring home stuff owned by the two which they have generously given as prizes for the raffle. We thought of giving the raffle a twist as winners brought home prizes that will forever have sentimental value. The first lucky winner was Margarett who got a pair of pink Skechers rubber shoes from Shin. This pair was the first one she bought abroad. Ladyluck smiled next on Rizza who got a mug and some goodies from Ian. He explained that it was the mug he uses every morning but assured everyone he washed it first before giving it away. congrats to Rizza who almost didn't make it there. Everyone had a laugh when Issa was picked to get the very first pair of jeans that was given to Shin by a sponsor. She said though that the holes were the product of her experimenting. As expected, Ian gave a cap from his wide collection plus a picture frame he was using and some goodies to lucky Galai. Shin added another prize to be given to the winner at a later date. She gave away a pair of earrings from her collection and picked Miriam's name. Lucky girl.
The chance to get closer to the two followed as they signed autographs and posed for pictures. We gave pictures of Shin and Ian to all the attendees for the two to sign. Everyone was in high spirits that time as they came as close as they ever be to the two lovebirds. Everyone also saw how wacky the two were.
Group pictures followed and then activity shifted to the pool area. Unfortunately Ian had to leave for a recording session in Makati. Shin stayed behind and chatted with us. It was a fun-filled afternoon as we had a shouting competition between the people in the pool and the people in the pagoda with Shin. We were also held captive by Shin fearlessly devouring pomelo from a ShinIan who flew in from Davao and green mango. There was also spaghetti and cheese roll for merienda. It was fun to see Shin talking endlessly. It's a side not a lot of people have seen. She is such a joy to be with. Ian also called up Shin to ask how the get-together was going and apologized that he had to leave early.
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