Journey to Jersey by

Pocket Full of Sunshine

2019-08-18 04:35:32 UTC

Hi, Twinnie J! I chose this song because across the years of our bestfriendship, you’ve brought exactly that - a pocket full of sunshine - to everything we had. I know we have so many more memories to come, but I guess it’s just a matter of making them all over the world now. 💙 I love you! I’m definitely writing more than 1 message here HAHA - Dana

2019-08-18 04:36:44 UTC

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Girl

2019-08-18 09:30:24 UTC

I think of you as one of my most dependable friends. You've been there at some of the times when I needed it the most. Things won't be the same without you here but I'm happy knowing you'll be out blessing the world with your cheerful personality and drive to make a difference. I'm going to miss you so much! I'm sure you know you can talk to me anytime if you need to.
- Maxine

San Francisco Street

2019-08-18 11:04:59 UTC

Solid beach trip to Baler, talking about life and your crazy Ex story 😂😂😂

All the best on your new chapter in life 🎇

New summits

2019-08-18 14:05:46 UTC

Take care, Justine! Wishing you all the best in your career and thank you for all the good times together :^)

-Franco

All the Feels

2019-08-18 14:38:30 UTC

I remember we created a Spotify playlist together with Dana at her condo in our senior year. It was quite a senti-night for us, so we just made a playlist on spotify instead of studying/reviewing for whatever we needed to do. You contributed a lot to the list, and I'm sharing it with you here. :)

https://open.spotify.com/playlist/7e6K585p1jele9sacPwxv3?si=0msE6mEbTuibwOPqJG5AHw

- Josh

Wonderwall & Kahit Maputi na ang Buhok ko

2019-08-18 17:17:51 UTC

I chose the first song because we kept singing that shit in Baler and you would laugh so hard. The second song because none of the songs so far are OPM and I feel that you might want to listen to something that reminds you of where you came from.

I wish you the best in the US my fierce friend! See you again soon Justine. :)

- Jb

Closer

2019-08-19 00:14:24 UTC

This song hits close to home. Our barkada’s theme song back in 3rd yr college. I can associate lots of good college memories from cos of this song (when it was still wasn’t too mainstream HAHAHA). It was also the year we got real close as a barkada. Hope you remember us through this song if ever you feel lonely. See you soon and take care, Justine. I wish you all the best & I’m excited for what the future holds for you! Spread your wings and soar high! We’ll be cheering for you ✌🏼

- PB

To chasing our dreams

2019-08-19 02:54:53 UTC

Hi Justine!

I want to wish you good luck in this new chapter of your life. You know I’ll always be here supporting you every step of the way.

Go slay the USA! ❣️

Love love
ELLAINE

My Own Drum

2019-08-19 04:19:18 UTC

I've always seen you as someone who dives head-first into her passions and pursuits in life. Even back when we were acquaintances, I felt that you had an answer for every challenge you'd face, no matter how many times life would push you down.

New Jersey's gonna be a whole different beast that you're definitely gonna conquer, and I hope this song helps remind you that you dance to the beat of your own drum despite all the bad times. I know I don't say this much when we see each other, but I'm really thankful we got closer and that I'm always here if you want to vent, kwento or set me up with your new, single NJ friends. ;)

<3 Jasper

Watch Me Dance

2019-08-19 07:04:38 UTC

This song will always remind me of the day you gave dance another chance. You never gave up despite the struggle we went through and hey! We made it!... To the stage at least. haha I was about to give up but thanks to you and burks, we got through it. <3
Thank you for being my shoulder to cry on, my once-every-6-months-date, my teammate, my therapist and my fwend.

I will eternally be grateful for your lateness that made you end up beside me in pol sci class. Haha

Excited for you, girl! (Mostly jealous but also excited. hehe) See you in the US of A!
Love you!

- Leya

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Take care, Justine! Please dont forget to find time to relax and have fun in Jersey HAHAHA
-Shoji

2019-08-19 08:05:21 UTC

Hey Justine!

I am so so happy that you're finally off to New Jersey, harvesting all the fruits of your incredible hustle!!! You know that I've always looked up to you for just going after all the shit you want unapologetically. In honor of that, I picked my current favorite bop from the absolute QUEEN Lizzo!

I also saw a video of her playing the flute and then twerking, and I feel like that's so you. Nerdy pero sobrang G for anything.

I'm gonna miss you, but I couldn't be happier, girl!!! Kill it!!!

<3 Erica

Hi Justine!

2019-08-19 08:07:41 UTC

Wishing you the very best on all your future endeavors in Jersey! Always take care of yourself and have the best time! So excited for everything that's in store for you. <3

We'll miss you!

-Trish

Justine,

2019-08-19 08:15:50 UTC

Although we didnt get to hang that much, I really enjoyed meeting you and getting to know you through friz’ parties and dana’s bday trip! I wish you all the best and have a safe trip ✈️ 💕 -Noreen

Mamma Mia, et al.

2019-08-19 08:38:47 UTC

It surprises me that I hadn't remembered this moment until recently: When we watched Mamma Mia 2 on its first week and cried, shimmied, and sang our hearts out to the music while in the cinema. This was the photo we took afterwards, still red and teary from all the emotions, unashamed by our impromptu performance amidst a theatre of strangers. When I think of my innate love for belting out ABBA tunes and dancing to them, I think of you; you were the same person who told me to "just feel the music" that one night in New York when we were all pooling into the gym floor dancing alongside other delegates during the Youth Assembly, and I watched you practice what you preached. Ever since then I've taken the notion to heart.

All these songs from the movie remind me of your spirit. Dare to do things without hesitation, move intelligently but with reckless abandon, and enjoy the best of life without holding out on meaningful experiences. If anybody's Donna, it's you—I'm the bob-haired bestie enabling your every adventurous move.

Life is short, so we better make it worth our while and leave a legacy while we're at it—I see you doing that with every step you take. That's also why Supermassive Black Hole is in there too. You knew about it before Twilight put it on the map, and that has to go on record. You all heard it here first. I took the liberty of throwing in Sorry not Sorry, because it's our anthem from back when we went clubbing that one time, and How Deep is Your Love, because the answer is "the limit does not exist" and also I appreciate your affinity to oldies music.

Thank you for the friendship and all the learning that came with it. I'll never stop being proud of you and the wonderful things you've made happen for yourself. Here's to having more songs that make sense to us both.

— HANNAH

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https://youtu.be/54nSydD9JqM

2019-08-19 09:30:48 UTC

Hi Justine. Good luck on your new journey. Always remember you will be always JUST IN my heart. 😄

- Jerch

Ninuno - Bullet Dumas

2019-08-19 09:39:48 UTC

Hi Justine!!!

Always have and always will be rooting for you and what you set your intentions to. May this new chapter strengthen the respect and love you have for the evironment and may you never tire of sharing your talents outward 💖. This song always reminds me of how much responsibility we have been given (and blessed!) to protect our only home. Hope it has the same effect with you and that u get to see and climb more mountains and life summits!!

Wag sayangin ang tiwala ng ating mga Ninuno 🌞

Hugs and love always

- mikka

I Need A Girl

2019-08-19 10:07:57 UTC

You probably know this song already but it's a song that I never play around other friends because not much people are into 00's R&B nowadays. I imagine you dancing to this in the middle of your own little nook tucked away somewhere in Jersey.

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Creepy photo of me looking at you during your debut but I guess that's the type of friend I see myself with you -the friend that will always quietly but fondly support you in your happiness and not-so happiness.

Ivan

Shut Up and Dance

2019-08-19 10:23:34 UTC

Hi Justine! Since the first day I met you, I’ve always known you to be such a friendly, head-strong girl whose confidence in herself and life knows no limits. My fondest memory of you was when you suddenly asked me to become your secmob partner in such short notice. You’re such an easy person to get along with and that’s why being your partner was such an easy task. I know you’ll bring your friendly and bubbly attitude with you in the US, and as you’ll be exposed to a whole new group of people over there, I have no doubt that you’ll get along with them perfectly. ‘Til the next time we see each other, Justine! Can’t wait to hear all your success stories in the future.

Ivic

Sweetener

2019-08-19 10:35:18 UTC

I like to think that one of our favorite things to talk about is love. And love is so different now, romance is sparse, dates are often over the phone or video call, and expression is difficult over distances. But one of the things I admire about you is your willingness to be in love despite all the challenges.

Here's a funky love song for you. No matter with who--a romantic partner, a friend, or just yourself--be in love. It will conquer all distances and challenges. ❤️

Love,

Chabeli

If I Can't Have You

2019-08-19 10:37:51 UTC

BONUS SONG! Just cuz we love Shawn Mendes lol.

I like the feeling that this song evokes, and the only way to describe it is "kilig". As you cross oceans and cultures, I hope that bubbly feeling in your stomach remains. And teach peoole what "kilig" means. God knows we need more of that in the world!

Sending you all my love,

Chabeli

Breakeven

2019-08-19 10:56:51 UTC

“What am I supposed to do if the best part of me was always you?” ILY TWINNIE! I put this song in because it reminds me of that night we went to my condo and didn’t feel like doing anything and just had to sing our feelings out. I’m glad that we ordered Shakey’s good for 5 people and we made our own playlist and shed tears together.

God knows we’ve shared more than just those tears amidst all the stress we’ve been through but I wouldn’t trade any of those for the world because it made us stronger together. Thank you for being my grit amidst it all and for bringing out the best in me quite literally. I know you’ve got my back through it all, and same here for you. I love you, Twinnie J!

- Dana

Roses

2019-08-19 11:05:30 UTC

To all the nights we danced together - whether it be on the dance floor, in your living room, in my condo, or in a bar - I will never forget how this song turned my little experiment of a group get closer and become I guess the closest thing I have to brothers and a sister from college!

I remember listening to this song while working in your house before I would fall asleep (in our all-nighters), or listen to it while we’re in my condo or Friz’s while drinking, or in Martin’s car on the way to his house before a long night.

This song has played many times over during our friendship and I can’t help but smile when I hear this and I hope you do to. Walk down the street in your new Uni and maybe do a little shimmy with it, and find new friends to jam and dance to with it. Remember, friends will get you by - like they did for us. ✨

- Dana

Ang Huling El Bimbo

2019-08-19 11:13:48 UTC

In fair, this song has no meaning to us specifically but I’m just super LSS to it, but when I hear it, I think of us and our friendship.

“Magkahawak ang ating kamay na walang kamalay-malay. Natinuruan mo ang puso kong umibig ng tunay.” The love you showed me was one I never got from any other friend. I appreciate you for your honesty, for your wit, for your care, for your humility.

You are my best friend and I’m grateful that we can be completely ourselves with each other, and that you held my hand through all our memories. We wouldn’t have gotten to the UN without you, we wouldn’t have made it through our projects without you. You make me so proud and I know you’ll only achieve greater heights in the US!

I will admit that as I write this, I am tearing up because it pains to know that my best friend will be so far away, but I am at ease knowing you’re making your dreams come true and you have Amar there too! You are amazing, and you will KILL it over there - totally owning that Asian stereotype and the Philippines will be lucky to have the best urban planner come back home and help it develop, soon.

I’m always cheering for you, alright? Cheers to FaceTime dates and telegram stickers/gifs for now but I’ll make an extra effort to visit you in that side of the world - over discovering new places 😜 I love you, Twinnie J!

Hi Justine!

2019-08-19 12:43:22 UTC

Wishing you all the best in this new chapter in your life. Can't wait to see you conquer the US. Take care!

Love, Annika

My Favorite Things

2019-08-19 12:48:45 UTC

We never really listened to this together and I dont think we ever extensively talked about the kinds of music we like but I chose this because I feel like it’s something we’d jam to 30/40 years down the road while we knit on our rocking chairs. It’s also a song that sort of sets the tone that I can relax and just be myself—-which is how I feel when I’m with you! Thank you for always creating a space of love and kindness for me. Your old and new friends are so lucky to have you. 🤗 I love you, Justine!!!! -Selle

Kathang Isip

2019-08-19 12:59:44 UTC

Hoping that whatever you’ve imagined yourself doing and being during and after your trip comes true :)

- Kato

Tonight

2019-08-19 13:32:49 UTC

For where all our friendship started, OrSem 2013 🙌💙

One of my fond memories of OrSem was the friendship that created and I’m so glad that we were able maintain that until now and many more years to come. ☺️

Anyway, new chapter of your life, I hope that you remain passionate and driven with the things that you will be doing, those are one of the things I admired about you. Always know that you have people at here at home supporting you!

Good luck and take care always, Justine!

Paolo

PS. Sobrang throw back photo so let’s make sure we get to have a nice new pic the next time we meet hahaha

2019-08-19 14:25:22 UTC

All the best, Justine!

2019-08-19 14:26:37 UTC

Wishing you all the best on your journey! I know you'll do great, as always.
Manila will miss you 🤗💓

Love lots,
Gayle 😊

Vanilla Twilight

2019-08-19 14:35:59 UTC

Justine! This song brings back so many memories from when we were in 1st year high school... the year we because seat mates and life-long friends. ❤️ I hope that listening to it will remind you of the happy, carefree days that we shared. Manila will lose some of its sunshine when you leave, and we will all miss you sooo much! Always remember that you literally have a whole barangay rooting for you, supporting you and loving you. You’ll do amazing, girl! Go and chase that big dream of yours ❤️, Isa C.

Sink.

2019-08-19 14:51:07 UTC

Thank you for the invaluable advice and fierce loyalty that you bring to our friendship ♥️ I’ve got nothing but genuine happiness for you and confidence that you’ll blow their fucking minds over there. Sad I didn’t get to see you before you left but crossing my fingers for a trip to the east coast next year 😘 Hasta luego chica!

- Andi F.

(Forgot to sign this, good thing I can still edit. Also, while I’m at it —— found the song Sink shortly after that talk we had on LDR 😘)

Defying Gravity, Journey to the Past, This is Me

2019-08-19 15:03:27 UTC

Dear, Justine.

I hope you're doing well.

Just as the characters in these songs had their own adventures, may you go on several of your own and bring back the best stories to tell.

Please let me know if you have any questions or concerns. Thank you.

Regards,
Molo

The Girl by City and Colour

2019-08-19 15:34:29 UTC

Hi Justine! It amazes me how far we have both come, given a friendship that blossomed over the shared heartache of long distance relationships (hence the song choice)! I remember how we used to talk about a life you wished you had, to live in the same space as Amar, and how that seemed so far away - and now the someday is today. I hope you enjoy all the wonderful things you deserve: A fulfilling masters experience, a meaningful career, freedom in independent living, and of course the joy of being in a normal relationship (finally!). Rutgers is lucky to have you. Looking forward to keeping up on your next chapter, and hope to get an in-person update over coffee on your next visit back to Manila!

Love,
Mathea

Perfume

2019-08-19 16:22:59 UTC

I remember that day when you shouted my name on Red Brick Road. You told me excitingly, “I knew it was you!” Because you smelled my perfume. Haha! Was it MA20? I’m not sure. 2015.

Then last week, August 2019, I was multitasking on my phone and putting my groceries on the cashier belt in S&R, then you pop up in front of me. You flash your signature smile with your friendly smize. That night I thought, “Why didn’t we take a picture together?!” Then one of your closest friends asked me to post a message with a photo. Coincidences - haha!

To think, the first thing I did that day was check Instagram stories (which I don’t usually do), and yours was the first I saw. You were leaving. You were feeling it sinking in. You wanted to see as much people you could. And we did.

Unexpected. Familiar. Pleasant.

Till we see each other again!

Love,
Jackie V. <3