Because It’s Your Day, Kuya Ren

It has been eight years since we last exchanged birthday greetings.

Nine years since we personally caught up on career, love, and life matters.


Ten years since you last sent me words of comfort when my heart was torn apart.


Eleven years since you witnessed my college graduation.

Twelve years since you told me you were in a relationship and happily in love.


Thirteen years since we celebrated our first Christmas together.


Fourteen years since my first out-of-town journalism camp with you and the rest of our team.

And fifteen years since you first texted me that I had passed the student publication’s entrance exam.

It was a chilly November afternoon in 2010 when I first opened the door to our old office as a newbie—and there I was, met with your warmest welcome. Your stature, build, smile, and bright personality caught me off guard. In that moment, my heart thumped as loud as it could (thankfully, I was the only one who could hear it 😅). If my memory serves me right, I think I once told you this, and we just laughed it off.

The early days of my The Adamson Chronicle life wouldn’t have been as colorful as I remember them now if not for you, Kuya Reniel.

From Left to Right: Kuya Reniel, Rachel (me), Ate Glenda, Kuya Dom, and Lester

Thank you for your anecdotes and for the tips that helped me improve my news writing.


Thank you for your patience whenever I needed to clarify things.


Thank you for listening to my rants when I finally warmed up to you—and even though you were surprised by my chattiness, you still embraced everything that I was back then.

I saw our photos on Facebook Memories today. I’m sorry if I haven’t thought of you for some time, but today I’m missin’ you a little extra since it’s your birthday. 🎂

I hope you’re blissful wherever you are. I’ll always be grateful for the six years I got to share with you—a reliable older brother, guardian, and mentor in our TAC family.

Our time together may have been brief, but you managed to leave a void that’s still here even after all these years.

Happy birthday, Kuya Ren!

I hope I continue to make you proud. Love you always. 💙