The Bonggang Bonggang Bonfire
September 30, 2008. All roads led to Katipunan Avenue that night, literally. There was a juge bottleneck at the said avenue as ateneans of every color, gender and size trooped to ye olde Alma Mater. Never mind if it rained earlier that afternoon, thereby rendering Bellarmine Field muddy. (Boo for me for not having the guts to trample across the muddy field- a life lesson learned from the 2002 Bonfire).
Even if my bonfire experience was relegated to Xavier Hall and the surrounding areas, it still felt good to come home to Ateneo. I missed hanging out and walking around campus, never mind if there were changes from the time I studied there (though can I just say they murdered the SocSci Building with the ghastly add-on). Somehow, I just felt home. It was also nice to see familiar faces, as the bonfire proved to be a reunion of sorts.
More than the victory, the bonfire was a coming home of sorts- a reason to see friends and renew old ties. Of course, it was even better because we are the champs, but overall... it was the camaraderie that made the experience worthwhile!