And Now for a Random Memory: “Pasok ka na…”

 

And Now for a Random Memory: “Pasok ka na…”

by:

Virgilio F. De leon Jr.MD

Once upon a time—before I started my medical clerkship—I decided to accompany my then-girlfriend to a notoriously difficult call center application in Quezon City. I had cut class that morning, eager to spend more time with her. Even back then, all she had to do was ask, and I would’ve dropped everything.

The plan was simple: I’d go with her, wait outside, and be moral support. But at the last minute, she had a mischievous idea.

"Why don't you apply too? Just for the heck of it."

And so, unexpectedly, I found myself among a hundred applicants. It started with a written test that quickly whittled down the group, followed by an impromptu self-introduction in front of everyone. Somehow, during my turn, I managed to make the whole room laugh—don’t ask me how. I guess they were testing for confidence, and I was just trying to have fun.

After that, we were given a lunch break. I joked with her, “What if it's just the two of us who pass, no?”

It seemed like just a silly thought—until we were called back for the final interview. Out of the hundred, only three of us remained: Hanie De Leon, another girl… and me. Three out of a hundred! Suddenly, I found myself in direct competition with my future wife.

We laughed. It was surreal.

Each of us was placed in separate rooms for the final interview. I remember joking through most of mine—I had no intention of outshining her. If anything, I wanted her to get the job.

Afterwards, we watched a movie, completely forgetting about the results. That’s how it was during those early days—when we were together, the world faded away.

That night, as I was taking her home, we suddenly remembered and asked,

“So... only the other girl got the job?”

We burst out laughing.

Later, we would sometimes wonder—what if we had gone to the same school? Would we have competed? Or just had a lot of fun? I was older, so we’ll never really know. But it became one of those cozy, late-night questions we’d talk about during our quiet time together.