Yoni and Aneth have been best of friends and sisters by choice since 2005. There's a lot of funny, sad, intense, crazy, and happy stories to tell about them but it's better to be told by Aneth through her speech on the wedding day. Just for a snippet and to know even just a little bit about their sisterhood:
They went to the same pre-school, high school, and college. They finished the same degree, and worked in the same company. They're just meant to be best friends forever! It's funny because the Yoni-Arvin love story started back in 2013 when Yoni was busy helping Aneth to be close to her crush, Dondon, who is actually one of Arvin's Bestmen. The four of them hanged out, went out of town, ate out, and watched movies together that the two pairs ended up having the same anniversary date. It's like Yoni and Aneth planned their lives to be on the same timeline! ♡
Aneth is Yoni's human diary. From the little things that happened in her day to big revelations she has to tell, Aneth will always be the first or, most of the time, the only one to know. Yoni is very thankful to have Aneth in her life.
Back in 2005, Arvin and Dondon were high school classmates. They became best of friends when they were in college and both single. They would hang out all the time in the gym and each other's place. They enjoyed not having girlfriends that time. They even made a pact that the two of them won't fall in love with Yoni and Yoni's Maid-of-Honor, Aneth. Little did they know, both of them were secretly dating the two ladies. They couldn't hide it anymore, so they both admitted defeat. Long story short, they're happy not to stick with their promise because currently, they are happily in love with their partners and their friendship became stronger than ever.
Arvin and Carl are best friends since high school. They're partners-in-crime! They have similar interests such as playing computer games, going to the gym, watching anime films/series, eating street food, occasional drinking, and so much more. Carl is someone who is always there for Arvin. He is literally one call away! No matter how busy he could get, if Arvin needs him, he'll be there in a flash. It's surprising that even if he isn't needed, he's still always with Arvin.... For Arvin, Carl is the most reliable and kindest friend he has. He's the best dancer in the group, and Arvin is the second.
Arvin and Marlon were in second-year high school when they first met. They were both new students that's why they easily became best friends and decided to become seatmates. Marlon is the one who always laughs at Arvin's "incredible" jokes. Even up to this day, it's him who laughs hard at Arvin's jokes and not Yoni. Marlon is the type of person who listens well to Arvin's "incredible" stories without judgment because he is not a judge, he is an I.T. So if you need help with your personal life or personal computer, call Mr. "Incredible".
Kidding aside, he is the kind of person who will give anything he can to his friends.
Arvin learned how to play guitar because of Leonard. He would invite Arvin every day to his place to watch guitar lessons on YouTube, and for that, Arvin will always be thankful for his hard work and patience... *LOL* They met back in high school and became close over eating, drinking, and jamming sessions. They also share the same interests such as cooking and dancing. Every time the whole barkada goes out-of-town, the two of them are always expected to cook delicious dinner and pulutan. Arvin always remembers him as one of the funniest guys in the circle. Arvin and Leonard also shared the same massive body weight back in high school but changed once they started becoming fully-grown adults. Despite everything, they still remain as the fat Arvin and Leonard inside.
Arvin and Syrus became best of friends even when they had a language barrier back in high school. They would hang out a lot even though Syrus only speaks in English and Farsi while Arvin speaks alien *LOL*. Eventually, Syrus learned Filipino language because Arvin won't give in since he is very nationalistic (according to him). Syrus became a part of Arvin's family. Now that Syrus currently resides in Germany, he still goes home every December for Christmas and New Year with Arvin's family as a tradition. Arvin loves this alcoholic friend of his so much.
Arvin calls Tatsu "person" because he is his first son. Arvin and Yoni got this alien-looking breed in 2017 when they came back from the U.S. where they met a pug named Bolt who's very kind, charming, loving, and useless. Tatsu is known for his patience and loyalty to his hooman parents. He always listens like a very good boy. Even though he gets scolded from time to time, he still doesn't talk back like the other bad kids in the block. He knows a lot of tricks such as sit, stand, roll, stop, high five, speak, wait, and resisting pooping until he is walked out of the house. He may look like a beast to other people's eyes, but for Arvin and Yoni, he is the fairest of them all. Even though he couldn't come to the ceremony because pets aren't allowed (which we should just keep between ourselves because he doesn't know he is one), Tatsu will always be Arvin's Best-est Friend.
Being very close friends since 1st year high school, Ria and Yoni have shared a lot of memories together. From just being silly teenagers to serious adults (as if), they are always intact. Yoni's very fond of Ria's corny jokes. Since Yoni loves to laugh a lot, she doesn't mind Ria's corniness. They know about each other's cringe-worthy past boyfriends, embarrassing high school moments, and epic failures in life. Yoni knows Ria as one of her most reliable friends. Every time she has something to share, Ria is always there to listen. Even though Ria currently resides in Japan, Yoni still feels like she's always there for her.
Saira became one of Yoni's closest friends when she started dating Arvin. Yoni easily got comfortable with Saira because of their similar humor and interests. Yoni feels like she's friends with Saira for so long because of the bond they have. Like Carl, one of Arvin's Bestmen and Saira's boyfriend, Saira is always there for Yoni in a snap. Even though she currently stays in Japan, Saira still makes sure she's updated with the couple's lives. Yoni isn't used to not having Saira around especially when out with friends. She can't wait to be with Saira again after their reunion in Japan last October 2018.
Yoni's sweetest friend, Diane, is very fond of the couple's fun personalities. She shows how much she cares for Yoni that they ended up having an endearment to each other: "bebs". Yoni literally always has fun when she's around, be it in drinking sessions, karaoke nights, shopping, girl talks, movies, pigging out, "working out", skincare routines, and more. Because of their partners (Arvin and Marlon) being ALWAYS together, Yoni and Diane get to spend more time with each other as well. She easily became one of Yoni's closest friends and sisters at heart.
As an outgoing and bubbly person, Marielle easily became one of Yoni's closest girlfriends. Being both talkative, Yoni and Marielle didn't take a long time to be very comfortable with each other. It's like they've been friends since high school even though they just knew each other back in 2013. She is one of Yoni's most generous friends who would always bring food from her province whenever she goes to Manila to be with the whole barkada. Yoni can't wait to see her again on the wedding day since Marielle now resides in Australia with one of Arvin's Bestmen, Leonard.
Toni is Yoni's college life's partner-in-crime. They procrastinated in all the school projects together! They literally studied hard and partied harder. They shared a lot of good memories in college and thesis is 100% not included. They are still great friends today who check out one another every now and then. Time and distance really don't change friendship!
Gia and Yoni are very close college friends. They shared a lot of fun times together. Up until today that they are *finally* "responsible" adults, they still find time to catch up, have a drink or two, three, or four, and create more hilarious memories that they will surely look back laughing in the future.
Ruba is Arvin's cousin. Even though she's far away from the couple, she is still very updated with their lives. She makes sure that she's very supportive of their relationship. The couple couldn't wait to bond with her on their wedding day.
The second fur baby of Arvin and Yoni who came to their lives on their birthday month in 2019. She's such a sweet and gentle baby girl who loves to sleep beside her parents. She is also Tatsu the Pug's best girl friend!
As one of Yoni's best friends since high school, Gino is always there for her. No matter how far he is from her, he makes sure that he's always available when needed. Even though he now resides in the US, the two of them still bond over video calls and messenger chats. Yoni's most unforgettable moment with Gino is when Gino made her 16th birthday party extra special by coming over to her house to plan the event, decorate the entire place, manage the guests, and serve everything. He's everyone's dream BFF! Yoni misses Gino so much that's why she's very happy to get to spend memorable and wild moments with him in Las Vegas. Gino will always be Yoni's Samantha Jones to her Carrie Bradshaw.
Aidz is the kind of friend everyone would love to have! He is one of Yoni's closest friends who never fail to show up in all of Yoni's birthday parties and other life events. He's very fun to be with. Yoni knows him as someone she can always depend on. He loves to give advice and share his insights to his friends. Yoni will never forget the time the whole barkada got kicked out from a bar because of Aidz! It's definitely one of the best stories to tell. *LOL*
Jef is Arvin's very close cousin. Arvin's fond of Jeff because he's like his little brother when they were still young. They share unforgettable childhood memories together back in their old town. Jef is now residing in Chicago but will come back to Manila to attend Arvin and Yoni's wedding. Arvin and Yoni were able to visit Jef in Chicago and they had the best times together!