Friendship is a universal bond found in all human societies. In Filipino culture, it holds special significance—a wholesome kind of love found in companionship. Even the Tagalog word for “friend,” “kaibigan,” comes from the root word “ibig,” meaning “love.”

Most people define friendship as a special relationship between two or more people who care for each other and enjoy spending time together. Such a bond is usually built on trust, mutual respect, and support.

Lolo Juno and Lolo Miggy, both 84, consider friendship one of life’s greatest treasures.

Last September, a photo of Lolo Miggy Felipe and Lolo Juno Galang sharing a heartfelt moment at SM San Lazaro went viral, capturing the hearts of Filipinos online. Lolo Juno shared the story behind the photo, explaining that they were having a simple reunion because one of their friends, who is based in the US, had returned home to the Philippines.

“Hindi namin naisipan mag-reunion kung hindi nila sinabi na si Manolo darating galing New York. Sabi namin, ‘Sige, let’s get together na, magkita-kita tayo ngayon sa may SM San Lazaro dahil pamilyar kami sa Maynila’ (We wouldn’t have thought of having a reunion if they hadn’t said that Manolo was coming from New York. We said, ‘Alright, let’s get together and meet up today at SM San Lazaro since we’re familiar with Manila’),” Lolo Juno shared.

What started as a simple get-together between old friends turned into a touching reminder that true friendship can endure through the years.

He also shared that the food spot holds a special place in their hearts, which is why they decided to meet up there.

“Sabi, saan magkikita-kita? Sa Jollibee kasi it’s a place where everybody knows where it is. Pag sinabi mong Jollibee sa SM, alam mo na kung saan ’yon (They asked where we’d meet. At Jollibee, because it’s a place everyone knows. When you say Jollibee at SM, you already know where that is),” Lolo Juno said. “Doon kami nagkita sa harapan. Kaming dalawa (Lolo Miggy), maaga kami dumating. Nagkwentuhan kami, sabi sige hanapin natin sila baka napunta sa ibang Jollibee. Kinunan kami ng litrato—’ayun ang nag-viral (We met out front. The two of us (Lolo Miggy) arrived early. We chatted and said, ‘Let’s look for them; maybe they went to a different Jollibee.’ Someone took our photo—and that’s the one that went viral).”

Ernest Garcia, who uploaded the viral photo, shared how he was inspired by their story — which is why he decided to capture the moment between the two old friends. He said he first met Lolo Miggy when the latter asked where the nearest Jollibee was, as he was going to meet a friend there. Ernest recalled that he took the photo around 10 a.m. after a brief conversation with Lolo Miggy.

“Na-inspire ako nung nakita ko si Tatay Miggy (I was inspired when I met Tatay Miggy),” Ernest said. “Nag-aantay ako sa may Jollibee SM San Lazaro ng Grab booking noon, then nagtanong siya sa akin saan daw ba yung Jollibee na malapit kasi doon daw ang meeting place nila. Na-intrigue din ako dahil sa small talk, knowing saan siya galing, at 84 years old galing pang Bulacan mag-isa lang siyang lumuwas. Naka-ayos siya (I was waiting for my Grab booking at Jollibee SM San Lazaro when he asked me where the nearest Jollibee was, since that was their meeting place. I got intrigued because of our small talk — learning where he came from, and that at 84 years old, he had traveled alone all the way from Bulacan. He was well-dressed).”

A few minutes later, one friend arrived, then another, until the whole group was finally complete. They laughed, shared stories, and looked genuinely happy to be together again — a heartwarming moment Ernest felt was worth sharing online.

On Oct. 10, their nine-member barkada reunited at Jollibee in SM City Manila, their favorite hangout spot.

According to Lolo Juno, their friendship dates back more than six decades, to their high school days at Arellano High School in the 1960s. They were inseparable back then, bonding over basketball games, study sessions, and countless youthful adventures. As the years passed, life took them on different paths—some pursued careers abroad, while others started families in the Philippines. But no matter how far apart they were, their bond endured.

Nanay Dina, one of the barkada, shared a bit of friendship advice for the younger generation: “Just keep in touch palagi. Para sa mga kami-kami. Lalo na ngayon may social media, nag-form kami ng group, chat group, so we can keep in touch with each other. Tapos nag-mi-meeting kami at least once a year (Just keep in touch always. It’s for all of us. Especially now that there’s social media, we formed a group—a chat group—so we can stay in touch with each other. Then we meet up at least once a year).”

Even back in the days when staying in touch meant writing letters or making expensive overseas calls, the group found ways to stay connected. Today, with the help of social media, their bond remains strong. They chat online, share updates about their families, and plan reunions whenever someone returns to the Philippines.

Their latest gathering was made even more special by SM City Manila, which paid tribute to their enduring friendship. The mall welcomed the group at Jollibee, a place filled with nostalgic memories for them. For decades, it has been their go-to spot to celebrate milestones, share laughter, and simply enjoy each other’s company.