Harcourt heroes BJ Manalo, James Yap, Jam Alfad and Paul Artadi have an off-court source of pride that's bigger than any championships or hard-fought games - their specal friendships with Dianne Quisumbing, Nina Hilario, Jel Sanchez, and Maggie Perez, respectively. BJ and Dianne are - kabarkada in DLSU. James and Nina met when the latter did an interview with UE's first-five star players for Studio 23's UAAP coverage. Jam and Jel were introduced by a common friend, while Paul and Maggie through his cousin, a friend of hers. Despite coming from different collegiate teams and leagues, the guys have not let school rivalry get in the way of being congenial with one another. Not surprisingly, the girls also have familial affinity, occasionally running into each other during games. If versity basketeers' other halves would have a circle, it's a quick start with these four lovely women who are as successful as their men. Each with a love story to tell (BJ's caught the jeers, much to everyone's entertainment and Dianne's humorous protest) and courtship recipe to share, the couples all agree that the ingredient that brings out all the flavors in a romantic relationship is friendship. A good blend of intimacy and casual interaction make for a perfect amorous tandem. Though only two of the couples started our as plain friends (BJ and Dianne, Paul and Maggie), everyone says they went on to consider each other very good friends above being boyfriends and girlfriends. "When you start as friends, there's no putting the best foot forward," says Dianne. "parang alam niyo and quirks ng bawat isa," supports Maggie. "Maganda yung hindi kayo naiilang sa isa't-isa," adds Jam. "Just enjoy going out and being relaxed with each other," caps Nina. These couples surely knew where to begin and what to keep on nurturing. |