Talk about a graduation gift worth remembering! New college graduates Benjamin Sarondo and Ashley Nicole Bamba now have an unforgettable memento: a marble tombstone with the latter’s name and photo.
“It was my idea to give her a stone tablet as a graduation gift, and she wasn't aware of it, which made her more surprised,” Sarondo told Cosmopolitan Philippines.
The uncommon gesture has since gone viral, and Sarondo could say it was definitely one for the books.
“I was hesitant at first, considering her parents' reaction, but I know that my best friend will find it funny instead of terrifying,” he added.
The lapida marks not only "the end" of their college life, but also their "undying" friendship.
The besties took Bachelor of Arts in Broadcasting at the Bulacan State University and have been friends since 2019. Sarondo graduated Summa Cum Laude while Bamba finished Magna Cum Laude.
Sarondo said he spent around P1,500 for the gift, and that the lapida maker was visibly surprised about his request.
“Nakipagtawaran lang ako sa lapida maker. And with my experience ordering it for my best friend, the lapida maker was also surprised that I had an unusual request and idea,” he added.
In a separate post on her Facebook account, Bamba talked about seeking graduation gifts and captioned it, “pass na po sa lapida.”
Sarondo said humor is an integral part of their friendship.
“We have friends that will serve as reinforcements in combating life's challenges and troubles. We…only live once, but from the other perspective, we only die once, and we must enjoy our lives and have fun for our own sake and to stay sane,” Sarondo said.
Cheers to a lifelong friendship, you two!
