Can you post a photo of your plant? There are many kinds of bromeliads with differing needs.

Sometimes bromeliads will not bloom if thay have been stessed is some way.
Another possibility is that the plant did bloom and your friend did not notice it because the blooms were very small, as is the case with neoregillas.
Also some bromeliads,like billbergias bloom for only a few days and your friend may have missed it.
I don't know if your plant is fully mature enough to bloom yet, so give it some more time.
I hope this helps.

If you're having bloom problems with Bromeliads, try this oldtimers trick; to force broms to flower, cut up small chunks of Apples and drop them in the tank of the plant(if it has one) and cover with clear plastic for 2 weeks, then remove.The accetiline gas from the Apple will force bloom, but smaller if not mature. Below is my photo site on Bromeliads&Orchids tks John

Here is a link that might be useful: http://s139.photobucket.com/albums/q300/Johnalewis74_photos/