BAD NEWS!

My former unit leader in the renewal called me last night to relay a most shocking news... a very good friend of mine also from the community passed away two days ago. it was a shock to me and rendered me sleepless for the rest of the night. He was a dear, dear friend. I never forget to pay him a visit whenever i am in manila. the last time i saw him was way back in '05. he was still ok then but was on medication already for hypertension. he was much older than me but the age gap really didn't matter as this guy was a go-getter was flexible. he was friends with anybody and very respected in our community and was for a long time, president of the Tricycle Operators and Drivers Association (TODA) in our area. We'd spend countless hours talking and laughing on practically about anything in life. he was a good listener and one that i could always run to for an ear on my many litanies and sentiments. this fellow is what you may call the been there, done that kinda guy. he lived a full life and has had his share of vices one can think of. in the years that i have known him, he struck me as a loyal friend and a very obedient worker in the Lord's vineyard. we have gone to provincial missions together and was and always is the driver that will ferry the entire delegation to our provincial sorties. driving being his best skill and mind you, he has driven anything and everything that has wheels on it. he was one of a couple of persons i would permit to drive my car.

What me makes me doubly sad is that i can't get to pay my last respects to a dear friend for economic reasons. i would like to remember him as he was the last time we saw each other... full of life, smiling and laughing at the sight of me and after the usual pleasantries, sat down for a round of beer...

tito eli, i will miss you and always remember that you will always have a special place in my heart. goodbye my friend... or should i say... until we meet again.