#barkada

Hi Abs! This is for you. You left us early. We were supposed to eat outside by Wednesday after enrollment. You’ll accompany me to Mt. Masaraga by the end of January. You’ll ask me copies of my lesson plans and powerpoint presentations. Kakanta pa tayo ng coldplay and 1975 songs. All around ka - athlete, swimmer, biker, except sa singing HAHAHAHAHjk. Wildlife enthusiast and researcher. You inspired us all kasi may mini zoo ka na nga sa bahay niyo eh. 🥺 A real Biologist.

Earlier at the first day of the wake, Rabe and I hugged each other - crying. Those hugs of disbelief, denial. Then your Mom - Tita Cha immediately ran to me and we both held hands, had tight hugs and cried loudly. People were staring but I don’t care. Those were hugs of grief and comfort. Late night when, different persons visited - biking friends, DENR workmates, co-teachers, your soon-to-be girlfriend Johanna, our senior biokids and batchmates, HS classmates, other friends, and relatives. I saw how they loved you. Each with their own happy vivid memory of you. You brought smiles and laughter.

That last night, I was there in your wake. CJ made a video celebrating your life. Muling nabuo ang whiteflower kahit di nakadalo lahat dahil sa pandemic. The day of your burial, we were crying of grief. Silent cries enveloped. We know you don’t want to see us crying and sad. We remembered every happy moments with you and laughed together.

Di ako handa Abs. Di ko pa rin tanggap, ng whiteflower. Masakit sa puso. 💔 Help us accept and understand. I always knew you were a fighter. You fought ‘till the end. Mahal ka namin. Mahal kita, Abs. Hanggang sa muli. Isang mahigpit na yakap mula samin.

Extra as always. Nabawasan man kami ng isa, mananatiling buo. Love, whiteflower. 🌼