Four years gone
and the vacuum still gnaws away.
I can only turn to writing again for this is the only way right now to break this oppressive quietness by focusing on fond memories with you.
Today, October 24, marks what would have been your 57th birthday: a time to share your kindness and generosity with your beneficiaries, not with your loved ones and friends. That's why, when I was told that our close friends would like to surprise you on your 53rd birthday, I declined on your behalf even though your beloved partner Pogs was supportive of the original plan. I definitely knew that you didn't like surprises, and I knew your birthday celebration isn't for you, but for others. However, upon learning about the preparations made by our Bicol-based and Manila-based close friends from a stopover which turned into a high school batch min-reunion in Las Piñas City on October 23,
to travelling to your Purple Farm in Dolores, Tarlac City on October 24, you affectionately welcomed us on your special day.
This was not your first time hosting us, yet you went above and beyond to make us feel valued. Your genuine warmth, graciousness and benevolence never fade. Being with you always feels like a slice of heaven.
After the wonderful lunch, singing of "Happy Birthday" and blowing of your cake, we deeply appreciated the chance you gave us to spend time with your fur babies in your beautiful paradise. This was an absolute blast!
Wow! It was a nonstop party until midnight. Dhines, Edwin, Elvie, Franie, and I had tons of fun in your Olympic-size swimming pool. Not to mention our evening pictorial which appeared more like a promotional shoot for a horror flick. LOL.
But the main highlight of the evening was the Walang Tulugang Karaokehan (No-Sleep Karaoke Session) wherein the four of us — Edwin, Elvie, Franie and me — took turns in singing different music genres at your farm's magical sound system. We sang our hearts out for hours, and we laughed until our stomachs hurt because we jokingly turned the microphone sessions into a fierce, highly competitive singing contest. This brought tears of laughter to our eyes, particularly yours, Paeng. Hahahahaha!
Adding to this vibrant celebration was a video call from Ruthie, another very good friend of ours. She didn’t forget greeting you, who shared the same birthday with Kristen, her only child. Up to now, Ruthie lovingly remembers you on your birthday.
The game kept us up incredibly late, but we somehow got up early anyway. Good thing we did, because your Purple Farm looked beautiful in the morning light. We just had to stop and take it all in!
Once the farm tour and meal were over, we checked the time. We had to leave before lunch because of prior appointments.
Looking back, Paeng's very first birthday celebration with us feels like a tragic foreshadowing, as we unexpectedly lost him on Christmas Day in 2022. But, when I remember those days at Purple Farm, the sadness is overcome with gratitude for I know, we made Paeng ecstatic during our milestone-worthy trip.
While writing this piece, I told myself not to cry, Paeng. Tears are the last thing either of us would want. We’re both kapay/bua-bua/crazy anyway, so we’d definitely choose a good laugh over a sob story.
As I close, I’d love to share these 2018 Las Casas video clips. They perfectly capture our deep bond and how we always deliver, even without a script.
Photo and video credits:
Elvie A. Alejo
Rafael M. Morada, Jr.
Addendum:
On my old blog, Wandering Jouster, I wrote several pieces about Paeng. Those posts truly capture the depth of the friendship we shared before his passing. Please allow me to share them with you, dear readers.
https://wanderingjouster1969.wordpress.com/2013/01/26/a-dissection-of-friendship/
https://wanderingjouster1969.wordpress.com/2018/07/18/buhs-86-tarlac-escapade-joy-overload/
https://wanderingjouster1969.wordpress.com/2018/07/19/a-taste-of-nobility/
https://wanderingjouster1969.wordpress.com/2020/06/27/24-karat-33/
https://wanderingjouster1969.wordpress.com/2020/07/02/blue-the-new-color-of-bliss/
https://wanderingjouster1969.wordpress.com/2020/08/05/whimsical-diversion/
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