A Good Friend

Sir Phil and I at California Berry Aguirre

Looks familiar, don't you???

This would probably be one of our last photos together. Yes, my dear pare, Mr. Martin Philip Alcantara will soon leave us (especially me) and go to his calling. I can't explain it, but for him, it is God's will and instruction for him to do.

It is a common, a cliché, a passé, a repeater to say good and bad things for him. I don't like to create this as a tribute for him. He's only going and staying in Catanduanes, that's like a stone-throw away from Manila (of course, it's a joke!) but to our latest technologies in communications, he's only a one-text and/or one-call away.

I never thought Sir Phil (his students call him "Sensei," and he's not Japanese, he just wants it!) will be one of my best friends in my whole life. I called him as my "conscience" with every word his speaks out to me, it would really be a good counsel. Whenever I try asking him (I only try because whenever I ask him, he's giving me solutions but in a grunting way) about something, rest assured with Lord's beautiful grace, you would know the best. I remember the night of round table discussion-turned-reflection and redirection meeting with him at Pergola. Yes, we had a little cute fight/misunderstanding (just kidding) about my decision but I know he  uttered those words because he was really concerned about me. He knew why I should be really conscious and of course, responsible with the decisions that I was doing and making. Then we went straight to Figaro, that night, to continue our discussion and he shared some inspirational words, that I should reflect and use for my decisions.

We also had real misunderstandings, but for me, it is just nothing. It is just that I don't take it seriously, I'm not the person who likes confrontations and silent fights. We were not talking for five days. He was really upset on me, I know that. I really wanted to talk to him that time, but there's no perfect timing for it. I remember that time when we were about to go to Festival Supermall, he said that he really (really) needs to go home. Without further explanation, I assumed he doesn't want to come around because I was there. I really felt that strongly! The very next day, he tricked me and said sorry to each other.

Sir Phil and I inside G.S. faculty lounge

Until now, it doesn't steep me down that he will be soon flying out. His journey to his calling will begin in a few weeks. I don't take his leaving as a loss, rather as a next chapter of our friendship. I will remember the shocks, the surprises and the jokes that he makes. I will remember him insisting me to eat outside because he was so hungry. I will remember him calling me "pare!" and me calling him "pare" as well! I will remember him doing his best in some activities in school such as the world-class Speech Choir performances. I will remember him making awkward looks on me every time he sees me and with the person I admire most. I will remember him asking for a bet every  salary day, if there already is or not yet. I will remember him in our Starbucks or Kopi Roti or Charbroiled eating days/nights. I will remember him giving me extra credit for my workmanship. I will remember him in everything!

I never had a chance to talk to him about what I feel right now. He might scold me, I get really scared. Scared because he might showed me the truth and felt the rejection. But I know, coming from him, it would hit me directly and cleanly.

When can I see you again, my dear "pare!" Trust me, we'll visit you there in Catanduanes, just text us right away!!!

I will surely, maximally, undoubtedly, perfectly, certainly, absolutely miss you to forever, pare!!!

Till soon!!!

Toodles!!!