Another day for Kuya Phany

November 30, 2011

I woke up from Kuya Ote's anxious words: "Boss, si Kuya Phany nalunod sa swimming pool." I realised it's 3 AM and from that, I just got a wonderful sleep and thought it was nothing but mere "kalasingan" of Kuya Phany. Then Kuya Ote kept pulling my legs, telling me to get up and see Kuya Phany. From that I realized something serious is happening and so I stood up and went to the swimming pool area expecting a Kuya Phany lying on the floor, being resuscitated. Thank God, I found him standing with Kuya Barok by his side.Assisting and supporting him towards our cottage.

I wanted to go back to sleep. But the idea that someone from our team had almost died, kept me awake. Kuya Phany kept telling me bout his mistake - that he lost his breath - that he miscalculated his swimming and everything. I wanted to scold him, but that would be to no avail for he was just so drunk that surely he won't be able to absorb everything I'm going to say and that he will just forget everything that had happened. And so, I kept my mouth shut.

I really got the chills with the things that Kuya Barok told me about the incident:

Phany was dead, as declared by the lifeguard, who panicked by the sight of Kuya Phany's unconscious body. He was seen floating on the water for a minute. And was later drawn out of the water with his tongue drawn back to his throat and his whole body on very stiff and lifeless state. Thanks to Kuya Barok's optimism and knowledge in first aide, he was able to revive Kuya Phany. Without it, I would have spent this night in Pampanga for Kuya Phany's wake.

I can't stand the thought of another one from my team would pass away. We've had enough already - Kuya Gary and my dear Kuya Bonong.

I've been away from my family for so long and I've tried everything to build a new family out of my new-found friends in the field. And it would be so hard to see someone bid goodbye. And though it would be ka-OA han to focus on this subject, I wouldn't mind sharing it for this has been a part of me. And though it doesn't always show, I consider myself as the most appreciative individual of the GE men in Certeza (of course, next to Ate Lala), most appreciative when it comes to relationships.

Well, I guess it was really not yet Phanoy's time to leave for God still gave him another day to drink and get drunk once more. Hahaha.

After all that has happened at dawn, I spent all my time waiting for the sun to rise, for I can't go to sleep. I was then so really thankful that Kuya Phany has once again survived.

Later, I found Art sleeping inside the van and Ruby Ann with Syd on one of the cottages.

PHOTO: Sunrise in Sariaya. Strolling by the beach, waiting for the sun to rise.

PHOTO: Picture-taking before demobilization.
From Left: Kuya Barok,, Broder, Arnel, Kuya Phany, Kuya Rudy, Eric Atinas, Kuya Toloy, and Kuya Otep (seated)

PHOTO: Dinner @ Kuya Barok's house. It was about 7 in the evening when we arrived in Sariaya. We found the survey team preparing the food for the overnight stay in Villa Del Prado Resort.
(clockwise from left: B-ann, Jefferson (OJT), Reyfel, Art, and Martin (OJT)

SAD GOODBYE

It seems just yesterday

When we first met

 It’s not so long ago, I guess

But now you’re telling me

You’re gonna leave me

I just can’t believe it

Coz I know I’ll be missing you

Without you, it’ll be a different show

Chorus:

When you go, please keep a smile with you

For all my sadness, I will never show you

I will try my best not to cry

As you say your sad goodbye

For a while, we’re like a family

Always there in every way

It’s just so sad to see you going away

How I wish that you could stay

A little while, for just a little more time

So it won’t hurt to say goodbye

Chorus:

When you go, please keep a smile with you

For all my sadness, I will never show you

I will try my best not to cry

As you say your sad goodbye

Adlib:

I know I will see you again

In another place and another time

Chorus:

When you go, please keep a smile with you

For all my sadness, I will never show you

I will try my best not to cry

As you say your sad goodbye

As you go, remember that we care

In our hearts the friendship will remain

We will try our best not to cry

As you leave with sad goodbye

….as you leave with saaaad goodbye.

When strong emotions pour out, that's basically the time when someone produces masterpieces and magnificent works of art. Though I can't say that the song written above is an obra maestra, I must say that I wrote it, out of my feelings to someone who's so dear to me...a person who served not only as a coworker but someone who treated me like a family - that's my Ate Lala.

A year ago. As I entered the surveys department, I immediately felt a certain connection to Kuya Leo, Kiko and most specially to Ate Lala. It was probably due to their wholesome and coming disposition that makes anyone who enters their area, feel so at home. I never can imagine that one year without Ate Lala's ideas and advice. And now, the time has finally come when we have to part ways.

Good Luck and God bless for all your endeavors Ate.

We will miss you.

Ate Lala in pink...