Unless we do something about it:

A Tribute To My Dog, Luther

 

I’ve just seen the movie Marley and me. I thought it was another “chick-flick.” I thought it was another lame, quite funny movie of Owen Wilson. All of my “I thoughts” were wrong because turned out to be an extraordinary movie about a dog named Marley. I hate dog movies. But this dog movie wasn’t like the rest (you know, the talking parts). I won’t tell the story here but with this blog is to honor my Marley named Luther. Officially, he’s my first dog. Funny because Marley and Luther look so much alike except that my dog Lab is much bigger.

 

STORY BEGINS HERE

(Click: More photos) 

I bought Luther from a vet who was selling it for a good price. He is a yellow lab with oversized paws, which predicts how big it’s going to be. Choosing from the litter, his two white spots on his shoulder and powder face made him a standout. I brought him home to the old condominium in Valley Golf where I used to live. It was the greatest time of my life. His fluffy hair and puppy-piss smell brought me excitement. I tried to toilet-train him that night but it seems he was wanted to pee and soil every corner of my room. He was constantly whining that night finding his “spot” until he finally nestled on my pillow on top of my head. I felt peaceful, finally.

 

When I woke up the next day I had a wet feeling on my head and the foul smell of pee and dung overwhelmed the atmosphere. He peed on my pillow. And where in the world did his feces come from? He had three mountain-sized dirt waiting for me to demolish. Oh boy, this is not funny. My eyes were still half shut when he peeked from below like that surprise box with a stupid clown on a spring. “Good morning Daddy! I redecorated your boring flat.” He had a huge grin on his face with his elastic tongue hanging out. It’s hard to explain how I felt. Part of me wanted to pinch him and say “cute” while the other part of me wanted to skin him alive.

 

That day I had to leave him for the first time because of work. We had to practice. I sent him out of the terrace and closed the sliding door. I pretended I walked out and spied if he would howl and cry. I waited for a minute. And then another. And another. He was behaved like an obedient schoolboy in other words, Patay na bata ;) Hurray! This is going to work! It didn’t. That night I had a call from a neighbor asking me to hurry home because this irate American missionary from Faith Academy named Clinton (I won’t be surprised if he’s related to the ex-president) posted a threat on my door. I arrived and saw the hate mail. It was scribbled in black marker that said something like “I will kill your dog.” I went inside my flat and noticed the dead silence. But as soon as I opened the lights, MY GOD everything was a mess. Tsunami was in my room. He broke all my pots. He pooped maybe ten times. He peed everywhere. He chewed on all the plants and rags and the… I can’t even figure out what it used to be… Poor Luther was sitting quietly in front of me with the multi-awarded puppy eyed look. That night I abandoned my flat and moved back to my parents’ house. (I’m still struggling to forgive that Clinton by the way.) Either Clinton will kill Luther or I will kill him first for being such a jerk. Of course I wasn’t kidding. But every new day, the intensity of anger goes down.

 

As a little puppy Luther found comfort in my presence. Although I think it was extreme because he would never leave my side whenever I walk. He had to be beside me needed to touch my leg whenever I walk. I thought it was sweet but eventually it got irritating. I would trip at times because he would run after me. Good thing he got over it.

 

Luther grew up at my parents’ house with his black Lab sister, *Lucy Pevensie, that I also bought (for my brother). It wasn’t safe for me to let them lose because of the house renovation so most of the time they were on leash. I wasn’t proud of that. Eventually Lucy had to be with my brother’s house so Luther was pretty lonely. He stayed in the cage most of the time. It breaks my heart not to be able to take him out for a walk. And when I would, he just breaks lose like a crazy maniac. He was too ecstatic to be out of his dungeon. I too am happy when I see that. So to make up for my shortcomings I would put him to sleep whenever he barks at night. I would sing him a lullaby until he falls asleep. It works every time.

 

Finally our house renovation ended. As a treat I took Luther to our rooftop where we laid on the floor and just stargazed. It was an extraordinary night. I got all dirtied by lying on the floor but the experience was just intense. Luther too loved that treat. He told me “finally you’re learning how to be a good pet-owner.” We both laughed.

 

At present, Luther is joined by Trixie, the miracle dog. I adopted her from PAWS last year and she turned out to be a great companion for Luther. Like a baby sister Trixie annoys Luther all the time. She bites his ear, competes with him on Frisbee and just lavishes on him. Luther is so much happier now.

 

A recent addition to the family was Douglas (formerly Kulas). He’s a puppy German shepherd that was given to us. He now annoys Trixie. So the cycle is now complete.

 

I would like to end by saying that I equally love my dogs so much. However, I can’t claim to be the most responsible owner as well. In all my shortcomings I apologize to my dogs. But I also would like to thank my mom who fills that void I create. Sniff sniff this is too mushy. Anyway, I leave you with this from Marley and Me:

 

A dog has no use for fancy cars

Or big homes or designer clothes

A waterlog stick will do just fine

 

A dog doesn’t care if you’re rich or poor

Clever or dull, smart or dumb

Give ‘em your heart and he’ll give you his

 

How many people can you say that about?

How many people can make you feel rare and pure and special?

How many people can make you feel extraordinary?

 

*Lucy passed away two years ago due to a poisoning of some sort. Probably a frog… I miss Lucy. She’s extra hyper as compared to Luther. She was fatter but smaller. Her black hair was like that of a horse. I rushed her to the hospital and she was in IV. As I was leaving she forced herself to look at me. She was already in a vegetable state. I didn’t know it was her last day. I should have just stayed there longer… Her memorial tile can be seen at PAWS shelter near Ateneo.

We complain...

One of the best experiences I had when I was in Philippine Idol is working with Francis M. He was a great guy. Very down to earth and kind. In fact to a certain extent some were taking it against him for being too nice to some contestants who were messing up (which included me at one point). 

This is a letter emailed to me by the Chairman of American Helper, Jim Wenzel, who is a good friend of mine. He has adopted 2 Filipino kids and is in the process of adopting his third. Here's his view on the injustice against the Filipino veterans:

AMERICANHELPER
         adjective:
               1. Those who assist or aid Americans: as did the Filipino Soldiers and Scouts of WWII
         noun:
               2. One of American descent who exhibits compassion and a willingness to work for good                   b. a nonprofit committed to helping Filipinos while providing a bit of tax relief for those that need it
                           see also: www.americanhelper.org 
 
Filipinos actually volunteered to go to war with us. They have been loyal allies for many years and yet when they ask for what is rightfully owed to them we renege. Mr. Garcia, in the article below, refers to it as racism. I am not very 'socially sensitive' and being a 'white guy' may not really know what that word means! Not paying veterans their benefits is an INJUSTICE and needs to be resolved. Turning our back on a friend in need is NEGLECT.  Our foreign aid policy all but ignores the needs of the Philippines. Even UNICEF admits there are more kids starving in the Philippines than in most of Africa. Now a government policy that pumps BILLIONS of dollars into Africa, while ignoring the hardships of a loyal friend like the Philippines, now that might be RACISM. 
 
I'm not passing this on to incite you but rather to raise your awareness. As an American tax payer I see my tax dollars going to support many groups and causes that I don't really care about. The money we have withheld from these WWII Veterans was earned by brave men who voluntarily joined forces with American soldiers and contributed significantly to our victories in the Pacific. The least we can do is pay them and their survivors what they are owed. --  jim wenzel 'the americanhelper'
 
The following is an article written by Al Garcia of JFAV (Justice for Filipino American Veterans)
*******
Our Hopes and Dreams: Fight Racism and Struggle Against Racial Discrimination!
On January 20,2009 a new President- An African American named Barack Obama will be inaugurated in Washington DC. To many, the dream that racism is no more is reality and the dreams of equality for all will be achieved.
But not for the Filipino American community who still feel the fangs of racism at the hands the US Congress.
On September 22, the US Congress House of Representatives passed the SB 1315 or the American Veterans Benefits Enhancement Bill, But they removed the whole section that pertains to Filipino World War II veterans. They excluded again the Filipinos, in a blatant act of racism in the law.
For the second time, the US Congress discriminated against the Filipinos. The first time was on February 18, 1946, the 79th US Congress removed the benefits and all entitlements for 250,000 Filipino World War II veterans by stating "their military service were not deemed active".
By a stroke of a pen, the US government removed the recognition of the wartime services and the sacrifices of the Filipino nation during World War II.
The 2nd Recission Act of 2008--SB 1315
For 63 years, Filipino veterans suffered discrimination and racism. Of all 66 nationalities that served the American flag, only the Filipinos were excluded from their benefits and recognition. To add insult to injury, the promise that they will given citizenship was granted later in 1990, when the immigration reform bill was passed.
The worse insult is that they passed the SB 1315 in 2008 without the Filipino veterans and instead now dangle a offer of a lump sum of $ 15,000 with a Quit claim asking themselves to not consider them as American veterans. Without the tacit recognition that they are demanding.
It does not matter that the Philippines became a battleground in a war not of our own choosing. The US does not care if we lost one million Filipinos
During the war. That the Philippines was one of the most devastated nations and Manila was the most destroyed city in Asia as was known as the "Warsaw of the East."
JUSTICE FOR THE FILIPINO AMERICAN VETERANS!
STRUGGLE FOR EQUITY!
 
 
 
Thanks for reading this far. Remember to care for others within your circle of influence. If you don't know a Filipino, go out of your way to meet one and tell me what you think!
take care and God Bless,
 
Jim Wenzel

Chiko Lara got this from one of Mic’s posts a couple of months back. And I got this from her. Enjoy!

 

 

 

1) ONE OF YOUR SCARS, HOW DID YOU GET IT?

 

Left upper lip. I couldn't remember how i got it. But I tell my friends it was from a fight :D

 

 

2) WHAT IS ON THE WALLS OF YOUR ROOM?

 

Coupon bonds. Drawing of the designs I wish to make for my room.

 

 

3) WHAT TYPE OF MUSIC DO YOU LISTEN TO?

 

I listen to almost anything. But I love Jazz and classical.

 

4) DO YOU KNOW WHAT TIME YOU WERE BORN?

 

Nope. I gotta ask my motha.

 

5) WHAT DO YOU WANT MORE THAN ANYTHING RIGHT NOW?

 

To lose my gut.

 

6) WHAT/WHO DO YOU MISS?

 

Right now Pastor Ruben and Ate Ardel. Also the Wenrichs.

 

7) WHAT IS YOUR MOST PRIZED POSSESSION?

 

My Mac.  I love my Mac.

 

8) DO YOU GET CLAUSTROPHOBIC?

 

Rarely. But I hate riding at the back of my Strada.

 

9) DO YOU GET SCARED IN THE DARK?

 

I can deal with it.

 

10) THE LAST PERSON TO MAKE YOU CRY.

 

It was a movie. Facing the Giants.

 

11) WHAT’S YOUR WORST FEAR?

 

To lose God's favor.

 

12) WHERE CAN YOU SEE YOURSELF PROPOSING/BEING PROPOSED AT?

 

No idea yet and would not tell.

 

13) COFFEE OR ENERGY DRINK?

 

Oh the kick of caffeine... definitely coffee.

 

14) FAVORITE PIZZA TOPPING?

 

Nothing in particular. But I have a thing with the (plain) crust.

 

15) IF YOU COULD EAT ANYTHING RIGHT NOW, WHAT WOULD IT BE?

 

Peanut butter and Jelly with coffee.

 

16) FAVORITE COLOR OF ALL TIME?

 

Blue.

 

17) WHAT WAS THE FIRST MEANINGFUL GIFT YOU’VE RECEIVED?

 

Dad gave me an old Celica. I wish I had more time to drive it.

 

 

18) FAVORITE CLOTHING BRAND?

 

I like Folded and Hung. Old Navy too.

 

19) WHO IS THE HOTTEST FEMALE/MALE CELEBRITY?

 

The girl in Transformers. Hot :D

 

 

20) DO YOU HAVE A PET RIGHT NOW?

 

I have a giant yellow Lab and an Aspin (mutt with Lab features) which is a rescue from PAWS.

I love dogs but I sneeze when I hug them too much.

 

21) WHAT KIND IS IT?

 

Already said...

 

22) WOULD YOU FALL IN LOVE KNOWING THAT THE PERSON IS LEAVING?

 

I don't think you really decide when to fall in love. So yes.

 

23) HAVE YOU BEEN OUT OF THE USA?

 

You mean P.I.? Been to HK, China, Thailand and Malaysia.

 

24) YOUR WEAKNESS?

 

Movies. Watching a lot of movies DVD and theatre.

 

25) MET ANYONE FAMOUS?

 

Some.

 

26) FIRST JOB?

 

Logistics Assistant at San Miguel Corp. Key Accounts.

 

27) EVER DONE A PRANK CALL?

 

Still do.

 

28) DO YOU THINK EVERYONE OUT THERE HAS A SOULMATE?

 

Sure. In a more divine way. But I also believe some are gifted to be single.

 

29) WHAT DID YOU GET COMPLIMENTED ABOUT THE MOST?

 

My voice. But I usually get compliments about my hazel brown eyes (when it shows).

 

30) HAVE YOU EVER HAD BRACES?

 

More than 3 freaking years. It was a nightmare.

 

 

31) WHAT DO YOU WANT FOR YOUR BIRTHDAY?

 

A wife ;)  I guess I gotta work on that myself haha.

 

32) WHAT’S YOUR ALL TIME FAVORITE MOVIE?

 

Seabiscuit (Tobey Maguire).

Count of Monte Cristo.

The Patriot (Mel Gibson).

Four Feathers (Heath Ledger).

 

 

 

 

33) WHO’S YOUR FAVORITE AUTHOR?

 

Nothing in particular.

 

34) WERE YOU NAMED AFTER ANYONE?

 

Andrae is a Black American gospel singer. (Paul is from the Bible).

 

35) WHAT KIND OF SHAMPOO DO YOU USE?

 

This is a weird question. Clear.

 

36) ARE YOU A JEALOUS PERSON?

 

Yes. Very. But I’m improving.

 

37) HOW DO YOU RELEASE ANGER?

 

How? I try to chill but if it’s too much I talk to the person (if it involves a person). Other than that I just yell and then move on :D

 

 

38) WHAT’S YOUR MAIN GOAL IN LIFE?

 

To effectively alleviate poverty amongst my fellowmen and especially the children and youth.

 

39) WHAT WAS YOUR FAVORITE TOY AS A CHILD?

 

I didn’t have a lot of toys when I was a kid. But liked this matchbox which you can paint.

 

40) DO YOU USE SARCASM?

 

Almost always (with a smile).

 

41) WHAT’S YOUR FAVORITE TV SHOW OF ALL TIME?

 

I loved Doogie Howser, Alf, Perfect Strangers. Now it’s How I met Your Mother and CSIs.

 

42) DO YOU HAVE ALL YOUR FINGERS AND TOES?

 

Hahahahaha! I don’t like firecrackers much.

 

43) WHERE WOULD YOU GO IF YOU COULD GO ANYWHERE?

 

Safari, Europe… OK the US too.  My sister is in Canada too so…

 

44) WHAT WOULD YOU DO IF YOU HAD ALL THE MONEY IN THE WORLD?

 

Create a program to help improve the lives of the poor. Create and preserve forests and rivers.

 

45) HAVE YOU EVER DREAMED OF BECOMING A MOVIE STAR?

 

Hate to admit it. Yes.

 

46) HAVE YOU EVER FELT SUICIDAL?

 

Yap. During my teenage life.

 

47) THE FIRST THING YOU NOTICE IN THE OPPOSITE SEX

 

Lips.

 

48) FAVORITE THING TO HATE

 

Stupid stupid drivers.

 

49) FAVORITE WORD

 

I guess I use “so” as a filler. My English students started using it a lot. I got scared…

 

50) DO YOU A HAVE A TATTOO?

 

I want to…

 

51) HAVE YOU EVER GONE SKINNY DIPPING?

 

I lost my trunks once when I made a dive. Does that count ;)

 

52) IF YOU WERE SOMEONE ELSE, WOULD YOU BE FRIENDS WITH YOURSELF?

 

I’m a nice person. Yes. Sure.

 

53) WHAT’S YOUR BIGGEST FRUSTRATION?

 

I wanna play the piano!

 

54) HAVE YOU EVER REALLY AND TRULY HAD A BESTFRIEND?

 

Yes. A good number.

 

55) REPUBLICAN OR DEMOCRAT?

 

More of republican.

 

56) KISSES OR HUGS?

 

Both.

 

57) RELATIONSHIPS OR ONE NIGHT STANDS?

 

Hahaha…

 

58) DO YOU HAVE LOW SELF-ESTEEM OR HIGH SELF-ESTEEM?

 

It fluctuates. But I try to be confident most of the time.

 

59) WHAT BOOK ARE YOU READING?

 

The Bible, Visioneering by Andy Stanley and Joshua Harris’ boy meets girl.

 

60) DESCRIBE YOUR LOVE LIFE

 

It will soon become a reality  J

TAKEN FROM: http://wilyfilipino.wordpress.com/2008/10/19/an-incomplete-list-of-famous-filipinos/

An Incomplete list of Famous Filipinos

In honor of Filipino American Heritage Month, and in the spirit of Adam Sandler’s Hanukkah Song, here’s a list of famous Filipinos just like you and me…

Actors/Stage/Film/TV Performers

Rachel Louise Grant De Longueuil aka Rachel Grant actress (Die Another Day)
Dante Basco (Rufio in Hook), director, producer.
Darion Basco, actor, director, producer.
Tia Carrere (Wayne’s World)
Phoebe Cates (Fast Times at Ridgemont High, Gremlins, Gremlins 2, Drop Dead Fred)
Mark Dacascos – actor, martial artist, The Chairman of Iron Chef America.
Tamlyn Tomita (The Joy Luck Club and The Karate Kid, Part II)
Hervé Villechaize (Tattoo from Fantasy Island)
Jose Llana, broadway actor, Drama Desk Award Winner.
Alec Mapa (Half & Half, Desperate Housewives, Ugly Betty)
Vanessa Minnillo, model, host MTV’s TRL.
Paolo Montalban (Mortal Kombat)
Lou Diamond Phillips (La Bamba)
Victoria Principal (Dallas)
Ernie Reyes Jr., martial artist (Rush Hour 2, The Rundown, Indiana Jones & the Kingdom of the Crystal Skull)
Rob Schneider (Saturday Night Live, The Hot Chick, Deuce Bigalow) “Mom’s family had the better food; Dad’s family had the better jokes.”
Shannyn Sossamon (40 Days and 40 Nights, A Knight’s Tale)
Anna Maria Perez de Tagle – actress (Ashley from Hannah Montana).
Vanessa Anne Hudgens (High School Musical)
Lea Salonga, Tony Award winner (Miss Saigon, Princess Jasmine in Disney’s Aladdin and Mulan in Mulan)
Cris Judd, actor, choreographer, J-Lo’s ex.
Cheryl Burke (Dancing with the Stars)
Batista (WWE)

Music Industry

Apl.de.ap, hip hop musician, (The Black Eyed Peas)
Chad Hugo, producer (The Neptunes)
Cassie (Cassandra Vergara Ventura)– R&B, pop and hiphop singer, and former fashion model. She is best known by her stage name Cassie and for the hit song “Me & U”.
Jocelyn Enriquez
Enrique Iglesias
Julio Iglesias Jr
Nicole Scherzinger – lead singer for the Pussycat Dolls.
Kirk Hammett (Metallica)

Reality TV

Sandra McCoy – actress, former contestant in Pussycat Dolls Present: The Search for the Next Doll.
Jordan Segundo – singer, American Idol semi-finalist (Season 2).
A.J. Tabaldo – American Idol contestant (season 6).
Jasmine Trias – American Idol contestant (Season 3).
Camile Velasco (1985–) American Idol contestant (Season 3)
Melissa Reyes – Pussycat Dolls Present: The Search for the Next Doll contestant.
Asia Nitollano – Pussycat Dolls Present: The Search for the Next Doll winner; she’s Joe Bataan’s daughter.

Dear Friends,

Please do NOT send forwarded messages to our personal message inbox. You still don't get it? It's supposed to be PERSONAL. I love MULTIPLY because it doesn't flood with random messages. Don't ruin the fun.

Thanks and I hope you guys get it this time. NO FORWARDS. BLOG IT! ;)

I've never seen a very prestigious awarding program on TV where tears flowed in every cheek of the awardees, the celebrities and the audience. It flooded with tears of joy.

CNN Heroes is an award given people who made an impact in their communities. You will be surprised to see how their background varied: from a doctor to a runner. They used what they know to help other people. Nothing extravagant, nothing fancy, nothing grand. To do and not to observe. To act and not to watch. To serve and not to be served.

Awardee David Puckett of Pipo Missions (he makes artificial limbs) reminded me that it is God who gives us the burden and who compels us to act. That was his driving force. Choked and in tears he ended his speech with the words, "it is God who will pay you back."

From my previous blog, Brended said: "Follow you dreams. Don't let anything stop you." Andy Stanley mentions in his book Visioneering that your vision starts with a burden. Let that burden grow and start planning for it until it becomes a reality.

John Legend ended the ceremony with his song. It ends with the lyrics that says: If you're out there and you're ready now to reach out...The future started yesterday and we're already late...

Wow, it's been too long since I've been to Sagada. I used to go there every year. Last minute, I felt compelled to go there and seek God and have a moment to "plan-out" my life in the coming months. I'm excited and a little scared of using public transportation. But it's the best way to go there.

Anyway for those who are unfamiliar with Sagada it's famous for the hanging coffins, mummies in jars inside the caves, spelunking, hiking, waterfalls and the cold weather (and water!). Check out this video I got in youtube.

The promising movie "Ploning" gains more support from the government and business people in the US. Please read the column in the Philippine Star.

From Rina Marquez, read her blog on Ploning being nominated in the Asian Festival of First Films. 

I will try to post the "presidentiables" that I think are good choices to consider for this coming election. Of course this doesn't not include President GMA and Former President Erap for obvious reasons.

The first candidate that I'd like to feature is MMDA Chairman and former Mayor of Marikina, Mr. Bayani Fernando. He is probably the most unpopular presidentiable on the list but looking at his track record and political will, he may be the best. Either you really like him or you really hate him. If you don't know him then it's now time to know more about him. 

He really wants to be the president. He would do anything to gain popularity. And sometimes even degrading means in order to be known by people. But that's how you win the elections in the Philippines. You have to be popular.

But Bayani Fernando aka BF, is not unknown to many who reside in NCR. He is the most famous Marikina Mayor who turned the city into one of the best livable cities in the Philippines. And although many of you would not agree with me, traffic flow under the MMDA significantly improved. This never happened during the time of the chairman Ben Abalos.

If you want to vote for this president, then you should support him by clicking on this link: THE BEST NEXT PRESIDENT OF THE PHILIPPINES

Let me know your thoughts by writing on the comment box below.

Fundraising concert for Children's Garden of the Philippines (Antipolo).

Featuring:
Gian Magdangal
Sheree
Arms Cruz
Teri Sambajon
Pow Chavez
Kite Lopez
Coach Kathy M. Cueson
Jerome (of PDA kids)
Drae Ybanez
& Pinoy Idol Gretchen Espina!!!

December 12, 7PM GCF East Taytay (after SM Taytay, entrance of Club Manila East you'll see Jollibee and Mcdo. It's at the Mcdo building 4th flr.)

Tickets at 300, 500 and P1000.

CALL 630.66.08 look for PEM.

CLICK ON THE ATTACHMENT TO VIEW A BIGGER PHOTO.

Manny's death and now my grandfather's. Makes me think more how my funeral would be like...Read previous blog.

MY LAST 3 HOURS WITH MY GRANDFATHER:

I opened the door sheepishly to make sure if I was at the right place. The sound of the door squeaking sent a cold shiver down in my spine- or was it the eerie religious icons along the hallway staring at me? A smell of sadness was in the air upon seeing my grandfather on his deathbed. Beside him was his faithful wife holding his hand. Serious talk: my father with my "Daddy" a few weeks ago---------------> Her eyes were misty. The rest of my relatives were sitting quietly on the hard sofa not far from the bed when I came in. I gave each one the traditional beso-beso until I finally gave my grandma a tight hug.

My Daddy wore his silky pajamas that looked over-sized for his body. His eyes were shut and his mouth open as he gasped for air when he breathed. I knew he wasn't sleeping. He was sensing my every move. His frailty made it difficult for me to communicate with him. I was catatonic for a time. "Must I just stand there?" "Should I hold his hand or give him a hug?" These thoughts ran in my head for a moment until I was resolved to hold his hand and say hi. I leaned forward and whispered "Hi Daddy..." They told me to speak louder since he couldn't hear well. Quite consciously I spoke again with more confidence. "Daddy, si Paul po ito. Kamusta na po kayo?" I felt so stupid. Why did I say that? Obviously he was suffering.

I was told that he has been shouting, "I want to die already!" As much as I would like for my Daddy to live longer, his condition was just an unbearable sight. His face was pale and dark at the same time. His lips were dry. Life was beginning to depart from him. I don’t want him to suffer any longer.

After sometime the nurse came in to get his blood pressure that has been going down. It was like a candlelight that was beginning to faint. My grandma broke down and wept. She prayed like she never prayed before. “Please Lord Jesus, please have mercy. You know that Juaning loves you above all! Please don’t let him suffer! He’s ready Lord.” Her thick accent makes her undeniably Cebuana, something that makes her more adorable for me. I hurriedly went to her side and tried to calm her.  I felt her pain. Tears started to flow from my eyes as well. We were all silent for another ten minutes.

The next few hours were spent buying dinner, eating together and chatting some more as a clan. There were at least five of us in that room. I felt like I was in a Brothers and Sisters TV series during their reunion. The colorful characters that surrounded the patriarch exploded with jubilation. The eerie atmosphere that once ruled over that place was now devoured by the thunderous laughter. In the midst of all these my grandfather was listening. He was experiencing all this love. He was happy.

We ended the night by singing some hymns and worship songs. We sang his favorites: Great is Thy Faithfulness and How Great Thou Art among others. It was a challenge. I was groping for lyrics. However, if I saw his spirit at that moment, I’m sure it was singing with us. At one point he even closed his mouth to swallow. One of us asked him if he was hearing our congregational singing. He mustered all his strength just to give a nod. He shook his head several times as if saying, “More! Louder! I am pleased!” I almost heard him singing with his big, loud and commanding voice. He was on a high. A choir of angels joined us on that night. The heavens opened to prepare for a grand welcome!

I bade him goodbye and assured him that I’ll be back the next day.

Hours later my grandpa walked on the streets of gold and was welcomed by his Creator with the words: “Well done, good and faithful servant! You have been faithful with a few things; I will put you in charge of many things. Come and share your master's happiness!”

(TUESDAY NIGHT SMS MESSAGES)
DRAE: HI TERI! WHAT'S UP? MAYBE YOU CAN HELP ME WITH MY FUNDRAISER...
TERI: I DON'T KNOW IF YOU'VE HEARD, BUT MANNY DIED LAST NIGHT.
DRAE: WHAT??? MANNY WHO? OUR MANNY???
TERI: HE HAD A HEART ATTACK.
DRAE: OH MY GOD! I'M IN SHOCK... ARE YOU OK?
TERI: I'VE KNOWN HIM FOR 19 YEARS. I CAN'T STOP CRYING.

Last Monday, October 20, 2008, Manny Distor an active member of Victory Christian Fellowship, passed away because of heart attack. From what I've gathered, he had chest pains when he was at the gym. He already had an operation before and so he decided to go to the hospital for a check up. His friend even offered him a ride but he decided to ride his bike. Upon reaching the hospital, he passed out that led to his death.

Manny was known by many as a very jolly person. Personally I've known him because he was supposed to purchase my customized mini chopper that he fell in love with. He decided to back out because of complications with permits, etc. He always teases me that I can't get a license for it. Also whenever we were in a group and I start speaking, he ignores me and mumbles to the group- "who's this guy?" and explodes into laughter. And then apologizes because he says he just loves messing up with me. I also realize that when I text trying to be ghetto like adding all the YO's after the messages is something I got from Manny.

That's Manny for me.




Manny was knows as a health buff. He knows martial arts and he directs fight scenes of many movies and TV series. He is also a director. This is the reason why I am shocked that he had a heart attack. I've always known him to be healthy.

I also know that Manny was The Ronald Mcdonald for a time. He said, people can't know that you are RM. It's top secret! I thought that was so cool. Can you imagine him with the face paint? Ya, that was him!

My older brother loved Manny's hosting in Lakbay Channel. He would tell me, "Hey, I miss your friend on TV. He should host again." Aside from hosting, he was also in every commercial on TV. Nescafe (as the older brother), the Vinegar commercial as the husband (which was hilarious), also in Coke and so many others! He was everywhere!

I made this blog because I've failed to visit and probably give my eulogy. I am in a guilty state right now. But I was also scared to see him in that box. It might be too much for me to experience. Manny, so vibrant and alive, lying still on a cold casket. Life is too quick for him. Too short as many would believe. But that is life. It's just like a candle that can lose its light any time. But I'm glad that he is now resting well with our Creator. For people like him who has Christ in them, life never ceases. It continues to exist but only in a better place. In heaven and in our hearts...

How about you? How do you know Manny?

READ GAYETTE'S BLOG.
READ LANCE'S BLOG.

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