FAREWELL MANG BERT

It is truly sad when friends who were part of our lives pass on.

Officemates are people we consider as family because we spend more time at the office than in our homes.

Last Sept.25, our beloved colleague Abelardo Dagoro was reunited with his Creator. His demise had once again created a vacuum in our closely knit SMC Head Office Accounting family. He and the guys in the department often called each other "Amigo" but I always addressed him as Mang Bert as a sign of respect.

I will always remember Mang Bert as the English speaking, burly guy with the baritone voice. He always had his camera strung on his shoulder as photography was his biggest passion. In fact in my first few days in SMC, I thought he was from our Corporate Affairs Office (Public Relations Dept.in those days) since he always carried his camera wherever he goes. I only realized that he was from the Accounting Department when I saw him working at his desk. He was always nice to me even when I was relatively new in the department, not because he knew my dad, but because it was really his nature. He was also our official photographer at Christmas parties, bowling tournaments and other office related events. He had also unselfishly shared his knowledge in costing procedures to me, being a former Plant Accountant of our Polo Brewery. I also got words of wisdom from him.

Aside from his love for photography, he was also a good swimmer and a golf enthusiast.

The last time I saw him was on his 82nd birthday celebration a year ago, when his family prepared an intimate lunch get together for him at their BF Resort Subdivision residence in Las Pinas. Little did I know that would be the last time I would see and talk to him. He was far from the Mang Bert that I remember because he had lost weight. But although his eyesight had been impaired, his sense of hearing was still okay and he remembered all of us when we introduced ourselves to him. Obviously he was so happy because he was cracking jokes, sang songs and played his harmonica for us. Tita Annie and Malou, his daughter, said he missed his Accounting colleagues so much and would often ask about us. I will forever remember not only that day, but most especially the smile reflected on his face.

Thank you Mang Bert for sharing a big part of your fruitful years with us.

Thank you also for the beautiful memories we will always treasure.

I know you are probably playing your harmonica with the angels in Heaven now.

Farewell Mang Bert. We will miss you.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY MAMA MARY

My dearest Mama Mary, today we are celebrating your birthday once again.

As in previous years, I had been thinking of what to offer you on your birthday.

Unlike in the years past though, when it was already your birthday and I still couldn't think of what to give you, this year you sort of made it easy for me by giving me an idea of what you desire.

Three days ago, I received a text from a friend asking if it would be so gracious of me to be one of the sponsors of a feeding program for undernourished children in a relocation site somewhere in Laguna. They need people who will sponsor one child each for the year 2012 and help feed these hungry kids. This is a project of a priest who happens to be a mutual friend of ours.

To be honest, at first I couldn't commit myself knowing how limited my resources are. In my heart however, I was certain that this is one gift that would truly make you happy. Remember my birthday wish last June, when I was seeking your guidance to lead me to those who need assistance badly. You did not fulfill my birthday wish and I know you had a reason for that. You always do.

Now it is very clear to me. Maybe it is because you believe that this is a more appropriate time for you to fulfill my wish because it would make you really happy on your birthday.

And I couldn't be happier myself. Helping others has always given me a sense of fulfillment.

Thank you for giving me a reason to smile again. Except for that heartwarming incident with the old lady sampaguita vendor last Good Friday, the last time I experienced a state of bliss was when I was able to bring some joy to retired priests and bishops, Christmas of 2009. Last Christmas, it was a phone call from Father Mike of the Blessed Sacrament Congregation that somehow brought tears of joy to my eyes. Little things do mean a lot.

I know as always, you will be getting lots of flowers and bouquets during several masses to be held in your honor today. You will also be receiving the traditional solitary blue rose that I give you every year, which obviously pales in comparison to the beautiful flower arrangements set up at the altar for you. I do know however that it is your favorite, and that only you and I know the reason why.

Happy Birthday my dearest Mama Mary. I love you so much. Thank you for always giving me your unconditional love.