It has been a year Ivan. I suppose you're pretty happy now wherever you are. I know that you and Rambo are together and I know that you'll most probably be smiling down on us and sometimes are with us from time to time.

Last year, I remember, I was here at the office and we were having a seminar of some sort. I have been receiving text messages from our co-CYFers and they were asking me to pray for your family whom you've left behind. Of course, I did not believe those messages. I even called up Leonel and we were joking that you were yet up to another round of your crazy antics.

But we all guessed wrong. I only confirmed your passing away when I texted Ian who even had used Kiko's celphone just to inform me that what they all were saying were true. I just could not believe it.

I spent the day remembering the times we spent together and thinking just how much you went away that quick. You were 19 turning 20 just a couple of days later. You never did reach your 20s. You just went away like that. But we all do not blame you. We know each of us has a purpose and you already had fulfilled your purpose. We all still are working on it or are probably finding out just what our purpose in life would be.

I still have not fulfilled one of your last requests to me though. But I know you do understand. One of these days I'll be working on that and I know you'll be smiling when the time comes that that request becomes reality. My baby's a big boy now and I know he'd be having lots of fun with you, his Tatay, if you were still around. His Popsie is around though and he has been scaring the wit out of my son. His Papa has yet to see him though, that is if he has got the courage. But I think you were visiting my son a couple of months ago though. For a couple of days, even when he was playing alone, Sky would keep on blurting, "Tatay! Tatay!"

Perhaps I know what your was your role in my own life. And I think you did deliver some of my prayers to Him and so they were answered. Thank you for that.

I am still sad that you're gone now. But I am happy as well that you became my friend and that you were there for me. I am also quite happy that you had spent the last months of your life with me - drinking coffee, smoking cigarettes, berating other people, talking about life, guzzling beer, and hanging out with friends.

Thank you Ivan and I'll be spending the late afternoon with your sister, your cousins, your friends, and your family. Dimps has texted me two days ago and told me to attend your first year anniversary. I even told her that I won't be able to attend the service which starts at 2pm but she texted that she'll be waiting for Leonel and I even if we come even late.

Although it's been a year Ivan, my friend, your memories still remain vivid and clear in the hearts and minds of those whom you have come to know and those lives whom you have touched.

Padi, walang hanggang paalam... Salamat.