On the occasion of PNoy’s first death anniversary two songs come to mind. Every time I take time out to listen to music and hear a familiar song we both liked, I can’t help but remember him.
First song: See You Again by Wiz Khalid (from Fast and Furious) the lyrics go…… “It’s been a long day without you, my friend. And I’ll tell you all about it when I see you again. We’ve come a long way from where we began. Oh, I’ll tell you all about it when I see you again.”
So much has happened since a year ago, some good, some not so good. Sometimes I can’t help but think God must love him so much he spared him from some things. So much to talk about when I see you again.
Second song: A very upbeat Didiskuhin mutual favorite…. Together Again, which is actually a song dedicated to a deceased person, re-written when she lost a friend to AIDS, and got a fan mail from a young boy who lost his father. The lyrics: ”Everywhere I go, every smile I see, I know you are there smiling back at me. Dancin’ in the moonlight, I know you are free, ‘Cause I can see your star, shinin down on me.”
I choose to remember the good and fun times dancing to this tune. I know you are better there, no more suffering, no more pain, and my memories will always be of you smiling at me.
If you took time to read these short thoughts, please take time to listen to the songs, enjoy the music, dance (in the moonlight if you can), and smile.
Tet Naguiat (speaking for husband Bong):
His thoughts remain very sentimental. Now that we are on a trip, it’s PNoy’s gift, a Sony Walkman, he brings with him every time. He told Bong he was the one who personally chose all the songs. And Bong listens to it while we’re on the road.
Marides Almendras:
On Noy’s death anniversary, I remember his presidency. It was a time when I was so proud to be a Filipino. Even my American-born nephews and nieces would always say they are Filipinos. They felt the pride even from afar. I miss his straightforward, decent and honest governance born out of true and sincere love for this country.
From an Ateneo batchmate, as told to Marides:
Simpleng kwento lang. Went to PNoy’s house in Times St. to get his picture for his first death anniversary Mass tomorrow. Was in his office, talking to PNoy’s staff, when his Security staff came and said, “Nandyan po si Sir kasi may yellow butterfly na kanina pa lumilipad. (Sir is there—a yellow butterfly has been fluttering around.)” I didn’t know what to say but I felt his presence. Nagpapasalamat lang ako at nagparamdam siya sa akin (I felt grateful that he made his presence felt to me).
Annie Ringor:
I am grateful to have been one of PNoy’s friends in life, and his death affected us who knew and loved him. We will honor his legacy and remember him always—Our President for life!
