Cheers to Yana and Wishlist for 2009

My friend,

I miss you and I’m praying that i’ll come by and visit again soon.

Remember when we first sat together in Geology 2.  I so clearly recall that afternoon, it was instant friendship. You became my teammate in BC 100 and classmate in Journ 132.  You introduced me to some of your PAGTA peers and we’ve spend quite a big deal of academic time together. You and me, Marian and Chaulles–we were hardly separated during productions.  And it was such a fun time.  My memories include sleepless nights editing BC 130 Prod in Campo Sioco, dinner and pre-selection of pictures in Chowking Lower Session Rd and fieldwork partner in Ilocos fieldtrip for Geo 2. You were also there when i needed a company in the lobby or someone to talk to after classes.  You were always there.

Do you recall when we first met after you came back from the South East Asian Tour.  You were surprised to see me gain weight yet you’re so welcoming.  We hugged and chatted for hours, to our relief that we can have more time to spare than before.  So you told me the whole story, beggining the tirade of your admission adventure until the end of the once-in-a-lifetime tour.  The selection process that you had to passed through and how you, well, efforlessly hurdled the challenge.  You were so humble to share that one of the members of the panel commented “you are not intelligent but so witty and young and full of fresh ideas.” Sure you are an asset to these bunch of aristocrats.  So goes the story of your becoming a diplomat.  And more.

The pictures that you showed to me during my previous home visit documents your triumphs and tragedies.  You have won far more victories by just having your family around to give unconditional love and support.  You were not even afraid when faced with that time that you have to prepare for the danger of the operation. To put simply, that was sheer bravery. Even most astounding was the speed of your recovery after checking out at St Luke’s Hospital.  You were a survivor.

Yet amidst this, I have not truly known your struggles.  We were mostly preoccupied with the new and exciting when we engage in conversations.  Seldom or never at all (i’m not sure) have we crossed the topic to talk about your heart problem.  You were not one who is apt to think or talk about such things.  I often wonder where do you pull out all the energy.  So your’e not one bit of the candidate for my future friend-who-experience-the-heart illness- list.

I’m not sure how I got the news but when I heard (from Ate Mariel Bayangos and after Aileen confirmed) what happened,with regard to the serious hospitalization and Doctor’s fau pax, heaven’s sake, why am I shocked? But of course, I cannot do anything but pray.  I wasn’t even able to visit you in the hospital.

  Not just yet.  But I am looking forward to the promise.  Remember your Mom and Dad’s promise that I’d better come back so I can witness the gold pouring.  Oh, the thought thrills me with excitement.  Remember my promise to come back and visit again.  Remember!

When I come back, you must never forget that you,too, promised to get well.

And that will be my wishlist for your this new year, to be back (like nothing happened) and for me to come back and visit soon.  Congratulations for the healthy recovery!!

P.S. I received your text message on July 2008 about recent developments (I never doubted) but I wasn’t able to reply. I’ll try to call you when I’m not too busy in the office.

Best regards,

Valerie Blue D. Claveria