Farewell to a Legend

Wednesday, January 06, 2010

You'd know a legend when his reputation precedes him hours or even days before his arrival. Once in grade school at Capitol, we were told he was coming. We shuddered at just the thought of him being there.

He inspired fear not because he was fearsome, but because he represented discipline, perfection, an unmatched yardstick for what is best and right. Even patches had to be stitched the right way. Woe to those who sport long hairs during formation because he'd cut their locks to the point their next hairstyle would be worst than a "bagol". Maayo pa'g magpa-upaw nalang.

When he's around, you have to stand erect. You had to or else. And this is true from the squad members to the officers, especially the "staff members". When he picks you to be one of his top brass after a grueling COQC, you're honored, the toast in the campus; but it comes with great responsibility. You have to be just like him -- smart, snappy, unmoving, erect. Hell, you can't even go to the comfort room to relieve yourself. You pee where you stand! I'm not kidding. This actually happened.

But outside of Pathfinder, he's a gentle guy who gives a hearty laugh when he hears a good one. A mentor, a great teacher, according to Joyce, but for me he's a legend. A standard you can approach, but never match. A larger-than-life figure who deserves the reputation he's earned.

I am absolutely certain he's had a lifetime impact on everyone who'd passed through him, even those for a fleeting moment. And that is why I believe he's not really "dead" because he lives in each of us.

So long, Sir! 'Til we meet again!