I AM almost 70. It saddens me no end to realize that a number of my friends are no longer as healthy as they used to be.

1

The man rose from the ranks. He started as a Municipal Judge, then became a Regional Trial Court Judge and then, Court of Appeals where he retired. He loved life as he cracked jokes and brought laughter to his listeners. He loved gardening, taking pride in his potted egg plants and a number of ornamentals. He is very proud of his children and grandchildren who have his genes – intelligent and achievers all. Almost a year, after he lost his spouse Erlinda, he suffered a stroke that almost cost his life. We miss the bubbling personality of Justice Agustin Dizon. He stays mostly in his residence.

2

He is a law graduate. He is handsome and has a smile that captivates. He is loyal to a fault. He was the supply officer at the regional hospital and he supported his four children to college. He bought small lots when his limited finances allowed. In difficult times, he sold the lots for the education of his brood. “You harvest what you sow” and in his sick bed, Florentino Pineda has no regrets. He receives the love and attention of his children, Nancy, Sonny, Florence and Jun. Florence is the top pedia practitioner in this part of the country and she shows her unconditional love to her father. It is payback time and it is but proper that a parent who is on the sunset, the sunshine is provided by those he loves.

3

He was a poor boy who dreamed a comfortable life. He helped his mother sell carabao’s milk (gatas damulag) in the public market. He graduated from engineering. Not content with this, he enrolled in the College of Commerce. He married a lady who loved him so much. Felipe Mendoza fittingly became Phillip Mendoza, a change not only in name but in fortune. He helped his relatives and friends financially and morally in times of needs. Phillip is not exactly in the pink of health as he undergoes treatment at St. Lukes. He remains happy and optimistic. Health is wealth but sometimes – it also true that wealth prolongs health. I am proud to be considered a friend of Phillip in times of health and in times of sickness.

All of us will join our Creator but as a lawyer, I am filing a motion for extension for these three wonderful creatures – Justice, Flor and Phillip.