AFTER some days of sojourn, I finally eased to our bed’s corner to compose this day’s article. A hazy mind on a lazy Sunday needed every ounce of strength to summon the needed words. The days pass quickly when enjoyed after all. While there was a certain exhilaration from the travels – from the southern Queen city to the King’s nest, there was also a sense of clarity when staying in a room with two accomplished eternal students who are willing to give wads of wisdom (or gems from their minds) to an awkward student almost half their age.
Dr. Felipe Comila mused about the irony of living; how people only say kind things or great things about people when they’re gone, and how we do not appreciate life relationships until we are on death’s doors. “We should have a ‘living eulogy’!” he proposed. “Tell people how great they are when they are still alive, and continue the eulogy when they are on their caskets...what is the use of our kind words when they’re already dead?” Dr. Comila, an eternal student with six degrees including two PhDs, lectured about a “Living Support Group” – an advocacy of not only being friends with workmates, but also serving as their support groups. After all, we spend most of our lives at work more than with our families and friends.
Atty. Delmar Carino would jokingly admonish his friend’s declarations: “Talna ka man. It is like you have already accepted that you are in your sunset years!” His voice would fill the room with funny anecdotes and bolstered laughter. “The hell is that music? Put Adelle or Bruno Mars!” ordering the staff to change the classic coffee-jazz music. Such fiery passion and youthful reflexes simply put doubt on his actual age. “The secret is: acting and thinking young... never admit that you are old!” he winked to the air. I nodded with curiosity, unsure if the glint was for me or that ‘eye-popping lady’ behind me. Your guess is as good as mine.
The two friends would unconsciously share what they thought about life and issues of the world; politics, leadership, family, being a father, and being a person. It was a refreshing involvement as I absorbed varied set of opinions; from one who embraced facebook and who believes that it is us who should tell our stories, and from another who does not have a facebook account but promotes a passionate view of life. Such opportunity to learn from beautiful minds like them is rare. It is a comforting experience, one which vindicates this column’s title.
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The public is invited to several activities of the Municipality this week. There will be a Public Hearing about tourism-related ordinances (The La Trinidad Tourism and Cultural Affairs Office, Highland Vegetable Week, and La Trinidad Tourism week) today at 1:30 this afternoon to be held at the Lednicky hall, Municipal Bldg, the MSMEs development week starting today until Friday at our Municipal Gym, and an organizational meeting for the stakeholders of STOBOSA this morning. Despite the gloomy weather, let us all face the week’s challenges with burning passion and love for life!