Goodbye Boom, and thank you

On Thursday, my sister texted me to say that Boom has passed away. Mauricio (Boom's real name) is Fel's cousin who has become a dear friend over the years. He was diagnosed to have a brain tumor in May, underwent an operation a few days after, and went into a coma a few weeks after that. To all of us, everything was so sudden, we didn't have time to say a proper goodbye or hold a feast in his honor and celebrate his colorful life. We all prayed that he would get better, but we also hoped that his suffering would end soon enough. He didn't deserve to be in so much pain. I would not want to dwell on the depressing circumstances of his illness and passing away, instead I would like to remember him for the great person that he is.

I've known Boom for about 5 to 6 years, from the time I regularly camped out in my sister's house on certain days. Being a late sleeper like me, he would often come banging on our gate so we can watch TV together. We were both "kapuso" and often bashed the other network's efforts. We liked watching beauty pageants, to laugh at the contestants, bubble gang to laugh at their commercial spoofs, and just about anything which we will eventually laugh about. That's how Boom is. He would find humor in the most banal situations; his mother's and relatives' booboos, jeff's antics, etc.

He also liked learning about interesting personalities like socialites, business moguls, artistas, etc. We often argued about the magazines I bring home which he would sometimes take without permission. He liked taking a peek at their lifestyle and getting a taste of what its like to be in their shoes. I remember when we got lost inside some mansion over at Dasma village. We went there to do floral arrangements for the lady of the house. The house was so big that we didn't know how to get out. Funny, really.

Boom also liked singing, and he sang very well. I remember feeling so good when he said I can sing, because coming from him, a voice coach, the comment was very flattering.

He loved splendid things and would gladly try out something new just know how it's like. Being very easy to please, he raved on small hand overs; chichirya, chocolates, moisturizer, t-shirt, whatever. He also liked sharing all his experiences, the places he's been to, the people he has met, his friends.

At 42, he hid the fact the he smokes, which I often teased him about. Sometimes, when he's in the house and lights up a cigarette, I would shout "Boom, pahiram ng lighter!" I laugh now, remembering his facial reaction and curses he would mouth to me. He was so worried, his mother would know.

These are the things I would miss about Boom. No more late night TV fare buddy, ka-kwentuhan and ka-tawanan. I know everything happens for a reason. Maybe God taught the angels in heaven need to laugh a bit more, so he sent for Boom.

You've lived a wonderful life my friend, see you someday.