TO JOJO

Sep. 24, 1989 - Jul. 6, 2010

The sudden loss of my little brother, Jojo, was a real shock to me. Most of the time I see him, eat meals with him, and we spend times together over the internet, movies and pizza. We live under the same roof. There was even a time that we share just one room and sleep in one bed. But not once have I told him how much I value him in my life and showed him the real extent of my love for him. He may not know this, but he was one of the reasons why I decided to study again here in Naga; to look out for him and guide him.

Jojo was a respectful son, a kind brother, a sweet cousin and nephew, a playful Tito, a fun friend and a loving boyfriend. Jojo is a happy-go-lucky guy, a clown, a good leader and very friendly. When he was still a kid, while the family attends the mass, we always find him playing with other kids inside the church. That was how it was easy for him to make friends. From my parent’s officemates and to the friends of his Ate and Kuya and even his cousins, Jojo was very familiar to them. He was a person that builds long-lasting and wonderful friendship from his childhood playmates and neighbours, schoolmates in Naga and Legaspi, to his DIA classmates, DOTA friends and to the table tennis teammates.

He was a loving Tatay to his Nanay Julie whom he loves dearly. The entire family was a witness to the vastness of the love he could actually give to a single person. Julie, thank you for making Jojo’s life filled with happy memories and filled with much love. Thank you for taking care of him when we’re not around. We will be here for you too.

Jojo is a person who will make you smile. He will make you laugh. He will make your day-gone-bad with a day of joy and laughter. Never did he answer back every time Papa and Mama scolded him. Never did he complain when his Ate and Kuya ask errands from him. Never did he get angry to his friends and classmates. Never did he make anyone cry except to his little cousins and nieces or nephews but only as a form of ‘lambing.’ Naalala ko nung bata pa kami palagi ko siyang pinaiiyak hanggang sa paluin na ako ni Papa ng tsinelas. Ganun talaga siguro kapag magkasunod na magkapatid. Yun ang naging lambing ko sa kanya dahil habang siya’y umiiyak sinusuyo ko naman siya. Yun ang namana niya sa akin ang maging ‘parasugot.’

But never did occur to me that in the end he was the one who will make me cry my heart out from days ‘til end. Yet sad to say not on a ‘lambing’ way like I was with him before. The joke’s on me, right?

To Jojo: Mahal na mahal ka naming lahat. Huwag mo na kaming alalahanin dito. Kakayanin naming pamilya ang pagkawala mo. Just carry in your heart all the love and care that we have given you from all the people you left here. We are very blessed to have you in our lives. Wherever you may be, do take care of yourself.

Si Manoy Jess na bahala saimo.

In God’s time, everything that happened for the past few days will make sense. Basta si Lord, lahat may dahilan; lahat may purpose.

WE LOVE YOU, LITTLE BRO! WE WILL SURELY MISS YOU!