Dedication Tab from Remembering Patrick Group

Tea Coffee- I learned the news as I was checking my email. I had just turned my phone on after a long flight from LA back home to DC at the ungodly hour of 1:00am. My husband was startled when I started sobbing on the mobile lounge that took us from the plane to the Dulles Airport main terminal but understood when I passed my phone to him. It was an email from my brother, who got the news from Ms. Pusta, who happens to be one of my older sister’s closest friends from college.

Patrick was one of the students when I was still teaching Nursery at Xavier School. Since he is from the class of 2012, that was a long time ago in a galaxy far, far away. If a teacher says that she doesn’t play favorites, that’s possible. But if she says that she has no favorites at all, she is probably lying. I do everything to remain objective and not to show any favoritism but I definitely, secretly, had my favorites. Patrick was one of them. He was always smart, cheerful and generous. I remember when, knowing there were two of them named Patrick in my classroom, he said, “Teacher, you can call me Patrick Z and he will be Patrick __.” I never forgot that and I never forgot him. So when I learned that he was sick, I called him and his parents up long distance and spoke with him. He was the same old wonderful kid.

Patrick was always brave in the face of his illness. He and his parents remained positive and now that Patrick has left us, I can’t stop crying. I cry because it hurts — he was a wonderful person, son, friend and loved one to many of us and we will miss him. They say only the good die young… this must mean he was the best of us all.
Niña Cervero i remember seeing that disneyland picture in his house. and how chubby and cute he was before. he kept telling us to stop and his face was all embarrassed. haha i remember it vividly 🙁
Kysha Go Cruz I remember I was the only one to beat him at Tekken [and it was my first time to play that game] B-)and he wouldn’t stop till he beat me again[I woundn’t let him hehheh :))] but then… he would ALWAYS beat me at guitar hero 🙁 \:D/. He’s a great friend to EVERYONE he meets.

I just saw those two guitar hero thingos that we used to play with [ Mayumi Matsumura & Jon Ridge Ong] and the thought that we all had so much fun with those stuffies made me smile. \m/ \m/ \m/ =))

Patrick, you’re going to make an awesome wrestling, guitar hero playing, angel 😉 your so big time na :> don’t forget about the little people ah 😉

Patrick Z, you GMH!!!!! cause your cool like that B-) =)) =)) =))

Marc Francis- See I remember his singing during class, and weird sounds he made… I miss those days… he was a brilliant kid and he was very good in Filipino. Sort of my rival in Filipino. Anyway, 2B will never be the same without Patrick. I will miss him, and so will all his loved ones. I hope wherever he is, he’s happy and free of all pains he had to endure. R.I.P. bro, keep wrestling. 🙂
Marc Francis See I remember… that Math class… when you had to leave because you didn’t feel well… and when you left, Ms. Pasiliao said, “Don’t worry, I’ll pass you Patrick.” that made us laugh to tears.. good times, good times. You inspire us to be as studious as you. Going to school, even if you didn’t have to.. You give us hope.

Mayumi Matsumura- I remember the first time I saw Patrick. It was during Interaction. He was so nice, happy, and absolutely awesome (even till now). I still remember all the times we hanged out, and when Kysha Go Cruz , Nina Cervero , Jon Ridge Ong , Kerwin Delos Santos went to his house. I never once saw him sad, even when his condition worsened. I can tell that he appreciated the little things in life. He was always more concerned about other people than himself. It’s sad to see him gone 🙁 and all I’m happy about is the fact that now, he’s in peace and happy. He deserves that happiness for all the happiness he’s given us. I will never forget you Patrick. I even posted at GMH about him, because he does, give me hope.

Thanks for all the memories Patrick Z. I wish we had more. Rest in Peace.
Ella Bangalan The first time I met Patrick was during Interaction. He was really nice and friendly. That time, we had a to play a mini amazing race around AC. We told him that it`s fine even if we don`t really participate because of his condition but he insisted to go on and just have fun. I also remember the La Salle & Ateneo fight between you and Nina Cervero. That was intense 🙂 We definitely had fun that day. Our group would not be the same if you weren`t there. I`m glad that you`re already resting. We`ll keep you in our prayers and you will never be forgetten. Rest in peace, Patrick!
Kevin Bryan A. Tan I remember our grade 7 days, I was really hooked with wrestling. You were like a wrestling guru to me. I came to you for all the wrestling stuff I needed. I remember you really liked Batista!:P And I was like a Shawn Michaels fan. Dude, I`m gonna miss you so much. You had all the qualities of a leader. You were one of the nicest persons I ever met. Patrick Zaldarriaga, I remember how much our class before (7A) prayed for you every single time we start our classes. You mean a lot to us bro. I hope you find your find your place up there. Thanks for everything 🙂
Geonne Aleandri Maxino I didn’t know Patrick very well. I barely knew him at all. I only knew his name yesterday and I only knew him by face before that. I guess you’re all wondering why I’m posting here then… it’s because he was nice to me. I didn’t know him and he didn’t know me but he was nice to me. I know it seems shallow but a good heart is all a person really needs to make a mark in other people’s lives… and Patrick sure had that. Rest in peace, Patrick… you changed even strangers’ lives.
In Memory of Patrick Zaldarriaga
by Kendric Tee on Sunday, June 13, 2010 at 6:28pm
I am sure that I do not know Patrick as well as most of you, but currently, I want to look back on our history together. Patrick and I first got to know each other about three years ago, during the third quarter in Grade 7. Prior to that, I do not think that either of us even knew about each other. Obviously, since it was our first time to know each other, I was kind of shy and it felt a bit awkward for me. However, as that quarter passed, we became group mates in ELCA and had to work together to arrange a play for the final presentation. Even if we weren’t really group mates in other subject clusters, we were able to establish a bond because of our being classmates for that quarter.

After graduating from Grade 7, I was anxious about our High School sections for H1. To my pleasant surprise, me and Patrick were confirmed to be in the same section for that year. It was as if our being classmates was foreshadowed during that year. Certainly, that got me excited for the First Year. Well, as our batch went through the year together, we all discovered that High School was a really fun time, and we all made new friendships while strengthening existing ones. That was the case with me and Patrick despite the fact that we were not classmates for certain subjects, because as people from the same homeroom, we went through the year together, braving the storms and savoring the blissful moments that came our way. We got to know each other better, and we became even better friends.

Early last school year, we were able to be classmates again, but not for long because that year, as all of us know, he had to undergo two operations, and after the second operation, he wasn’t really going to school anymore, but rather had special arrangements to be able to submit his requirements. As his homeroom, our class (2B) all prayed for him in unison and we even arranged a special healing mass for him before his first operation. Despite this, I wasn’t able to speak to him too much last year, even when he did come over to visit us, even if I knew the gravity of the situation. After his operations, I wanted to talk to him, but was afraid of saying the wrong thing, but looking back, I feel I should have consoled him during those times, and I feel that I made a mistake by not really speaking to him much. For me, that is my deepest regret during the time I have known him.

Despite all his suffering, he still worried about us, which is why he tried to keep quiet about it as much as possible, and in his suffering, he managed to unite our batch to rally behind a common goal, his recovery. Patrick was really brave and hopeful, and he kept fighting on to have a normal life after suffering from his condition. His courage has surely inspired many in the batch to become more perseverant when faced with adversity, and has managed to give a few people a new perspective on life because of his positive attitude despite the gravity of his condition. Unfortunately, the situation only got worse, and well, led to his untimely demise. He was gone too soon, but in his time here on Earth, he has managed to inspire hundreds and unify people. For this, he can be likened to one of our national icons, the late President Cory Aquino, who incidentally also suffered from cancer. Truly, the parallelisms are remarkable, as they both fought on despite the grim outlook of things, and managed to bring together many people to rally behind a common goal. Both of them were very positive about their life, and perhaps, have become inspirations for others, giving them a wonderful new view of life. Rightfully, Patrick can be considered an icon to our very own batch for all that he has done for us.

I’m very sure his untimely demise came as quite a shock to most of us, and as a community, we are deeply saddened by his loss. We were all praying for his miraculous recovery, but it did not come. This is proof that God, our Father does not always respond how we expect him to. Perhaps, some of you may be wondering why He let this happen, but I feel that this may be a new beginning for our batch, as a more unified unit and as inspirations for others. We should put our differences aside, and together as a batch, face the rest of the journey of High School with renewed vigor.

However, we must not forget, it was by the deeds of Patrick that made us have a new view of things, and it is because of his suffering that we have strengthened in our unity. Patrick truly is a good example of a life well lived and represents Christian virtues without a doubt. Personally, Patrick has inspired me to be braver and more vocal as an environmentalist, to be more firm in fighting for what I believe in, and to be a better man for others. Truly, his example, and his life will remain in our hearts as a shining example.

Let us pray that his soul may find a place in God’s almighty Kingdom and be numbered among countless others who are very good examples of Christian living.
Jude See I was really shocked when I found out the news last saturday… Because I had just finished having a gimmick with friends… I then reminisced memories with patrick which I later realized wasn’t much much 😐 What I do know is that he is very smart and that he makes it look effortless. He’s also one of those people who never lost his love for wrestling 🙂 We might not have been very close,but I will miss you nonetheless… I hope you are happy up there dude 😀
Charles Yu So one day in Stallion Training there was this guy who sat next to me. He wore glasses wearing a dark collared shirt. He writes awesome. Little did I know that that guy was Patrick. When I saw him at the Stallion Training, he didn’t even look sick. I didn’t know him very well. Gone too soon 🙁 Patrick, Stallion won’t be the same without you!
Jude See I remember this one song that sums up what i’m feeling right now and I believe something we should all reflect on 🙁
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=maINUv2H8A0
thanks patrick, for everything 🙂
Lance Cua Hey patrick, i hope that whereever you are right now you are happy and at rest. Take care buddy and God bless 😀
Timothy Daniel Gemzontan Hey bro! 🙂 I really miss you. I remember our grade school days, when I used to be the one who pushed your wheelchair from one place to another, when you used to teach me all about wrestling, and when we were so close I considered you my brother. Those were the good old times.. and I regret not being able to spend more time with you. What really amazed me about you is that despite your condition, you still did not let it get in the way of you living your life. You attended class as often as you could, you hung out with friends, you played games, watched wrestling.. basically you lived a normal life. But what is amazing about this is the fact that you were happy all the time. You managed to cheer everyone up and brighten the mood, you helped people up when you yourself had more than enough weight on your shoulders.. and this just shows how great a person you are. Rest in peace, PZ. Thanks for everything. 🙂
Redmond Yu He may have been sick. But besides the crutches and his absence from school, you really couldn’t tell that there was something wrong. Despite the fact that he was afflicted by this unfortunate disease for the past few years, his smile never faded, never ceasing to remind us that whatever may happen, no one can ever take away the passion that pushes us to live our lives to the limit and do the best we can in everything that we do. His life has taught us a valuable lesson: Happiness is a choice.

To everyone, especially his family, please don’t worry. I am sure that, being the good person that he is, he’s in a better place now. God bless you, Patrick. 🙂
Neil Patrick Wee hey, pat even we didn’t know each other that much, we also didn’t go along well in grade school, but i hope you are happy up there 😀 Take care Pat, everyone misses you, mate! 😀
Keiffer Cordial Thank you Patrick…For everything…Thank you for sticking with me in my early years in Xavier…When I used to be an outcast…When everyone hated me…When I was about to just break out and cry in a corner…You were one of the those people who saw me…Who treated me equally…As a classmate…As a friend…And as a brother…I just couldn’t imagine a world without you…Maybe it’s because you never left…You remained in our hearts…And we’ll promise to keep you in our hearts forever…You will live on in our hearts!!!We will never forget you…You will always be our Great Patrick Zaldarriaga!!!Our inspiration to keep fighting battles!No matter how high our climb will be…No matter how long our walks can take…No matter how difficult our challenges maybe…As long as you’re here in our hearts…We know we can conquer it head on!

WE SALUTE YOU PATRICK!!!
Daniela de Gracia I met Patrick during the AC fair. And i was really surprised that he went to the fair in his condition. But, he showed that he had a lot of strength just to see his good friends 🙂 I may not know Patrick that much, but he surely is a very important person in a lot of people’s lives, including me. Thank You Patrick 🙂 for showing me that there are angels on earth, like you. 🙂 God is very happy to have you up there 🙂 God bless.
Niña Cervero I am so happy! and so proud to have been his interaction partner! those were one of the great memories i had with him. it was as if we already knew each other… the friendship we had, the great family we have was just one of those times when i felt like it was as if it was planned by someone greater than all of us. to me he was like my bestfriend.. and his death hurt so much but now im slowly seeing the brighter side of all this. we love you pat! we’ll miss you! 🙁 Kysha Go Cruz Mayumi Matsumura Jon Ridge Ong Kerwin Delos Santos
Jonathan S. Lacson I first met Patrick and his parents during the grade 7 family interview, and when he was in H2 I became his English teacher and mentor. Patrick was a remarkable student and person because he never let his medical condition get in the way of doing things with passion. His compositions were always a delight to read, filled with his thoughts and feelings and compellingly written. His speeches were always looked forward to not only by me but by his classmates as well. He was so eloquent, articulate, convincing and lively. Indeed, Patrick is a source of inspiration to us, especially to those who are underachieving and those who are taking their lives for granted. Wherever you may be, Patrick, I hope that you are at peace. God bless you!
Kyle Zachary Tan Hey fellow co-hart.. I remember those days when we used to call each other co-hart… We always talk about wrestling and you were my seat mate… I`ll never forget our band moments together… Bro.. I miss you so much… I wish I could tell you that I really do… Thanks for everything man !
Marvin Amin I remember Patrick both as a friend and a classmate during Grade School. We used to share many things in common like watching Power Rangers. I’ll never forget the joys and laughs that we shared. Thank you Patrick and may you rest in peace.
Lancelot Yupingkun Patrick and I barely know each other, I have to admit. I met him through Stallion; he was a freshman features writer back when I was in 4th year. I’d see him in the general assemblies and features meetings when I tag along, and from observation alone, I do testify that he’s extremely kind and gentle. I know that he’s in a better place now. Condolences to his family and friends.
Stephen Yap Patrick, even though we didn’t really know each other, but just seeing right now, how you touched the hearts of all the people around you, I can tell that you were a wonderful person. Even if we just passed by at the corridors just saying a greeting to one another, it pains me to know that I won’t see him anymore passing the corridors to say hello to each other anymore. Although it saddens me he his gone, I know he his in a better place now, watching over us at God’s side.

Patrick, thank you for everything.
Sandro Campos the first time I saw patrick he was wearing zoo yorks, he introduced the brand to me and some of you might think that this isnt so significant but zooyorks are a big thing in the world of dancers just like how he was and is a big part of ours
Matthew Tan I wasn’t really close to Patrick, but I still remember when I talked to him when we were in Hoofprint. He was really friendly and funny. Also, I remember always greeting him in the middle of the corridor. He’d always be full of life and vigor. He’s truly one to not forget here in Batch 2012
Martin Bishop Chua Patrick I remember the time during dismissal when it was just the two of us near the teachers workroom, I wasn’t very close to you, but you were just waiting for the math teacher and you looked so lonely so I wanted to talk to you. I’ll never forget that moment you made me laugh and smile. One thing I regret now is I didn’t become much of a close friend to you. You were so kind, unselfish, and well you were just that type of person who needed to be appreciated not because you were sick but rather because you showed courage and hope something people don’t really have nowadays. It not fair that your gone buddy it just not fair . . . . . You deserved something better than this Patrick. I’ll pray for you buddy. You won’t be forgotten Patrick. Dance with the Angels and may you find safety and peace.
Jojo Ng Patrick, I will really miss you. You blessed us with your life, you will always inspire us.
I’m so proud to have known you. Luceat Lux!
Anna Cuna I’ve only spoken to Patrick once which was during interaction the sight of him struggling to walk even on crutches tugged on my heartsrings but, even with the obvious pain he had the most genuine, most contagious smile on his face and that’s a sight I’ll never forget.
Loida Tan I don’t really know you nor your parents, but I just feel the loss that everyone’s feeling. I just know you were one brave soul, you fought til the end and now you’ve won, coz we all know you’re with Him now. Rest in peace!!!
Patrick Borres Zaldarriaga I was typing my name here in fb and I came across this link and went to this page. I was surprised to see someone with the same first and last name as mine, but sad to see that he passed away just days ago. I dont know if our family names are somewhat distantly related however I just felt the need to share my condolences and prayers for Patrick’s family, as I also pray for his life to be a remembrance of God’s divine love. As I went through the pictures, I realized that indeed life is not lived by the number of years one is given, but by the quality of time one was able to share with family, friends and the creator. May you rest in peace Patrick.
Ghabby Gee Hey bro, I never really did become your classmate or never even had the chance to talk to you not even once., but one thing’s for sure, we’ll all miss that jolly young boy walking along the corridor with that big smile that lights up the whole place and you even make it seem so easy even if you had so much pain inside you. You’ll always remain in our hearts. God bless your soul, Partrick Zaldarriaga. 🙂
Tessie Damian-Academia I only know Patrick thru his mom, Kutchie and I know what a wonderful kid he was and what a blessing he was to his parents and family. I pray that God will give Patrick’s family the strength and faith in this painful time of their lives. Eternal rest grant unto you and let God’s perpetual light shine upon him.
Shaye Parlade Patrick was a great guy, with a good heart. He
was a true gentleman who never even hesitated to open a door for a
friend despite the hassle and the sort. I can honestly only say so
little about him, realizing that I haven’t grabbed the opportunity to
get to know him as well as some of my friends do but this guy has taught
me probably a lot more than any teacher, or any and every subject Math,
Bio, History or maybe all of those subjects combined. He showed me and
my friends the importance of living life to the fullest, of treasuring
every single second of your life. Which was one of the reasons why I
decided to write my own things to do before I die after realizing how
fragile life is. Okay can I just make kwento :-J me and my friends were
fighting over this “thing” and Kysha called us up telling us about
Patrick’s situation and how he should be in our nightly, daily, prayers,
and after hearing this, we just… stopped… fighting.
Shaye Parlade ‎[continuation] Just like that.
After realizing you have a friend out there, battling life-changing
things like cancer, everything else seems so…”little” and you start to
realize there are better thing to worry about rather than worrying
about petty things like plans going not the way as planned, a guy who
won’t talk to you, a sister who dropped your phone, or being grounded by
parents for going home so late yada yada yada. You start being grateful
for the things you have, the family and friends who you are blessed
with, and most importantly, you start to value TIME. So thank you,
Patrick, for giving me a new perspective to this world and the life we
all have yet to live. My parents tell me that God takes us back home
where we belong, when our purpose in life here on earth has been served.
May you rest in peace, Patrick. You have our prayers, and my deepest
condolences to the Zaldrriaga Family and friends.
Ayna Ong Patrick is one of the kindest and nicest boys you can ever come across. if my memory serves me right, he and my son john were classmates for only a couple of years during grade school… but patrick never failed to say hello whenever he saw me – be it in school or in the mall. i will never forget the boy that patrick is. i know that the memories that he has left behind will long be remembered. his courage and strength will be an inspiration to all the lives he has touched. our deepest sympathies…
John Christopher Cocabo patrick and i were classmates in high 1.
we were groupmates in english once, and i let him do all the work.
he did not complain because he is very cool and kind.
see you some day man!
Oliver Sun Patrick, we all miss you. Me and you never have been classmates, but every time i see you on the corridor you carry that big smiles with you. It really makes us happy and smile also. Whenever i give you this high five hand, you wont hesitate a bit to high five with me . You’re are so brave to carry all these things on you and never was a moment you complained hating your life. You may be gone but your spirit lives in our batch. Your smile will always be there in our heart
Erin Morabe I never knew Patrick, until someone told me he passed. But when I was looking at pictures of him, he looked like one of the most happy people in this world. I wish I was able to have that chance to know him. That would have been one more happy face in my life. He inspires me, to live life to the fullest with faith that everyday will ALWAYS be better. 🙂 I pray for the healing of the Zaldarriaga family, and the soul of Patrick. I know for sure, he`s one of the angels up in heaven with the Lord watching over his family and friends. 🙂
Edrich Ty First year Filipino class, this dude sat behind me. The words that would come out of his mouth, those were some pretty deep tagalog right there. He would let me and our other classmate Kevin borrow his clutches and we would race around the classroom and do tricks, kind of like skateboarding except ten times more extreme. He was like that, always positive, always laughing his infectious laughter and always blurting out the silliest, randomest stuff even when pitted against that jerk who wrote Ibong Adarna.

I’m grateful that I’ve had the joy of knowing Patrick. May heaven overflow with his awesomeness.
Therese Pelias I was his guidance counselor when he was in Grade 5 when he was still healthy, chubby and well. I remember him to be a very kind fellow. Very sweet and friendly kid. It disturbed me to find out he was stricken with illness some years ago but was inspired by stories of how he struggled to make the most out of life. It deeply saddens me that such a kid would be gone too soon. Then again, am sure he’s smiling down on all of us right now. God bless you, Patrick! Thank you for touching our lives.
Mark Uymatiao I was his classmate in Grade 2 when our Filipino teacher, Ms. Del Rosario, made ice cream for 3 of the most behaved boys in the class. Two of them were me and Patrick. Because we had just eaten lunch, the three of us were unable to finish the ice cream, which we eat just outside the classroom. After we ate as much as we could, the three of us tried make the others finish the ice cream. I still remember the laughter that he had that day when I tried to stuff my already full stomach with ice cream in an attempt to finish it so it wouldn’t go to waste (I wasn’t able to finish the ice cream anyways). That laughter, that joy….Patrick kept it all the way up to the High School.
Mark Uymatiao ‎(continuation) Patrick truly embodied the phrase “Living out your life.” No matter how hard life was, he struggled and persevered against all odds. He carved all his memories into himself…the pain, the sorrow, and most importantly, the happiness….the joy, the laughter, the delight of living everyday to it’s fullest. Patrick never wallowed in self-pity nor held any anger towards the unfairness of life. Patrick accepted…he accepted everyday, every hour, every minute, knowing that God could take him anytime, and he truly lived out each day, something that a lot of us here have a hard time doing. Thank you Patrick. You filled us with hope even while you yourself were sick. We will never forget you.
Gugu Francisco hey we’re not close but i met you in the interaction this year, gone too soon but you’ll never be forgotten, rest in peace patrick! i know you’re with God now encouraging everyone to be stronger just like what you did 🙂 i hope your parents are okay now, i know it’s hard but we just have to think that he’s in a better place now, he’snot suffering anymore. to his parents, family and friends i hope you guys will be okay soon because patrick wouldn’t want to see you sad, to his parents, patrick is a very good person i heard alot of good stories about him from different people be very very very proud of him, patrick is one of a kind 🙂 sorry i won’t be able to visit his wake 🙁 rest in peace patrick 🙂 ♥
Victor Lorenzo Villalon I still remember the times I’d pass Patrick by along the corridors, and as a greeting, I’d salute him, and he’d salute me
back whenever he could. He’d then follow the salute with a hearty, happy
greeting.. 🙂 Man.. Gonna miss you and you’re cheerfulness! You’re truly
an inspiration to us all. We’ll see you one day.. watch over
all of us, Patrick! Will continue to pray for you and your family.. Finally,
here’s to you… *SALUTE!!!*
Kenneth Nacion I was never really close to Patrick, but the corridors nowadays just seem to be lacking his cheerfulness. We all you miss you, Patrick. See you again someday.
Timothy Daniel Gemzontan See you tomorrow man! 😀 🙂
Luz Ting This is how I remember you Patrick Z…., the big boy of Nursery 5 (1999-2000), smart, very cute. May you rest in peace!

J Philip V. Hernando you will never be forgotten though our hearts are torn.
Lance Cua Whenever i experience hardships in life, i know that somewhere up there you are looking over me and guiding me like you do to the rest of us. thank you patrick for everything. for being my seatmate in science class and teaching me with my science homeworks and stuff. I really couldn’t have done it without you buddy:(
Patrick and President Cory Aquino
by Kendric Tee on Sunday, June 20, 2010 at 11:15am
Last year, as Patrick was undergoing his first operation, I did notice that he and our late President Cory Aquino had many striking similarities. Both of them suffered from cancer, but despite their suffering, they fought on and stayed strong. In their suffering, both Patrick and Pres. Aquino managed to unify many divided people, and inspired them to undergo positive changes in their lives. Even in their passing on, they left a good legacy, the unification of many people, the changes in the attitudes and personality of so many others. They convinced us to be more perseverant and more hopeful when dealing with adversity, and instead of being weakened by it, they became stronger, and the strength they gained from their struggles has been passed on to each and every one of us.

Both Patrick and the late President will be remembered by a signature color. In Patrick’s case, that color is blue because of his affinity for the Ateneo Blue Eagles and his general preference of the color. Blue also represents peace, serenity and adaptability, which perfectly embody him as he fought his battle. Aside from this, we can say Patrick and President Cory are truly parallel, as represented by Xavier’s school colors-Blue and Yellow (or Gold, as some would say). These parallelisms are not merely coincidental, but show that these two people, who are icons to us, are truly similar in dealing with adversity, and the impact they have made in each and every one of our lives is very connected-both have convinced us that life is short, and that in our lives, we must learn to love one another and to care for each other and our world right now. Safe to say, both of these icons, these heroes, tried to convince us that each of us can be a hero in our own right, just as the song goes:

“There’s a hero, when you look inside your heart
You don’t have to be afraid of what you are
There’s an answer if you reach into your soul
and the sorrow that you know will melt away.

And then a hero comes along
with the strength to carry on
and you cast your fears aside
and you know you can survive.

So if you feel like hope is gone
Look inside you and be strong
Then you’ll finally see the truth
That a hero lies in you.

It’s a long road when you face the world alone.
No one reaches out a hand for you to hold.
You can find love if you search within yourself
and the emptiness you felt will disappear.

And then a hero comes along
with the strength to carry on
and you cast your fears aside
and you know you can survive.

So if you feel like hope is gone
Look inside you and be strong
Then you’ll finally see the truth
That a hero lies in you.

Lord knows dreams are hard to follow,
But don’t let anyone tear them away.
Hold on, there will be tommorow.
In time you’ll find the way.

And then a hero comes along
with the strength to carry on
and you cast your fears aside
and you know you can survive.

So, when you feel like hope is gone
look inside you and be strong
and you’ll finally see the truth
that a hero lies in you.
That a hero lies in you,
that a hero lies in you.”

(Source: http://www.elyricsworld.com/hero_lyrics_mariah_carey.html)

They proved to us that it was not external strength that mattered, but the strength of the spirit and the will of the heart that did. Now that they are both in a better place, one that is free from the suffering and injustices of this world, the best way to remember them is to be inspirations in our own right and to live out life just as they did-to its fullest. They will constantly be watching us from above, guiding us along the way. If we are faced with trials, we need to remember how they dealt with theirs, even up to the point of death-with perseverance, endurance, strength, and hope.

Ako Si Feleng Ü we’ll be missing you patrick…. the last time we’ve been together was when we had a family reunion… i always remember you because your birthday was always after our christmas reunion….. we will definitely missyou!!!!!!!!!!!