EULOGY FOR PATRICK ZALDARRIAGA By Javier Crisostomo M. Gamboa
Happiness, in its purest, simplest and most genuine form, is something that far eludes the grasp of human beings, and despite an entire lifetime of pursuit, there is the possibility that they may not attain it. In his 16 years of existence, Patrick didn’t need to pursue happiness: he already had it.
Patrick and I didn’t hang out after school very much, but in the two years that I had the pleasure of being his classmate, he was one of the personalities that really stood out. There are three facets about Patrick forever embedded in my mind of how much a unique individual he was, and these will serve as my everlasting memories of his impact on my life:
1.) Patrick the writer
When we were classmates in Grade 5 (also the first time we had ever been classmates), our mutual command of the English language started to make our teacher notice, and in little time, we were invited to Hoofprint, the Xavier Grade School’s official student publication. Coincidentally, we were both placed in the Features department among several other batchmates, and due to grouping by sections, I found myself in the same group as Patrick. Our first assignment was to interview the CMSO about their various programs, but what really caught my attention was not the topic, but Patrick, my interviewing partner. He was so enthusiastic about being able to write for the school paper, and he treated it seriously as if he were an investigative journalist for a big-time newspaper. He jumped at the idea of getting special IDs that would serve as press passes. To him, it wasn’t work, it was a new and exciting experience that he wanted to take to the extreme. At this point in time, Patrick embodied enthusiasm in my eyes.
2.) Patrick the hardcore wrestling fan
To be honest, I count myself among the very few among my generation who didn’t watch WWE 24/7. I thought that wrestling was just a fad that would pass eventually, so I didn’t need to get into it. This prediction came true, and come High School, nobody would be caught dead wearing a D Generation X shirt without much teasing. And then there was someone like Patrick, who despite the general consensus that wrestling wasn’t cool anymore, stuck to his passion, and wouldn’t be afraid to shout out wrestling quotes and mottos left and right in the middle of class. Though I wasn’t really interested in what he was obsessed with during H1, I really admired his fearlessness, how he stood up for what he believed in and never backed down. It is forever implanted in my memory how ecstatic he was when he was going to leave early to be one of the select few to meet Batista because this was probably the happiest I had seen him ever.
3.) Patrick the beacon of hope
During the past couple of years, despite Patrick’s reputation as still-standing WWE fanatic and constantly singing or humming Paramore songs in the background, the mental image of Patrick that first came to mind was the crutches. In my opinion, what really made him stand out in his remaining years was not his physical circumstances, but his emotional wellbeing. He was an inspiration to everyone, to say the least, and you could always see a good-natured grin etched on his face. He was able to cope with his situation in the best possible manner, and I couldn’t imagine any of us dealing with it as well and as strongly as he did. He was fighter, through and through, and his exceptionally strong will and spirit is what made him a beacon that radiated hope to everyone around him, and even gained him the Katangi-tanging Xaverian award in our first year. I was one of those interviewed to say why Patrick deserves the award, and I said that he was one of those people who will always stand up no matter how many times he falls, and will never give up the fight.
Patrick was a great classmate, co-worker and friend, and as described by what I’ve said already, his uncanny ability to enjoy even the little things about life and cherish every waking moment is what really embodied who he was as a person. We weren’t the best of friends, but I think that the time we spent together, albeit limited, was very important and will forever stay with me till we meet again up there. Farewell, Pat, thanks for being such an awesome person and I’m glad your soul is now free from pain and hardship, and can now seek eternal happiness with your Creator.
