Chris

Big guy could dance! I was an automatic fan of how he took the stage, always (at least to me) stealing the spotlight from his Street Jazz friends. Not sure how he knew me, but he did. So we greeted each other in campus whenever we had the chance. Bakit ko ba tinago ang pagiging starstruck?

I got to know him better during the pandemic. He was a teacher—Lord this past tense rattles, grates at the nerves—and he taught me about a learning management system while we exchanged notes about students and policies, the difficulties of the day. About other things too, you know, like baked mac and donuts from a common source. We cheered each other on! Not at all surprised to read the warm sentiments people leave on social media about him. The sharp sense of loss. He was that guy. 

Maybe I’ll edit this after I revisit our chats, but for now, two main things. I was delighted when he messaged me about how his high school student who graduated and became my college student. Our mutual pride was something to behold! Not sure how to describe it.

(I emailed our student yesterday: I just received news that our Sir Chris passed away. Medyo inaasahan ko ring may nagbibiro lang, kaso mukhang hindi e. Nakikiramay ako sa iyo at sa iyong mga kaibigan.)

The last thing was immense grief for his mom. He lost her a year ago. 

 

Wake until November 7 at Heaven’s Garden Memorial Park, Anos, Los Baños, Laguna. Interment on the 7th, 9 AM at Los Baños Memorial.