| A Moment of Silence
The Death That Shocked A Nation
I first heard about Rico's death from a neighbor. I only overheard it and wasn't quite sure if I heard it right so I brushed it aside. It was Good Friday so I knew that local TV stations, radio and even newspapers were off. I didn't bother to confirm it, thinking it was just one of those stupid text circulated by the same people who keep on texting that the Pope is dead.
Later that night I had dinner with my Korean business associate at Tequila Joe's in Ortigas. There were some celebrities but everything was normal. Since Rico himself owned the place, I asked one of the waiters if the rumor was true. It hit me like a bombshell when he said "Totoo po." Rico, my friend, is dead.
The following day, I saw everything on TV. Local stations were still supposed to be off the air until Easter Sunday but Rico's sudden death had cut the media people's vacation. Hundreds of his followers had already trooped to La Salle Greenhills where his remains were brought. But Rico's family asked for privacy. They said the people would have to wait till Monday before they will be allowed to enter.
Naturally, many people complained. "Why are they doing this? Rico is a public figure," they argued. Of course some had even come from the provinces to pay their last respect to their idol only to find out that the gates would remain shut to them after long hours of waiting under the terrible summer sun.
Despite the well-broadcasted strict security, people kept on pouring to La Salle every hour. It reminded me of Edsa Dos and Edsa Tres both of which took place at the Edsa-Ortigas intersection less than a kilometer from the school. Wow! These people haven't even met Rico in person and yet there they are. They weren't there hoping they could catch a glimpse of celebrities who would attend the wake; they mourning was genuine.
As for me, I waited for the proper time that Rico's family allotted for his friends to come. They said Monday night. Monday was my birthday but I still had go to my Ortigas office due to a big business turmoil. It didn't really bother me though; Rico's death reminded me that life is too short to be worried about material stuff.
In the middle of a pathetic meeting, I received an overseas call from a friend from my schooldays at La Salle. He wished me a happy birthday but was silenced when I told him the news on Rico's demise. He was also Rico's friend. They almost lived a parallel life except that unlike Rico, he never bothered to try show business though many swear they almost look alike.
That evening, accompanied by my father, I went to La Salle to pay my last respects to Rico. Fans were still there shaking the gates along Ortigas where they were supposed to enter. The gates were closed to the public as early as 5 pm but people still kept on coming. The security guards where using a megaphone to keep everything in order. I saw some people sleeping on the streets in their sleeping bags.
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People crowded the busy street of Ortigas Avenue outside
La Salle Greenhills where Rico Yan's body lies in state. |
We entered through La Salle's main gate. As an alumnus, I had no problem entering after showing the proper identification. The school has changed so much since the last time I've been there. The Divine Child chapel itself, where Rico's body lies in state, had also undergone major renovation.
Most of Rico's other friends were outside the chapel oblivious to the crowd peeking at the gate near the chapel. Before I entered the chapel I took a minute to reply to some text messages. Some were surprise birthday greetings from long lost friends. Then I shut my phone off.
The chapel's door was closed shortly after we entered. The reason was the evening mass was just about to start. Before taking my seat I looked back outside the glass doors and I saw none other than the former First Lady, now Senator Loi Estrada standing outside.
The mass was short but very solemn. Afterwards, I viewed the remains. Rico looked regal lying inside the bluish casket. His face looked bright and peaceful. It doesn't look like he has make up. His hair was neatly combed; far from what it looked like the last time they took pictures of him at that fateful beach resort. His gray suit was clean and ironed.
Honestly, I never saw him that formal. Especially when I remember the last time we met. It was in Megamall. He just came from a dance rehearsal and seemed to be trying to catch his breath as he softly spoke.
Rico was always upbeat, enthusiastic, and ready to burst with laughter anytime. He may look formal in his eternal sleep, but the appearance embodied the real quintessence of his greatness.
Even as I bid my personal farewell to my friend, I also took the liberty of conveying to him the affection, esteem, respect and gratitude of the millions more who may not be given the chance to transmit their messages in right front of him.
Who could ever forget the images on TV such as the old lady paying her respects on the street outside? One late evening, Rico saw her selling in the streets and asked her to wait. He came back later to give her 10,000 pesos just like that.
As I made my humble exit, I did see some politicians and celebrities. Veteran actor Eddie Garcia stood out. I didn't know he was that tall. Almost instantly I recalled one episode of a TV drama where Rico took care of his old and dying teacher played by Mr. Garcia. The story had a twist in the ending for it was the balikbayan boy played by Rico who died first.
"That was one eerie drama you made," I told Rico before. "A lot stranger than what happened to me in 'Paano ang Puso ko?'" he replied referring to his movie with Judy Ann Santos where he also died.
Remembering all those on a night like that made me feel like I was in the twilight zone. Only, this was real.
Then I realized Rico believed in The Force. He such a Star Wars fan like I am. I'm not sure who has more action figures between us. Once we were discussing why the bodies of Masters Yoda and Obi-wan disappeared when they died but not so with Master Qui-Gon.
He asked if I've come across reading about what it felt like to be one with the Force in any of the Star Wars books I've read. "Probably euphoric since one would easily be able to absorb all those cosmic energies in the absence of the physical body," I answered.
"But Yoda and Obi-wan took their bodies with them," he snapped back. Unable to get an answer from me, he said, "Man, that George Lucas is so hard to put up with!" He handed to me a newspaper and pointed at something. "Read this," he told me. It was an article where Lucas was saying something about the droids not remembering anything is insignificant but the Jedi Masters disappearing are.
So, Rico's probably smiling now, knowing the answer while the whole world still has wait for some answers in next month's showing of Episode II and three years from now, Episode III.
There's a Jedi saying that Knights are measured by their abilities but Masters are measured by their compassion. If that's the case, Rico would surely pass for a Jedi Master as attested by all the people he helped. Even in heated arguments he always maintained a soft voice. I'm talking about real life here.
Last year we had the chance to discuss what had occurred during the Estrada impeachment trial. Like him, my grandfather was also a Colonel in the army so I love to talk about politics. I passionately squabbled that the defense was right about the second envelope and that the impeachment trial should be allowed to continue.
He thought otherwise, that it was just a kangaroo court. I can no longer remember his exact words but I do remember how calmly he disputed his views with me.
As you all know, Rico called upon the youth during Edsa Dos to help topple President Estrada's government. He and Eric Fructuoso were convinced that the President was indeed guilty and he should step down for the sake of the nation. Many young people were encouraged to go with these prominent young artists leading the way.
I thought otherwise and I told Rico I was displeased he supported the uprising. We were both so passionate about our political views. He knew I was at Edsa Tres later. It would be hypocritical to say that our friendship wasn't in danger.
Arguing about politics or religion is one of the surest ways to lose a friend but not so with Rico. He knew how to handle a friend. Even difficult ones like myself. How to handle different kinds of people is an art. Even the most intellectual people find themselves at lose when it comes to dealing with people.
But how smart really was Rico? I have no idea how he fared academically, but let me share one of his winning moments that only I know about.
About a year ago he saw me playing chess over the computer. No, he doesn't play the game as much as I do but he does know how. In fact, I never got to play even a single game with him. But when I told him that I was playing at the Internet Chess Club and that my opponent is in another country he thought it was cool and asked if he could try it himself.
Little did he know that I set him up against one of the highly rated young Eurasian players who was online. This player used a code name and at that time, I was one of the few who knew who he really was. I was glad both of them took their game very seriously.
Honestly I was hoping Rico would get smothered so I can laugh at him. And what do you know! Slowly he took control of the game. His highly rated opponent must have realized he wasn't playing a patzer. An hour later, Rico did he manage to emerge victorious! Sure, he was pleased, but Rico doesn't really follow the sport so he doesn't fully realize just how good the player he just vanquished is.
Thinking the triumph might just make his head big, I didn't bother to elucidate it to him. Now, I resent myself for not saving the score of that game. He really won. Not because his opponent got disconnected or anything like that. It was a scuffle and Rico nailed a well deserved win.
I heard Rico's mother say that she didn't realize until now just how many things her son had done or how many lives he touched whenever he goes out of the house. I like to add, "and how many surprises he pulled off!"
I've heard it a million times that it's not the length but the quality of one's life that matters. I couldn't figure out anyone else I know who has accomplished so much spiritually, materially and intellectually as Rico did in such a short life. Come to think of it, I don't think I'll ever.
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