Early this morning, I went to the Davao Light and Power Company's Bajada Office to pay the clinic's electric bill. When I walked into the main entrance, the first thing that greeted my eyes was the big poster hanging on the wall of the DLPC office. He sure was smiling in that photo. I remember that smile the day I walked into his office years ago, carrying a note from my father as a sort of "entry pass" to the DLPC Chief's office. When he extended his hand for a customary handshake and smiled down at me, I thought that he sure didn't dress like a CEO. He struck me as a man more comfortable with casual clothes, and that day, he was wearing a sports shirt, faded denims, and loafers without socks. What a "cowboy", I thought then. That was my first meeting with the man who never failed to send over Christmas goodies and gifts to my father every December of every year. Well, my father was the former Prefect of Discipline and English professor at the Ateneo de Davao High School where the DLPC CEO graduated from. That was how the DLPC honcho met my father and kept in touch with him all these years.

Well, I guess, this year, the DPLC honcho won't be getting in touch with my Dad anymore. Al, the DPLC's big boss was found dead in the guest room of his parents' home in Cebu last May 17. Al Aboitiz, the President and Chief Operating Officer of Davao Light and Power Company worked hand in hand with the Mayor of Davao City to institutionalize Rescue 911 for the people of Davao. Al had also allowed their family's property in Punta Dumalag to be used as a sanctuary for the endangered Marine Turtles. He was an important man and a big loss to the City of Davao. More than anything, he was a good student and friend of my Dad's.

Early this morning, I went to the Davao Light and Power Company's Bajada office. The first thing that greeted my eyes was the poster of ALFONSO Y. ABOITIZ. He wore his trademark smile. Only this time, his smiling face was printed on a tarpaulin lined with black cloth. All I could do was stare at his poster for several moments and silently bid him goodbye.

On my behalf of my father, your former teacher and in your own words to him the last time you were with him during ADDU's annual reunion, "The only teacher I care to remember"...here's telling you GOODBYE, AL. Thank you for the years of respect and friendship you've given my Dad. Goodbye, AL...may your soul rest in peace.