Hambayuti

I’ve already had 2 friends die on me this year…and now a 3rd one.

Was at Villaggio yesterday. Turned on the telly to watch TFC as soon as I got home. TV Patrol was running. Then…it hit me.

“Master Rapper Francis M. has passed away…”

WTF?!??

I dropped all my shopping bags and ran closer to the TV. Maybe I heard wrong. I MUST be hearing things. Sure. That’s what happened. I think…

So, I moved closer to the TV and turned up the volume. I didn’t mind going deaf then. I just had to get the facts straight.

But…sadly, I wasn’t hearing things. Francis has passed away.

I froze. I felt like I was in a daze. Then…I started to cry.

Don’t get me wrong. It’s not like Francis and I were super-besties. But I did meet the man sometime ago…a long time ago.

First saw him when I was in Elementary. I had a busmate who was his neighbor. I’d see him every afternoon with his friends out in the street breakdancing. He’d always smile and wave to my other high school busmates, who, unfailingly, would always act starstruck whenever they see him.

Fast forward to a few years more. I became friends with his brother and eventually met him. He was so famous for his song “Mga Kababayan” but “Cold Summer Nights” and “Girl Be Mine” were on top of my list then. I’d see him in a couple of bars while hanging out and he’d always come by to say “Hello!”and chat for a while. We also have common friends so we’d bump into each other every now and then.

But…there was a time when we did get to be friends. Just for a short while…and if I may say…it was time well spent.

I was a mess during those days. Long story. Yet, he’d always give me encouraging words. He’d share his experiences and the lessons he learned. He’d always be more than willing to scream “Heads up!” whenever he sees me “running straight towards a brick wall”. I’d just smile and shrug. He’d always give ma a good pat on the back and would say “things would be better”. All these and more. And slowly, our worlds drifted apart.

(*sigh*)

I didn’t get to sleep well last night. Was up by 5a.m. Had to get in touch with old friends who knew his as well. I need to send my condolences to his family. Still working on it…

Anyway, until then…

ME: France, it’s me…Abu. I’m at peace now. I wish you the same…

Love and prayers.

xoxo