John Quincy - Gone Too Soon.

It isn't unusual for me to receive a phone call from my brother Mark early in the morning, but then instead of the usual scene where I hear my niece or my nephew shout out "Nanay," I heard the name of one of my friends in grade school. "Jacko." John Quincy passed away today at 3 AM. We're not close, but we somehow get along pretty well when given the chance.

I'd be honest in this write-up about him. I didn't like him in grade school; he was the typical playful, sweaty, smelly schoolboy... I would have described him as "dugyot" or uhugin. He was friends with some of the boys I am friends with though, and it was during these interactions when I found him to be very friendly. He did not make much of an impact to my life.

John Quincy Soberano
Nov 22, 1979 - Feb 3, 2014

High school came. I know for a fact that he studied in the the exclusive boys' high school back home, and then after first year, I saw him in my school, together with Paulo, the other guy I was close with. I wasn't surprised. I thought... Oh yeah, he was probably kicked out because he didn't do good in that private school, or he probably did some nasty things so he was kicked out and he landed in that public school.

College came. The only memories I have of him are those times when I see him dressed in that orange overall during Holy Week, Panagbenga, Summer, and all those other festive events in Baguio. I figured... Wow, this man, this "jobless" man is a hero. He has dedicated himself in "rescue" operations. That stuck to me. I don't know whether he got into college, but what the heck, I still wasn't surprised. He didn't seem like a responsible guy - the typical "father" in the family. I didn't know at this time whether he had kids or not.

The era of employment came. Still the same "Jacko." I still saw him in those orange over-alls. This time I thought, wow, this is extreme. How could he survive being a volunteer; not being paid in the job? He's happy and content just like this? I didn't know yet whether he had a family. I had mixed emotions of "panghihinayang" and awe, in the sense that, he was living his life like this, even as a kid. No job, he was nobody, yet everybody loved him. He had a lot of friends.

Then, thanks to Facebook, I saw him again, but no different than how I've seen him. Still the same "rescue" looking guy I've always remembered him for. We didn't really talk. I just saw in the past that he had heart problems, and that he would sometimes be confined in the hospital for days because of his illness. I concluded, maybe that's why he couldn't get a job, because he is sick. Yet, wouldn't it be risky that he's saving others' lives when his life is also in danger?

About two or three weeks ago, I saw a post on Facebook in one of our high school groups. People are asking for donations for the hospitalization of Jacko. I felt bad, but also had some mixed thoughts of giving him some money too. I didn't think it was serious though, so I let it pass.

What great timing naman, I've been talking about ECG for the past weeks, while Jacko is having a hard time with his heart. I regret so much that yet again, I didn't pay attention to what I felt about his situation. It's not so much the money, but I wanted to let Jacko know that I also cared for him.

You are indeed ORANGE Jacko. Here's an excerpt from http://www.empower-yourself-with-color-psychology.com/color-orange.html

The color ORANGE radiates warmth and happiness, combining the physical energy and stimulation of red with the cheerfulness of yellow. ORANGE offers emotional strength in difficult times. It helps us to bounce back from disappointments and despair, assisting in recovery from grief.

The color psychology of ORANGE is optimistic and uplifting, rejuvenating our spirit. ORANGE brings spontaneity and a positive outlook on life and is a great color to use during tough economic times, keeping us motivated and helping us to look on the bright side of life.

With its enthusiasm for LIFE, the color ORANGE related to ADVENTURE and RISK-TAKING, inspiring physical confidence, COMPETITION, and INDEPENDENCE. Those inspired by ORANGE are always on the go!

ORANGE is extroverted and uninhibited, often encouraging exhibitionism, or at the very least, showing-off! 

ORANGE relates to social communication, stimulating two way conversations. A warm and invitng color, it is both physically and mentally stimulating, so it gets people thinking and talking!

ORANGE aids in the assimilation of new ideas and frees the spirit of its limitations, giving us the FREEDOME TO BE OURSELVES. At the same time, it encourages SELF-RESPECT and RESPECT of others. ORANGE is probably the most rejected and under-used color of our time. However, young people do respond well to it and has a degree of youthful impulsiveness to it. 

Jacko, you're another one of my friends who passed away too early. Somehow, I'm inclined to believe that the good people die early. You are a very good person, Jacko.

YOU left us too soon, too young. I'm happy that there will be no more pain for you, no more "heart aches." 'Till we meet again my friend!