FAREWELL TO A FORMER BOSS




Today we said goodbye to one of the very few good bosses here at the office…well, I haven’t really been here that long to be able to compare ex-bosses since I have just been two years in this office but from what I have gained from the chats with officemates, VAM has been one of the few who have been good to them. You see VAM has always been on the lookout for the employee’s welfare – under his watch, we have always had a health card (of course, it helped that he was also a prolific user of it having so many sickness and all!) But still, with a boss like VAM, you never need to wonder whether the office would be giving out its regular mid-year and pre-Christmas bonus…you just have to ask when and how much…he has always been someone you can go to and rely on to seek intercession to the ‘big boss’ in case of any personal or professional problem.

I guess, that’s also why among the three deputies in the office, he is considered the most senior and also the most loved…which is why many were saddened with his sudden passing…the last time we were with him was during preparations/meetings for another out of town trip just a week or two ago and we were all quite surprised that he was unable to join us during that fateful trip to Bacolod. In fact, he was brought to the hospital on the day before our departure but since the preps have already been made we pushed through with the event without him…little did we know that we would not be able to see him alive… when we returned to the office he was still in the hospital and a few days after, he was already dead…

The entire office joined the family last night during his necrological services at Forbes Park church where his wake has been held for a week. I texted my uncle about his mistah’s death and he just sent some flowers…I guess he can’t make it to Manila this time, or maybe he’s just too busy. And today, we likewise came in full force to see him finally laid to rest at the Libingan ng Bayani. After all, being a former general he deserves to be given his rightful place in this place reserved for heroes…but more than all his military accolades and accomplishments, he is also a true hero and savior for us employees... farewell Sir VAM, may you rest in peace and continue to watch over us there in heaven…