A buddy of ours passed away today, Christmas morning in Manila. His name is Rolando Aquino. We call him Lando. Yes, like the original owner of the Millenium Falcon. He’s the guy on the upper right of this photo. This is how I’d like to remember him – at his peak with most of his life still ahead of him.

We’ve been classmates since 1st grade at Notre Dame of Manila. I was best man to his wedding and godfather to his first born. All through high school, we listened to Jackson Browne. He chased all the women and I watched him have fun. We had one hell of a fucking great time. All through the years I’ve known him, he always watched my back and was always on my side.

So long my classmate, my brother, my dear friend. With so much love.