thoroughbreds and kois

I attended our regular Tuesday club morning meeting yesterday at the EDSA shangrila whose leader is renowned columnist Max Soliven. As we all know, Max died of a heart attack last week while he was on the airport in Tokyo, Japan. At his table was a white candle with the usual pandesal and coffee glass that he used to drink while presiding our regular meeting. Everyone missed his loud laugh, his ascerbic comments about Philippine government and society. I remember the other tuesday when he asked me, "Jake kumusta na ang mga racehorses mo?". I said, "sir, ok naman po at nagpapanalo naman". "Good for you", he said and then went on to another topic. He was always like that, smiling when you look at each other eye to eye occasionally exchanging salutes if your table is too far away.. Before he leaves the meeting he would go around the table, shakes each others hand with a tight grip as if there is no tomorrow. He always tells everyone the life that he lived and that we should all be grateful... The passing of this man , who is so well respected and beloved by his colleagues in media, is a great loss. He was a man of peace. A man committed to the betterment of his country. I remember during the turbulent times of GMA's Garci and I'm sorry incident. He was very vocal in asserting what is best for the country. Always the best for his country.... Max and I collaborated in a one hour public affairs program aired on ABS-CBN and ANC several years back. I was sent by Gabby Lopez to talk to Max about this once a week tv program where he would analyze the country's events together with resource persons...The title of that program was IMPACT , which he said was a revival of his pre-martial law program also on ABS-CBN. It was where he exposed the rolex generals and the plot to impose martial law. Unfearing, this man is really outspoken and will fight anyone just to protect his country. When I asked him about the remunerations on hosting this program, he blurted, can you afford me? I said no sir. but youbeing on television is a great service for this country. And he nodded. Truly this man would prove later that his comments and ideas on national issues were followed by the leaders of this country... His selfless advice both on print and broadcast, advocating endlessly , that every Filipino must be rightfully treated and must have peace and democracy in his own country. There are lots and lots of wonderful things to say about this man. But words would never suffice. Just a heartfelt thank you, our Tuesday club Chairman for all the times we've been together.. thank you, sir Max jake jm.