How is it to have a friend like Randy? And how is it to lose
a friend like Randy?
Between having and losing are some notable events of our friendship that I really love to tell.
Our friendship covers more than three decades. I became his besr friend and according to him as posted in his facebook "My only BFF, Ted MIno." that's his. caption in one of my fb pictures
Best Friend almost always become a member of the family. And I become one in the JImenez Family. So I have an additional of 10 siblings, Nene Joji, Mama/Marion, Baby Ruth, Stela/Bembem, Ivy, Malou, Bongbong, Nonong and Dodoy. And whar follows were string of events that as family member I was invited. Notable events that really made Randy happy was during the high school graduation of Aisa in Assumption. I observed that there was an award that he really applauded loudly. I ask him why such reaction since there were other awards given to Manang Ais. He answered proudly, that Manang Aisa dont bother with other awards except one, the BEST IN MATH. Meaning that Randy also prayed hard for that award. to make her niece happy. So many family parties followed. wedding, debut, birthdays, christmas parties, then comes the baptism of Tootz and the last one the Baptism of Aly. where we had our last picture together.
If you asked for Karisma or Charm Randy is oozing with it. Events in Iloilo City which needs the presence of designers, the organizers first choice is always him.. The event is livelier with him around. Randy has the gift of gab. He could tell stories which only he could tell which amazed everyone listening or make them roll with laughter.
He shares his knowlledge. Indi sya daluk. If a fellow designers asked for some assistance regarding some intricate designs, he was ready to help even giving them ideas on how to make stylish beadwork designs. Others would never do it. You need something to wear and you cant afford to have one he will glaly lend you one , or sometimes gave you one
He could feel your sadness too. Especially your heartaches. "He will just sadly look at you and say " makaluluoy man ang akon amiga." Then he'll just be there in silence. Then after a while would tell you 'lakat na ta ma one-B , one B na kita.(which means lets have a bottle of beer.)
There's one story in Bakhaw where Randy save some seniors in the flood. he help lift them up to the roof to save them from drowning. He got some wounds because of that. But he was happy that he was able to save. them. Then those people never failed to share with him the foods they had cook. When their children from abroad arrived here in the Philippines they were so grateful with Randy that they brought lots of stuff for Randy.
Then in his senior years, wonder of wonders, when some designers were retiring, Randy career bloom or took a gigantic leap. More customers came knocking at his door. When you cal him for an event, he was not available, he's in Manila, the next day in Cebu, the next day in Bacolod. He was so busy then, and the only time when we could see each other is when Manang Joy would request for a design for a new gown. After every session with manang Joy we ended up havng lunch at Tato'ys Randy's favorite dining place. And there was a time that Manang Joy told him to order his favorite foods for take out. Happily he ordered his favorite lechon, one whole chicken and some others. He profusely thanks manang Joy. It was the last time.
Then you asked me , "how is it to lose a friend like Randy?"
" Wala na ako ka chat everyday." is my first answer.
The pictures of the foods he cook and posted in his FB will cease.
Wala na ko friend nga mag comment sa mga new pics ko nga nagasiling 'Ang maanyag ko nga amiga."
Wala na ko pictures nga ma receive from a friend on tour which says 'This pic is only for you Ted Mino.
If your the true BFF you will know these: Between my friend Randy and I.
We knew who is Angelo and I say" I promise to take good care of Angelo."
We knew who is Luis "I promise to treat Luis for breakfast too if I meet him on the street."
Some secrets, some events , but that's only for us.
"
Our friendship covers more than three decades. I became his besr friend and according to him as posted in his facebook "My only BFF, Ted MIno." that's his. caption in one of my fb pictures
Best Friend almost always become a member of the family. And I become one in the JImenez Family. So I have an additional of 10 siblings, Nene Joji, Mama/Marion, Baby Ruth, Stela/Bembem, Ivy, Malou, Bongbong, Nonong and Dodoy. And whar follows were string of events that as family member I was invited. Notable events that really made Randy happy was during the high school graduation of Aisa in Assumption. I observed that there was an award that he really applauded loudly. I ask him why such reaction since there were other awards given to Manang Ais. He answered proudly, that Manang Aisa dont bother with other awards except one, the BEST IN MATH. Meaning that Randy also prayed hard for that award. to make her niece happy. So many family parties followed. wedding, debut, birthdays, christmas parties, then comes the baptism of Tootz and the last one the Baptism of Aly. where we had our last picture together.
If you asked for Karisma or Charm Randy is oozing with it. Events in Iloilo City which needs the presence of designers, the organizers first choice is always him.. The event is livelier with him around. Randy has the gift of gab. He could tell stories which only he could tell which amazed everyone listening or make them roll with laughter.
He shares his knowlledge. Indi sya daluk. If a fellow designers asked for some assistance regarding some intricate designs, he was ready to help even giving them ideas on how to make stylish beadwork designs. Others would never do it. You need something to wear and you cant afford to have one he will glaly lend you one , or sometimes gave you one
He could feel your sadness too. Especially your heartaches. "He will just sadly look at you and say " makaluluoy man ang akon amiga." Then he'll just be there in silence. Then after a while would tell you 'lakat na ta ma one-B , one B na kita.(which means lets have a bottle of beer.)
There's one story in Bakhaw where Randy save some seniors in the flood. he help lift them up to the roof to save them from drowning. He got some wounds because of that. But he was happy that he was able to save. them. Then those people never failed to share with him the foods they had cook. When their children from abroad arrived here in the Philippines they were so grateful with Randy that they brought lots of stuff for Randy.
Then in his senior years, wonder of wonders, when some designers were retiring, Randy career bloom or took a gigantic leap. More customers came knocking at his door. When you cal him for an event, he was not available, he's in Manila, the next day in Cebu, the next day in Bacolod. He was so busy then, and the only time when we could see each other is when Manang Joy would request for a design for a new gown. After every session with manang Joy we ended up havng lunch at Tato'ys Randy's favorite dining place. And there was a time that Manang Joy told him to order his favorite foods for take out. Happily he ordered his favorite lechon, one whole chicken and some others. He profusely thanks manang Joy. It was the last time.
Then you asked me , "how is it to lose a friend like Randy?"
" Wala na ako ka chat everyday." is my first answer.
The pictures of the foods he cook and posted in his FB will cease.
Wala na ko friend nga mag comment sa mga new pics ko nga nagasiling 'Ang maanyag ko nga amiga."
Wala na ko pictures nga ma receive from a friend on tour which says 'This pic is only for you Ted Mino.
If your the true BFF you will know these: Between my friend Randy and I.
We knew who is Angelo and I say" I promise to take good care of Angelo."
We knew who is Luis "I promise to treat Luis for breakfast too if I meet him on the street."
Some secrets, some events , but that's only for us.
"
I should have deliver it live but due to some circumstances I opted to have it written. Written messages is best preserved than spoken.
