Those who went ahead

This is the time of the year, when we are all reminded that our lives here on Earth are just temporary and time will come when we will pass away.

Many might consider it a grim reminder, but for me, I think it is very practical that we accept the fact that we won’t be around for eternity.

The book The Five People You Meet in Heaven by Mitch Albom, one of my favorite authors, has inspired many to come up with their own list of people they hope to meet when they pass away.

While others may want to meet the former stars of their sport, my list would include a few who were very close to me. Unfortunately I can’t come up with five, but these four would do.

First should be my father, Nonilon Frasco Quiñones, who despite passing away when I was only seven years old, had been a major influence in my interest in sports. Papa Nonic used to take me with him to the recreation center at the Sangi compound of the old Atlas mines where I got a chance not only to watch him play tennis, but also to watch basketball and bowling games.

Another one I hope to meet would be my grandfather Cipriano Rosal Quiñones, Sr., who helped make sure that I would get a chance to play sports while I was growing up. Lolo Opring never failed to wake me up at dawn on weekends so I could do my road runs and kept a close watch while I worked on my timing in long jump, my favorite event in athletics.

I’d also like to see my former boss, Glenn Perez Basubas, who was the sports editor when I was accepted into the ranks of sportswriters. Glenn passed away not too long ago, but I guess there would have been many more things that I could have learned from him.

The fourth in my list would be legendary sportscaster Joe Cantada, who is my favorite sportscaster of all time. Joe died due to lung cancer and I never got to meet him face to face. Maybe when I would pass away I will.

Let us remember our dear departed and pray for their souls. This is also a good time to be with family and friends.

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After losing game 1 of the World Series, the New York Yankees pulled off a big 3-1 win in game 2 behind AJ Burnett and star closer Mariano Rivera to tie the series with the Philadelphia Phillies.

My good friend Oliver Rondez, who once was very active in the karatedo scene in Cebu, but is now based in the US, sent me email the other week about the fiesta atmosphere in Philadelphia when the Phillies won the National League Championship Series.

I’m sure there was also a big celebration the other day when the Phillies won game 1. I’d like to apologize to my friend though as I am looking forward to seeing the Yankees take the title.

This does not however mean, I’m not happy to hear from an old friend and I look forward to exchanging more mails with him in the future.

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MILESTONES: Happy birthday to my compadres Joselito ‘Jiji’ Gullas and Leonardo ‘Jojo’ Roa, Jr., who are turning a year older today. The two are not only dear friends, but also among those I look up to as big brothers.

The same greetings also go to my mistah Sherwin Gabrinez, football coach Robert ‘Kidd’ Nicart and shooting champion Sandino Cinco, who are also celebrating today.

Tomorrow’s greetings go to Marianne Yu-Tanco, Julie Itaas and Marlon Auza.

More power to all of you!