by Dennis Eroa

When we were young and careless (progressives is a better description), Erwin Tulfo, now one of the country’s leading public servants, told me that he would not let me down. We were talking on the ground floor of UE’s College of Arts and Sciences Building and he assured me that he would always back me up. Both of us were staffers of The Dawn, UE’s college paper and tutored by Rey Bancod and Jimmy Abriam Cantor.

Other batchmates were Dennis Fetalino (Rest in Peace), Bobby Capco (Rest in Peace), Jimmy Perez (Rest in Peace), Faith Llaguno (Rest in Peace), Dave Gomez, political cartoonist Net Billones, one of the country’s top EENT specialists, Jerry Alcayde, Nat Sagun, Levi Clyde Almalvez, Jun Lopez, Innie Williams and Noel Bartolome.

It is worth noting that loveable Joe Antonio (Rest in Peace), Ding Marcelo, and former Philippine Sportswriters Association president Rey Lachica, Jun Lomibao, and Chito Manuel once graced the pages of The Dawn, which once upon a time was the largest student newspaper in the country based on circulation.

Decades later, the youngish-looking ACT-CIS Partylist Congressman and House Deputy Speaker, Tulfo remains true to his words. He never abandoned me.

Now on a bigger, prominent stage, Tulfo remains committed to serving the people. His heart is for the poor and he’ll always go the extra mile to uplift the condition of the masses.

Maybe, you are perplexed why I wrote about Tulfo and the Dawners. On Labor Day, I was rushed to the intensive care unit of the Allied Care Expert Medical Center-Baypointe inside the Subic Bay Freeport Zone. That was after my regular 4-hour dialysis. Turned out, I was chilling uncontrollably. I didn’t know what happened next except that brain surgery was needed because the CT scan showed that there were blood clots in my brain.

It was very clear that unless the blood clots were removed, I might suffer a stroke because my blood pressure shot up and become comatose. My eternal gratitude to the prayer warriors from the Holy Trinity Parish headed by Fr. Larry Villafuerte, my FB friends, PSA friends Nelson Beltran, Gerry Ramos, Josef Ramos, Marc Reyes, and long-time friends Manny Salgado, Gil Cortez and Bryan Yalung

While recovering, I got hooked on the homilies of Fr. Dave Concepcion, Fr. Jomarsus Gatus, and Fr. Fidel Roura. I kept my faith. Jesus Christ tested but never abandoned me.

My apologies but I need to mention prominent people who helped me survive the ordeal. Batangas First District Congressman Eric Buhain, an excellent sportsman and the man who rescued Philippine swimming from drowning in a sea of internal fighting and mismanagement was gracious to help. Olympian and many-time champion, Buhain, while serving his constituents is determined to regain the glory of Philippine aquatics with zero politics in choosing the best swimmers all over the country.

Danny Espiritu, known for his deep concern for the well-being of young and veteran players, PBA Commissioner Willie Marcial, Ever Bilena’s Dioceldo Sy, my high school batch (Dyne 1981), Rose Fabian of ARCC Dialysis, Doctor Maria Josefa Peralta, nurses Reymen, Ina, Claire, Avie and Gaudencia aka Janet, Fr. Butch Omana and Tito Abs and Tito Dar, who live in the US.

Two pleasant gentlemen in the class also gave me hope. I realized that life is wonderful and when some things go wrong, it is not the end of the world.

While gazing at his fleet of yachts, Johnny Valdes of Johnny Air Cargo said to me that I only need to call him and he’ll be there. He is a true friend way back. Terry Capistrano, a huge name in Philippine swimming and chief of Philippine athletics, was gracious. Terry’s a silent but effective leader. Johnny and Terry, whose favorite color is green, are well-known and respected in the business and sporting circles.

The outpouring of support melted my heart.

I need to mention the solid support of my family headed by my cool wife Lorna, my sister Maricris, sons Jef, Joachim, and Elijah, Dala, Teresa, Angel, and Lou, and my mother-in-law Nenita.

Lorna’s friends Violeta, Emily Beth, and Bhel Avilanes also came and I have to mention the understanding of the Olongapo City Budget office headed by Joy Fernandez for Lorna’s continued absence.

Olongapo City Mayor Rolen Paulino Jr former DSWD chief Jun Pascua and now officer-in-charge Nova Codoy also assisted me. The young Paulino never let down Olongapenos and my hope is for my city to have its own Malasakit center in the soonest possible time. Also, Congressman Jefferson ‘’Jay’’ Khonghun of the First District of Zambales continues to help dialysis patients.

My road to recovery is slow but on track.

Truly, we are just pilgrims in the world. Let us savor the hours that we’re together and the moments when tears flowed and joy exploded.

Timely move by Senator Bong ‘Malasakit’ Go

They roared in approval and Eya Laure could not help but roll onto the floor as a staff of Senator Bong Go, known for his Malasakit centers all over the archipelago, announced P200,000 bonuses each for members and coaching staff of the bronze medal winner Alas Pilipinas in the Asian Volleyball Conference Challenge Cup.

In fairness, Senator Go did not use the occasion to gain popularity by personally announcing the incentives in front of a jampacked, delirious crowd. He was a shadow, unlike other politicians who like to hug the limelight.

The Filipinas, young but gritty, deserve the adulation of a nation looking for role models. By repeating twice over Australia, Alas proved to the doubters that they all have the right to wear the national uniform.

There are lessons to be learned, though. We crumbled against Kazakhstan and from the looks of it eventual champion Vietnam is like climbing Mt. Everest. Then, there’s world-class Thailand.

Don’t lose hope, however. Written off by bashers before the tournament due to its lack of experience and big names, Alas must always look at the past to improve the future. The nationals must find wisdom from their failures and let go of the old ways to innovate.

That bronze is golden. Kudos to the Philippine National Volleyball Federation for building a team that proved that the Philippines is beyond traffic, high cost of living, and power trippers.