Death of a Man

This is not a post-lent entry. Not a history lesson. Not a gossip column. Not a posthumous tribute or a suicide note. These are death stories, both historically and figuratively, that should remind us that death isn’t always about ending and losing.

What comes after death?

The Begotten Son. His death represented the greatest love the world had ever known. For the atonement of our sins and the gift of eternal life for those who believe, God has sent his only son to be nailed on the cross, a high price to pay so that each and every one of us shall live and enjoy life. His death was a miracle, having risen two days after His body was laid to rest. He was the son of God, redeemer of all our failures and shortcomings. Every year, in the month of April, we remember all His sacrifices in a week long observation, where we set aside all our worldly affairs and selfish ranting. It’s when we take time to humble ourselves and reflect on the true meaning of His death and how we can be real worthy of it.

The War Hero. April 09,1942, 76,000 starving and disease-ridden Filpino and American men were surrendered by Amercian authorities to the Japanese. The majority of the prisoners were immediately robbed of their keepsakes and belongings and subsequently forced to endure a 90-mile (140 km) enforced march in deep dust over vehicle-broken macadam roads and crammed into rail cars to captivity. En route, thousands died from dehydration, heat prostration, untreated wounds and wanton execution. Prisoners were beaten randomly and often denied promised food and water. Those who fell behind were usually executed or left to die; the sides of the roads became littered with dead bodies and those moaning for assistance. On the Bataan Death March, approximately 54,000 of the 72,000 prisoners reached their destination. The death toll of the march is difficult to assess because thousands of captives were able to escape from their guards. All told, approximately 5,000-10,000 Filipino and 600-650 American prisoners of war died before they could reach the camps. The American Commander had felt compelled to surrender the largest military force in American History. His decision to do so—whether or not considered the disobedience of an order—undoubtedly saved the lives of many men who otherwise would have faced Japanese annihilation.

The Bad Boy’s Brother. Before an actor, now an actress. That’s Bebe Gandangari, the emancipation of once action star Rustom Padilla, who is now dead as (s)he (her)himself confirmed in a television interview. After his admission on Pinoy Big Brother that he is gay, Bebe Gandanghari has indeed gone a long way, both in her personal and showbiz life. Now she’s even more popular that her ex-wife. And didn’t I just say that she even look prettier? Bebe Gandanghari has now gone full blossomed as a woman she said she’d always wanted to be. Without pretensions. Without care. Many have raise brows and criticized her “outness” especially her decision to dress like a woman from head to foot, saying that was just overboard and immoral. Just the same, many have praised and liked her for expressing the brave freedom that society has yet to fully embraced. She has become the embodiment that happiness emanates from being true to oneself and to everything else. Her new name has even had a deeper meaning, which according to her stands for her new motto, "be all that you can be..".

The Master Rapper. Just recently, the Master Rapper of the Philippines has succumbed to the Big C. The man who pioneered Pinoy rap will always be remembered not only as the one who introduced the rap genre to the masa but more importantly with the idealistic and patriotic message that accompanied his songs. His battle with leukemia has been fully documented in his on line blogsite and has been an inspiration to many as he post pictures of him smiling while undergoing medical treatment. His positive attitude amidst his perilous condition has garnered tremendous response and has helped create awareness of the disease. During his funeral, Filipinos from all walks of life has gathered together to pay him their last respect and admiration. For a short period of time in our violent and divided society, the Filipinos have acted as one, a beautiful single nation in a real kaleidoscope of colors.

The Man of Constant Sorrows. His death is something to look forward to. The end of sorrows, misery and pain. Too many confusing thoughts and seemingly endless frustrations can sometimes drive people to call it quit. I am. The time is calling at my doorstep. The man you know will endure all the tests of time is going down the drain, the curtains is finally closing. The other side of pain and exasperation is waiting to be unmasked. It’s high time to put a smile on the sad face. For always.

So what comes after death? Life and resurrection. Freedom and glory. Truth and boldness. Inspirations and unity. Birth and a new beginning.