Farewell by Raymond Launchengco
We used to be frightened and scared to try
Of things we don’t really understand why
We laugh for a moment and start to cry
We were crazy
Now that the end is already here
We reminisce ’bout old yells and cheers
Even if our last hurrahs were never clear
Farewell to you my friends
We’ll see each other again
Don’t cry ’cause it’s not the end of everything
I may be miles away
But here is where my heart will stay
With you, my friends with you
Yesterday’s a treasure, today is here
Tomorrows’ on it’s way, the sky is clear
Thank you for the mem’ries of all the laughters and tears
And not to mention our doubts and our fears
The hypertension we gave to our peers
It’s really funny to look back after all of these years
Farewell to you my friends
We’ll see each other again
Don’t cry ’cause it’s not the end of everything
I may be miles away
But here is where my heart will stay
With you, my friends with you
Farewell to you my friends
We’ll see each other again
Don’t cry ’cause it’s not the end of everything
I may be miles away
But here is where my heart will stay
With you, my friends with you
With you, my friends with only you
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I know it’s more of a graduation song but then I admit that whenever I hear it, it reminds me of Richard Tugas, an officemate who I knew in a very short span of time like a year and a half, and yet has to leave for his family in Ilocos.
When I started at DBP, he is the first guy who stole my attention. He has the “tall, dark and handsome” charisma which made me admire him first. Days, months have passed and we have been closer as he was transferred to the GL team. More so when I enjoined their group with their lunch, miriendas and night out. The Banchetto Story was the most memorable I think. From Banchetto to Metrowalk to Klownz- Araneta where in fact, nothing pursue except for the Tapa King and Starbucks’ unplanned sessions. It’s a long story, but truly laughable and unforgettable.
He started then to tell his story, his family, his kid, his only baby girl whom he always have pasalubong. Then I admire him more, and came to a point that I already told myself, “lucky is the one”. But not until a news popped up that new branches will be open soon. And one of them is the Vigan Branch. Time easily gets on the scene. Unknowingly, he is starting to drift his way towards his family, away from us. And one day, I just realized that this is really it. That someone, again, has to leave. Happy and sad- these are the two ironic words that I feel yesterday, knowing that it is the last time that I will see him around, as my officemate. On the 18th of the month, the Vigan branch will start its operations, he has to be there. He has to leave now.
Without a thorough planning, we organize an event that will truly capture his heart. On our credo, a monday afternoon forum, we alloted time to say thank you to him and sealed his journey with our good lucks and love. Truly, it breaks my heart when I see a man cry, which he just did. I know that he’s happy with his decision, but then at one point, it’s hard for him to just go and leave his family here at the bank, where he grows and learned a lot in his short stay.
Night came, and another farewell party was organized. He don’t sing, but then we know that a KTV will give him his most memorable goodbyes from us. At Center Stage- Jupiter, Makati, – we had our probably last night out with him. Bucket of beers, lots of dishes, plates of chicha, sisig, crispy pata were there with us to grilled the night. It was then a funny night but when I heard that song farewell played by one of my colleague, I didn’t keep myself from crying and started to wipe out those breaking tears. The sadness, I have to fight it so as not to ruin the night. I think its really my weakness, saying goodbye to someone who you regard as important, a friend, a family. And just like any story, that night also has to end. We wave hands and promises were once again build, to keep on contact and see each other again. Its pretty hard. Its painful. Its ridiculously sad.
And to you Sir Chard,
Thank you for all the laughs and stories. Until next time. Hopefully, we can visit you back there at Vigan, and have the chance to meet your little angel. We love you chardy. I will miss you.
