IN LOVING MEMORY OF DR. JEROME D. SANTOS

IN LOVING MEMORY OF DR. JEROME D. SANTOS
From Friends of UPIS Batch 1981

1/7/03 - FROM CECILLE SOLIDUM LELINA (upis81yahoo egroup message)

i am truly saddened by this news..... jerome was my classmate, and was my seatmate, in gradeschool. i am so thankful that thru our group emails, we were in touch once more after many, many years, and i got to know him a little more. 

batchmates, our email exchanges have made us all coser to each other. somehow, this lifts up my heart. But still, my heart is really heavy. this is the first time that a batchmate's passing away has made me cry. i am sure most of you feel the same way....

cecille solidum-lelina

1/7/03 - FROM LAARNI ARANAS (upis81yahoo egroup message)

It is always painful when we lose somebody. And while I was also hurt by the death of our other batchmates, I think the passing away of Jerome has affected me and pained me the most. I have yet to shed a tear, I guess I am still in shock.

When news of other batchmates' passing away have reached me, it was always after months or even years after ... anti-climactic ... I would just say a prayer and shake my head at the loss. But Jerome seemed to be just there. I have not been posting in our yahoogroups but I have been lurking around. I was taking comfort in the fact that you are all just an email away.

And then this.

Jerome, wherever you are, I want you to know that you will always have a speical place in my heart. You will always be in my prayers.

Arni

1/7/03 - FROM RENE CASAMBRE (upis81yahoo egroup message)

I knew Jerome in grade school, I think. I must have, right?. My dad knew his dad, we lived not too far from one another, we must have played together...marbles, trumpo, tex...But you know, it doesn't matter if I knew him then, because I got to know him through the group-site, and the emails. I got the sense that he loved to have fun, to live life! At the same time, he was very cerebral, and could put together intelligent, thought-provoking responses to some of the topics we discussed in our group. I am deeply saddened by his passing. 

As we go on in our lives, I thank all of you who made this possible. By sharing our thoughts, our hopes and dreams, our success and our failures, we become closer. And at the risk of being cliche, it is the friendships that we all value most. It's not the big boat, or the brand new car, or the house on the hill. Friendship and the comfort it provides - it's what we need. It's what we want. 

We want to belong. We want to know that we'll be missed. It's the yardstick of our true success in life. I miss you Jerome.

We all do. God Bless. 
Rene

1/8/03 - FROM GRACE OROPILLA (upis81yahoo egroup message)

I do not know Jerome very well, we talked on occasion of trivial things. I was not as close to him as the other physicians in the batch. It is quite a shock to me that this has happened. I just read his last message and he said "still alive and kicking". I cannot believe it. How can that be? I am in my office unable to work because I cannot understand. Only people you don't know die. It's ironic 
that I deal with death everyday and yet I cannot understand. That is what I do, prepare patients and their families for that eventuality. I am sorry I am ranting, I just have to...

We should all appreciate our life and live it to the fullest. We just do not know what can happen.

I think we should celebrate his life. For all the lives he has affected. For all the people he has helped. Let us all say a little prayer for him.

Grace O.

1/8/03 - FROM CHRISTINE ALCOBA REYES (upis81yahoo egroup message)

I was so shocked and saddened to hear of Jerome's death. I am walking around in a daze. I knew of him in high school, but didn't know him personally. However, I got to see the kind of person he was through his postings. What I appreciate most about him was the way he took the time to acknowledge folks in his e-mail, addressing them by name and reacting to their kwento. May God bless Max's family with peace in Jesus Christ and the comfort of His Holy Spirit during this difficult time. And hugs to his mates in Oz, Joel and Liani.

with love and prayers,
Christine Alcoba Reyes 

1/8/03 - FROM BEN LORICA 

I knew Max well from grade school (we were classmates several times), HS (he was my platoon commander), and college (we were "block mates" in an 8 person BSBA block). We also volunteered for the U.P. chapter of NAMFREL in 1986. As a UP Math faculty member for a year, I also got to know his parents -- both UP Math faculty members. There are just too many memories ....

We lost touch for over a decade and briefly reconnected, via email, and at the reunion last 2001.

He was a good friend and I will miss him. 

Ben

1/10/03 - FROM ERWIN FLORES

Last September, before he was supposed to leave for Australia, "Max Taga" was inviting me for a drink. We saw each other at Glorietta, where I work at Gold's Gym. He was with Armando Barreda. Now I regret not having dropped what I was doing and went drinking with them.

When I read Jerome's email, I couldn't help but smile and remember Jerome as a cadet officer when he said "still alive and kicking". It's quite intriguing, the origin of that phrase. As COC's, during tough grilling sessions, our Cadet Officers would ask us how we were doing. We would respond by shouting, "Still alive and kicking, sir!" This would show, often miserably, our toughness and seeming ability to withstand pressure. The phrase had been, quite noticeably, deeply ingrained in Jerome's vocabulary, showing how his short stint in the para-military has greatly affected his life.

Jerome was my Alpha-1, my main man, and my number one guy. He was the 1st Platoon Leader of Alpha Company, which I was the Company Commander of, and that is a very prestigious position. Alpha-1 is usually given to a Cadet Officer Candidate who is a contender for Company Commander position. "Max" was my contender; which was why I had a lot of respect for him. One could very well say that he was supposed to be the best platoon leader. No offense to my brod Rex Palma, Bravo-1 (under the command of Bravo Co. big boss Michael Jude Bagadiong Abundo who has been living for quite sometime now in the beautiful country of Canada), and who went on to pursue a military career same as that of his forefathers.

Everyone who knew Jerome Santos in high school will never forget his famous ballpen twirling. A lot of us tried to imitate but could never surpass his skill. Max and I had some other similar interests like physical fitness. Even in high school, one could judge from his physique that Jerome did some weight training. Same as our co-macho-man Jesus Alonsagay, Max loved to show off his push-up skills ranging from one-hand push-ups to multiple claps and turnabout push-ups. Watching them do their stuff, the Octomaneuvers will be put to shame. They were the equivalent of breakdancers of olden days.

I have many more fond memories with Jerome "Max Taga" Santos. Some too embarrassing and ridiculous to broadcast on the net. I'm sure you guys have a lot of cherished memories of him, too. So here's to you Jerome, my main man, my best guy, my A-1! Here's to our grand glorious time in the Corps! I'm sure, maraming beer sa langit!

ERWIN FLORES

1/10/03 - FROM ROLLY PEREZ

Jerome, or "Max" as close friends love to call him will be remembered by many. He has touched a lot of us in many ways. I am very grateful for the chance to know him better through the upis81 egroup and SBBGandFriends with batchmate Joel Yago. Through Jerome's recent postings in the egroups, he shared with us a great part of who he was. From his frequent long drive and visit to best friend Joel Yago in Brisbane, Australia, to his exciting story when he realized his dream of scuba diving in the Great Barrier Reef, their meeting with batchmate Liani, their surfing, to his Timeline wherein he shared a summary of his life's past decade and many more.

Noong nagsisimula kaming magbolahan sa egroups, naramdaman ko kaagad ang sarap ng pakikipagkaibigan niya. Alongside his very good sense of humor (bikining itim), is his genuine concern and thoughfulness as a friend. It's not a surprise as I slowly start to realize that he's got tons of friends. 

I will miss him for all that he had shared with us. Inggit ako kay Spin (Joel Yago :) and his closest friends. I also feel so blessed because I got the chance to know him better through the egroup. The "Kaktus ni Pektus" story will always put a smile on my face. If he was able to touch my heart through his PC keyboard, I can just imagine his special place in the hearts of  many close friends. Jerome will stay with us through all the wonderful memories he has shared. 

I will reflect upon his passing on as a reminder that we are on borrowed time and that we should cherish and live each day as if it was our last. Spin mentioned that Jerome gave him a book with a dedication that says "Live your life to the MAX."

Thank you for your friendship Max.

Rolly Perez
Below is Jerome's last email posting (message # 550) in the UPIS81 egroup:

From:  jerome santos <santosjerome@yahoo.com.au>
Date:  Fri Dec 27, 2002  7:04 am
Subject:  response kay roly

rolly, still alive and kicking ang max.

I am almost 1 year old in Australia. This is my last
few hours of work before I go for a three week
vacation. Mamaya, drive ako to Brisbane to be with
Joel and other friends. Sunday morning, I will be
flying to Manila. Yes, my first christmas away from
the Philippines,pero marami na rin akong mga paskong
malayo sa pamilya dahil nasa palawan ako for some
years. Regards sa lahat ng mga batchmates. I hope to
see some of you in the Philippines. I will be home
until Jan. 20.

Happy new year

jerome

1/10/03 - FROM JEROME CARIASO

When the e-mail of Jerome's death reached me on the morning of January 8th, I had to read the message again. It was just a few days back when I read his last e-mail message regarding his trip back home. And here I am, reading this sad news, as I am about to start my day at work. Suddenly, I am truly distraught by the fact that I have to thank Jerome for this day of work I have.

Jerome or "Jerry" as I was acquainted with him, given the fact that we share the same first names, were not close as most of my batch mates were with him. I did not have that distinct privilege. I know him as a batch mate and also as a fellow physician.

Before I left the country, I had a chance encounter with Dr. Jerome Santos at the DOH office. I asked him about his job in Palawan. He gave a candid and raw summary of his experiences. And strikingly enough, you could glean from his face that despite the working conditions, he had fun and immensely enjoyed the place and the people. I envied him for that. In the cynicism that surrounds our shared profession, here is a doctor who enjoyed being one. That squarely contrasted with my position at that time. My career plan was all about professional enhancement, and it bothered me at that time that I did not have fun with it.

Jerry gave me the "envy" to search for the fun in our supposedly altruistic pursuits. And when I did three months of voluntary community service in Liliw, Laguna and Floridablanca, Pampanga, I truly understood the sense of fulfillment and appreciation that he mentioned during his work, despite the harsh conditions. He inspired me, in that short encounter we had, to have fun and enjoy each experience. And basically, that is what has driven me to continue to pursue the fun and enjoyment in my profession.

And as I start the day, I thank God for each day he has given us and I thank him for Jerome and the inspiration and fun he gave. Thank you, Jerome.

JEROME CARIASO, M.D.

1/12/03 - FROM APOL PASTRANA

Letter to Jerome

Jerry,

Your dearest friends have started to write memorials about you … but I find myself still bewildered and in disbelief… it will be awhile before I can come to terms with your passing. It's me alright... your long lost childhood friend, Apol. Both time and distance led us to different roads and it deeply saddens me that we're not to meet once more.

I've watched your life from afar ... beaming with pride on your accomplishments; celebrating your becoming a healer; secretly routing for you when life's challenges seemed less favorable, and now grieving when life's promises seem broken.

Your passing is a deep loss - to your patients and their families whose lives you've saved and healed; to your family whose loss of a son and a brother which words cannot convey; and to those fortunate of us to have known and know of you. We all bear the imprint of your spirit.

If you are to leave, I hope we start by giving thanks that it's a funeral of one and not of two. I hope that your memorial is not of tears but of laughter. I hope that your relations and friends laugh as they remember you - your idiosyncrasies: the way you stick your tongue to the corner of your mouth when you're in deep concentration; the easy, confident and shy smile; your mischief: the pranks you've pulled and the ones we've pulled on you; the quiet heroics that needed recognition and the long awaited secrets we all knew but couldn't tell. Each I know will bear testimony to a good life, an honorable spirit ... as we give you leave my dear friend, know that the best of you is now in all of us.

Your estranged but otherwise loyal friend,

Pol Pastrana

1/12/03 - FROM PERCIVAL FLORES

I went to Jerome's wake this morning, 13 January 2003 at around 8:00 a.m., right after I dropped my son who is studying in Claret. I heard the news from the friend of my sister. I am saddened by his death.

I remember the last time I saw him was around summer of 1998 at--of all places--UP Lagoon, where I brought my wife and son along so they would have an idea where I used to hang out in college.

There were two ducks swimming in the pond, whose feathers were stained with blue ink in their feathers. My wife asked why it is so? I answered maybe its because they are already voters and they just registered for the elections. Apparently overhearing our conversation, Armando Barreda (Sepu) suddenly approached me and said:''Sinasabi ko na nga ba ikaw yan eh." Max Taga was there with him and smiled rather sheepishly (typical Jerome smile). Other than the usual kamustahans, nothing more was said. 

Max Taga and I were never close at any time, but he is from our high school class and with him dying so young, with potentials unfulfilled, it also gives us an intimation of our own mortality.

Perkins.

1/12/03 - FROM MICHAEL FERNANDEZ

I've come home to pay my last respects to my childhood friend. I knew Jerome since I was 7 years old, when my family settled in U.P. Campus, and became the Santos' neighbor.

We had played together from the simplest games of tex, jolens, uno, tumbang preso, taguan, patintero, blackjact, turumpo; competed vs. each other with our live spiders, climbed guava trees, swam at the UP pool, went to caroling and so on. Some rites we had done together too: Catholic confirmation; circumcision at PGH on the same day, and joined him at UPSCA.
One of the most vivid memories I had with Max was the bycicle trips we had. Please see attached mail below.
The second most vivid memory is: my father had been ill and on one April Summer, my father suffered a heart attack at home in UP Campus and I was trying to revive him but to no avail. So I also momentarily rushed out to call for help and one of the first to respond was Pre-Med Student Max Santos and Dra. Cynthia Lazaro. Jerome had helped me carry my dying father to the ambulance.

The last but probably the most vivid of all memories is during elementary days I had received regular visits during afternoons from the same-aged kid across the street. He had a winning smile and a catchy laughter. We had shared our kid intimate secrets such as crushes and infatuations. We had talked in each of our verandas (or porches) about pets, weather, science projects and others. He had given me his time and friendship. He had shared to me part of his soul.

So, I bid farewell for the last time to my childhood friend. Farewell Dr. Jerome "Max" David Santos. Farewell my friend.

Michael

-----Original Message-----
From: jerome santos [mailto:santosjerome@yahoo.com.au]
Sent: Friday, June 28, 2002 10:00 PM
To: SBBGandFriends@yahoogroups.com
Subject: [SBBGandFriends] padjak

Billy Michael, ang lalim ng tinutumbok ng padjak mo ah. Napaisip ako ng husto dun. 

Sa tingin ko, habang buhay, padjak lang ng padjak. hahaha. Ang importante siguro, hindi natin malimutan ang saysay ng pagpapdjak nang tayo ay bata pa. At ang
mga tungkol sa lakas ng loob, determinasyon at pinakaimportante - pagkakaibigan, samahan papunta maski saan, pagbisita sa kaibigan sa malayo. 

Ang laki ng impluensya ng pagbibisikleta ng ating kabataan sa akin Mike. Kaya nga hanggang ngayon, nagbibisikleta pa rin ako at naghahanap ng kabike. Hinahanap ko lagi yung samahang bata. Yung mala "Stand By Me" ang dating. 

Ang layo ng naabot natin ano? tapos paguwi, sasabihin natin sa nanay natin pagtinanong kung saan tayo nanggaling, diyan lang sa tabi tabi. hahaha.

ano na ba ang status mo diyan sa Japan Mike? Nandiyan ngayon si Liza a, utol ni Spin. May training ata siya ng dalawang linggo.

max

-----Original Message-----
From: FernandezMichael [mailto:mfernand@upis81.org]
Sent: Friday, June 28, 2002 4:44 PM
To: SBBGandFriends@yahoogroups.com
Subject: [SBBGandFriends] Re: VHS tapes etc.


Max

Oo nga; bata pa tayo noon. Sa umpisa Area 1, Area 17, o UP/Teachers Village lang. Naging Kamias, Kamuning, Cubao at naging Lagro, Fair View, Marikina, binisita pa natin si Giovani sa Antipolo noong college tayo, at bumalik pa tayo doon noong 90s. Hindi natin alam kung paano tayo makakarating at 'di nakasisigurong saan tayo mapapadpad, tapang loob lang. At noong nating maabot at matikman ang katas ng panibago't pinaginipang lugar; pumadyak at pumedal patungong pauwi. 

Parang tayo ngayon. Bukas papadyak kaya tayong pauwi?

Of course ang "bukas" ay maaring kapag magretiro na tayo. Di ba?

Regards and enjoy kayo sa Town of 1770, Australia!

Sige,

1/13/03 - FROM JOEL V. YAGO (SBBGandFriends)

Si Jerome, Jerry, Jer, Max Taga, Maxidoo, Maxidoodle, Doc Max, and lately Andres eh iisang tao lang. To his very close friends and our tight little group formed during our high school days, the Sepu Bara-Bara Gang, he is simply called-MAX!

Si "Max" was not just a doctor and a credit to the medical profession. He was a "complete" friend and a healer, and a credit to the human race. Yung mga nakakilala sa kanya was changed by him, inspired by his commitment to give practically and literally everything of himself. Ganyan si Max makipagkaibigan-bigay todo, bigay lahat. I used to laugh at his expression…"sasamahan kita hanggang sa pitpitan nang bayag!" (Tama ba Sepu?) Ganyan siya dumamay, ganyan siya magmahal…all out.

In my very selfish way (H'wag kayo maiinggit:-), me and my family had the rarest opportunity to experience and be with this unique life, my dear friend in his last year. Maraming kwento, madami ding adventures, and most of all maraming memories…Max, Salamat! All I have to do know is remember. Sabi nga nila, wala daw fence or hedge around time that has gone, pwede nating balik-balikan and have what you like…if you remember it well enough.

"Maxidoo, sa iyong pamamaalam to pursue the next chapter of your "adventures", ang daming nalumbay na mga kaibigan mo dito sa Australia, America and the Philippines-from up 43°N to 27°S, karamihan mga chicks! Running hot yung telepono ko dito sa bahay at puro mga chicks silang umiiyak."

Max has touched so many lives here in Australia in such a short time he's been here, paano pa kaya yung sa Pinas. It stretched from people from all walks of life:

--kids. Oh, how he love kids! Napaka-patient makipaglaro sa bata. And you can really see he genuinely enjoys playing with them. What a guy!

--to young biyudas and old ones as well. Ah, eto kailangan sa mga "maboboteng" usapan na bago ako magkwento.

--to mother's and even lolas, can you imagine!!! Well, if he's in a roll he's in a roll. 

His secret, ang sabi niya sa akin…"Go for their mothers! Yan ang pinakamagaling na future investment na gagawin mo." Kaya ang biruan namin, "Sino namang soon to be mother-in-law ang kasama mo ngayon?" FYI lang, siguro hindi nyo alam pero kaibigang-kaibigan niya yong Nanay ko! Anak ng kangaroo, muntik ko pa pala ikaw Max maging bayaw!

He's just a great people person. And he dreams, oh yes he dreams. He dreamt that one day he'll get to see and dive in the Great Barrier Reef. Wasted no time and did it. One of his dreams was to have his own grand piano. May karapatan naman talaga. You should have seen him play, walang sinabi si Ka Richard (Clayderman). Basta may grand piano daw siya wala na siyang hahanapin pang iba. On many occasions here in Brisbane, wala kaming ginawa kundi mag-piano store hopping. A few months back he almost bought one, unfortunately napigilan ko lang. Wala naman pa kasi siyang paglalagyan and he said "I was hoping na baka pwede munang 'iparada' sa bahay mo". Now, I think about it, I should have let him…dream fulfilled na sana. Max, I hope you got your grand piano up there practicing that favorite tune of yours-'Ang Bikini Mong Itim' for when we meet again magkakantahan tayo. Sepu, mahal na mahal ka talaga ni Max, ano? He gave you a knapsack full of gifts (daming picture mags, ano?) when he came home. Na-discover mo na ba yung nakasinggit sa isang small pocket nung knapsack? Ano pa kundi…Bikining Itim! Saan kaya galing yon, naikwento na ba niya sa iyo? Huwag mong kalilimutang kantahan si Max nang favourite tunes niya! Idamay mo na din si Jess (Alonsagay) at si Raj (Francisco) para bunuin naman nila ang "To All The Girls I Loved Before".

Ganyan si Max, always having fun, as much as possible gusto niya masaya palagi. One very close friend here in Ozland wrote: "You've shown us how free spirited you are and we who had been shackled by the domesticity of married life envied you. You'll be missed dearly."

Yes, he lived each day as though it were the last. His motivation in life was to serve the less fortunate that is why he stayed in the rural communities Palawan, served as a medical consultant sa show na "Kapwa ko, Mahal Ko", walked up the foothills of Mt Banahaw every year since the early 80's to be the bearear of gifts for struggling farmers and their families etc etc. Unfortunately, due to the political greed of men in government he had to vacate his post. Nakakita na ba kayo nang duktor na ipinag-rally nang taong bayan just to keep his post? (type his name in the Google search engine and you can read about it in the web)

Better end this message soon otherwise baka pagalitan ako ni Rolly (Perez) who is compiling this for Max's love ones. I'll end it with a short poem he knows by heart:

Gather ye rosebuds while ye may
Old Time is still a-flying
And this same flower that smiles today
Tomorrow will be dying

(It was a line from his favourite movie, Dead Poets Society)

"Carpe diem" my friend Max….Seize the day! Live life to the MAX!

Max lived an extraordinary life and I'm thankful for those great memories.

Cheers mate! Until we meet again… you'll be dearly missed.

Joel "Spin" Yago
Member
Sepu Bara-Bara Gang

1/13/03 - FROM MIKE CARLOS 

Dear Batchmates,

Me and my family passed by Claret to condole with the family of the late Dr. Jerome "Max Taga" Santos yesterday (9:30am, 12 Jan. - Sunday). 

Only two people were there, Max's uncle and Sepu (A. Barreda) who spent the night there. Of course we started off with the standard question of what happened and Sepu filled us in on the details. He was also griping that he had to tell the same story over and over again everytime a guest arrived, and wished that he had a tape recorder so he could just turn it on everytime he was asked the same question. 

The accident happened further north of Roxas, Palawan (about an hour or so) where Max owned some property. Sepu said Max used to have a clinic in Roxas in the mid to late 90's. In the late 80's, Roxas used to be four hours north of Puerto Princesa (by rough road) when I lived there for about half a year with Pedro Faulan (we did the mine reserve estimate for the silica sand mine of Republic-Asahi Glass). Sepu and I then reminisced
on Jerome's monicker - "Max Taga" and he told Max's uncle that I was the culprit who gave him that name. I asked Sepu how Max would explain to his acquaintances how Jerome became Max and he would say "Mahabang kuwento yon eh. Mayroon kasi akong loko-lokong ka-batch noong high school....." 

How I wish when we share some memories that it would not be during these sad moments when we lose one of our batchmates.

I was able to inform some of our batchmates of the wake details and interment, e.g., Armando Basug (we see each other every Sunday since we go to the same service - Victory Christian Fellowship at the UP Film Center), Calixto de Castro and Rey Perdigon (both by cellphone). My APO brod and sis, Pepito Fernandez and Rina Rosales, respectively; have also been informed.

Mike Carlos

1/13/03 - FROM ANNA SORIANO

Dear Batchmates,

I just came from the wake of Jerome at Claret School where Armando Barreda regaled us with a moving rendition of Jerome's favorite song, "Bikining Itim". Seems to be an adaptation of a tune used in a San Miguel beer add. Very catchy tune and easy to learn! Barreda should be recorded for all the batch to hear! 

I had earlier decided not to go the wake this evening since I plan to go to his funeral tomorrow together with my parents. I had sent text messages to Aissa and Bobong that I was not going to the vigil as planned by some batchmates. I was driving home at around 11 p.m. when I approached an intersection where turning left meant going home and turning right meant proceeding again to Jerome's wake. I said aloud, "Jerome, 'di na ako pupunta ngayon, ha? Bukas na lang." Still, I turned right and proceeded to the wake. Driving along Quezon Boulevard, I said, "O sige na nga... punta na rin ako." In my thoughts I asked for an affirmation that it would be worth catching up with whoever was still there since it was almost midnight. Then I thought, "Nga pala, Jerome, wherever you are, tulungan mo naman ako makakuha ng Student Visa ko to Australia!" (I was denied a Visa last year and am re-applying this year.) As soon as I said that, I turned my head towards the Quezon Memorial Circle and there in big bold letters was "MAX" --- the fried chicken restaurant! I never knew Jerome as MAX so I indulged myself in the thought that Jerome had appreciated my trying to connect with him and made his presence felt. :) He is really just here with us and I do encourage everyone to "converse" with him in your thoughts. Well, if that was not affirmation enough, Barreda's song number so lovingly shared with us definitely made my detour home well worth it! 

I learned of Jerome's death around 10 o'clock in the morning last Wednesday, 8 January 2003. Apparently my mother had been trying to reach me but I was in a spot -- just a few blocks away -- where my celphone did not have a signal. It was on my way to my parent's place that the message finally came in -- both from my mother and from Bobong Cutiongco -- that Jerome had passed away. By the time I reached my parents place my mother was already burning telephone lines to inform UPSCANs and the U.P. Community of this very sad news. My father was lying in his bed, crying profusely. I don't think he knew Jerome personally. It took a while for him to realize whose son had passed away. When he realized Jerome was Tito Ernie's and Tita Remy's son, then he broke down and cried. 

Jerome's parents and mine (together with my cousin Gigo's parents) go a long, long way back from UPSCA days in the 1950s. Jerome's father, Tito Ernie, was one of the mass servers during my parents' wedding and he was the one who made a scale model of the U.P. Chapel which decorated their wedding cake. Two years ago, on my parents' 40th wedding anniversary, we were still able to show to family and friends this precious piece of memorabilia. Aside from his speech therapy, occupational therapy, art therapy, singing therapy, one therapy that brings profound joy for my father as a stroke patient is what we call "U.P. Therapy." 

By "U.P. Therapy" this means my father being driven around the campus doing his share to care for it as a vibrant wellspring for future generations as it has been for him since his student days in the 1950s. He reports to the administration unsightly things he sees along the way like garbage dumped behind the sign at the entrance of the University Avenue or a waiting shed that needs a new roof or a sign that has been vandalized. He goes to the two Colleges he graduated from -- Business & Engineering -- and shakes hands with the lady guards on duty, even inspecting if their blouses are properly buttoned up! He just loves U.P.! The highlight of the trip is the chance he can hear mass at the U.P. Chapel. At mass he would see Jerome's parents among the daily mass-goers. Among my father's dearest friends, Jerome's parents are the friends he gets to see most often these days and so news of the loss of their son --who was just as old as me-- really pained him.

I do not recall ever being in the same section with Jerome although I've known him since gradeschool days at U.P. Elementary School. From the moment I learned of Jerome's death, the image of his face has not left me. I remember him always with a slight smile... I remember him to have clear skin... I remember him to be wearing braces (or were they retainers?)... I remember him usually wearing a white T-shirt ... I remember him very well. But I really did not get to know him much and I have to be honest in saying that the only time I really appreciated his genius and individuality was during that hilarious number of the Sebu Bara-Bara Gang during "Pagbabalik ng mga Peste 2001". I thought it took brilliant minds to come up with such a presentation with such wit and humor and, true enough, Jerome was the force -- the glue nga daw -- that bound the group together as stated in the dedication attached to the arrangement of flowers the SBG sent to his family. Jerome was "doctor, photographer, scuba diver, friend extraordinaire".... wow... bow! I never knew. 

It seems my stronger connection to Jerome was through my parents. After the 4pm mass last Sunday, led by Msgr. Manny Gabriel, I huddled with batchmates while my mother huddled with her own UPSCA gang. It even seemed like my mother was going to hang around longer than me! 

The past few days I've been thinking in what way is Jerome's passing at this time relevant to my own life and that of my family. The strong connection in the past is obvious but I thought there must be a legacy somehow that this friendship offered. 

Yes, that's it, it's "U.P. Therapy". With the high cost of medication these days, we must be resourceful and creative in our healing and in caring for our health. They say that sometimes a patient needs a good conversation more than medication. Or a nice view. Or a happy memory. 
Each homecoming to U.P. can be a great source of healing. It is such a beautiful campus with the Acacia trees offering that warm welcome back each time. 

The thought of the great gift of a U.P. education, the thought of dearest friends from U.P. offering their talents to humanity, the thought of my teachers and professors still "alive and kicking" (to quote Jerome in one of his last e-mails), the thought of U.P. Elementary school 25 years ago, the thought of UPIS 22 years ago, the thought of the College of Business 17 years ago, the thought of my parents meeting in UPSCA and being engaged in November of 1956 (a milestone they still celebrate every year!), the thought all of us 6 siblings getting a U.P. Education, the thought of my nieces and nephews now at the UPIS, the thought of UPIS winning the UAAP Basketball Championship for the first time, the thought of Aling Ising still selling Magnolia ice cream after almost 3 decades, the thought of the U.P. Chapel and the work of four National Artists housed in the Chapel, the thought of "Pagbabalik ng mga Peste 2001", the thought of my dear friends -- the Dracula Girls and the Suzies, the thought of Prof. de la Cruz still driving a car at 85 yrs., etc., etc., etc., the thought of Armando Barreda singing "Bikining Itim" to honor his dear friend before laying him at his final resting place here on earth.... the thought of Jerome and his work in Palawan and the "friend extraordinaire" that he was.... We cannot help but count our blessings no matter what difficulties in life we presently face. 

And so it is in loving memory of Jerome and his commitment to healing and service that I share all these thoughts of "U.P. Therapy" with you now. The doctor that he was, even his death offers opportunities for healing. 

I wish to convey my warmest greetings to the Sebu Bara-bara Gang and those of you who had the joy of having Jerome as your dear, dear friend. I would like to thank our batchmates who have shared their memories of Jerome. Your thoughts helped me get started for this sharing. I'll keep you posted about my Student Visa! If I get it, I'm sure Jerome had a hand in it! 

Very sincerely,

Anna Soriano 

P.S. There is a verse I'd like to share with you which I try to recite this everyday in prayer as I invoke guidance from departed family and friends:

Feel how we, with love, are looking toward the heights
Which now are calling you to other forms of action.
Send your strength from spirit regions 
To the friends now left behind you.
Hearken to our souls' entreating 
Trustingly sent after you:
We need here for earthly striving
Force that flows from realms of Spirit,
That the friends who die can send us.

Rudolf Steiner

1/13/03 - FROM ARRENE CAOILI-SANTOS 

Jerome was my classmate in College (Psych) and Med School and was my husband's groupmate in Med School. We have fond memories of him. Please convey to his family that our prayers are with them during these times of sadness, and may they be comforted with the knowledge that Jerome has indeed touched a lot of lives.

Arrene Caoili-Santos

1/14/03 - FROM DODO SAMSON

Dodo, who's in China right now would like to extend his condolences to the family of Jerome. Kapitbahay ni Odod si Jerome sa area at parati siyang tinatalo sa texs at jolens, kasama parati si apol pastrana. Nagkita pa raw sila ni Jerome kasama si Sepu sa shopping center bago siya umalis papuntang tsina.

1/15/03 - FROM GEORGE ROXAS (SBBGandFriends)

MAX TAGA,

Kamusta ka na? Eto kami nalulungkot dahil sa bigla mong pag alis para sa bagong buhay mo,ganyan talaga...
Sa daming nagpapadala ng sulat sa iyo halos lahat nasabi na nila, iba ka talaga sepu max.
Hindi ko na alam kung ano ang masasabi ko, Matagal ko na gustong gawin tong sulat na ito pero lagging nahihinto,alam mo na siguro kung bakit...

On the lighter side naalala ko lahat ng happy moments ng sbbg at mga gimmick natin as follows sana natatandan mo pa.

pag inom natin ng mainit na beer sa area 17 na pulutan ay viena sausage kasama si sepu barry @sepu dennis talaga naman mainit ang beer dahil nakabilad ang case sa araw...

natiklo tayo sa greenhills jerome santos taga UP BALARA daw george roxas taga UP BALARA daw remember hahahaha buti nalang walang picture

paglagay ng bulaklak sa kaktus ni pektus nakasama din ako doon gudamgaram na yosi

pagbisikleta sa antipolo papunta kina giovanni alarcon (hindi ako makasama dahil wala akong bike)

lahat ng biyahe sa puerto galera,batangas
barrio ilayang bukal quezon 2hrs hiking ang sabi mo 2 yosi nalang umabot tayo na 6
hrs hiking. si tisoy nadapa sa pagod at gustong barilin ni sepu parang kabayong baldado hahaha

ang pag inom ng lambanog kasama si dong-dong ang tanong kay dong dong, anong pangalan mo?angtanong? Dong -dong ispeling ay D-ON-G???

mga time lapse photography sa mga virgin na batis sa bario putol.

pag hanap natin ng pusa para sa sa zoo class mo pati alaga ng kapit bahay tinalo.

pag turo mo sa akin sa algebra alam mo naman bobo ako sa math " borrow 1 from 0 cannot be-take out the black board" as you said.

kinuhanan mo ng litrato ang titser ko na kalbo eksakto sa kintab ng ulo.

mga birthday party ng sbbg laging overnight...

ang ating sepu language ma-ta-doo ba?

hindi ko makalimutan ang iyong long distance love na si PET complete with pictures and letters..

ang dami nating nga gimmik na hindi makakalimutan, sa sobrang dami luha nalang.. mga kasalan at iba-ibang tawanan.
At ngayon eto nanaman gumimik na panibagong buhay sabi nila "new adventure in your life" Ikaw talaga Max hindi ka mapalagay...Alam ko ngayon nasa maayos kana...
Kung bakit ka nauna dyos lang ang nakakalam,bikining itim akin kakantahin,
mainit na beer akin iinumin, vienna sausage akin pupulutanin, 
mga problema hindi mo na kailangan isipin. 
gudamgaram akin hahanapin Ultimate adventure iyong narating 
balang araw dadatnan din namin, ihanda mo na ang malamig na beer at mga
ihaw-ihaw matinding kuwentohan magandang sanmahan.

kamusta nalang dyan MAX TAGA

Sepu GEORGE

1/15/03 - FROM RAJAN FRANCISCO (SBBGandFriends)

Hello Jerry,
Kamusta ka na diyan?

Noong isang araw nanggaling ako sa handaan mo. Nakarating ako sa Claret ng mga 10am at inabutan ko lang yung tiya mo. Matagal din akong nagmumunimuni sa labas. Maganda rin yung contrast dahil yung Resurrecion Chapel ay kaharap yung playground ng Claret. Sa gabi hindi mo pansin pero sa araw at schooldays ay masaya sa labas. Panay boys kaya I thought all of these lively little boys had a certain Max in them.

Meron ding dumating na taga Cuyo pero hindi naman ko ka kilala kaya hindi ko na sila rin kinausap. Napagalaman ko na lang kay Sepu na may gimmick din pala dun. Dumating na rin ang ermat mo at si Balbas. Nagrosary sila sa harap mo. Si Balbas at ang Tiyahin mo ang nakaluhod tapos ang Ermat mo ang nakaupo. Medyo na-touch ako ng pinatatayo ni Ermat si Balbas eh ayaw tumayo at tuloy ang dasal niya. First time kong makitang lumuha si Balbas at marinig ang fatherly voice niya.

Dumating din sila Adib at Alou para masinagan ka pero hindi na sila puedeng pumunta sa Himlayan.

Doon sa UP Chapel maraming mga kaibigan at kapitbahay. Maraming memories at parang reunion although for a short time lang. Si Karl Poblador ay first time kong nakita for so many years galing pa yatang HongKong. Nakita ko rin sina RN Ferrer pati sila Benjie at Patrick. Hindi ba mga business partners and friends ito ni Balbas? Si ReyPer nandoon din at nakapagasawa na rin pala. Si Sepu natuwa sa kuwento niyang pinaglaruan mo ang sapatos niya.

Maganda rin ang misa ni Father Robert. Napahagulgul nga si Sepu. Sabi ko na lang kay Sepu na huwag ng umiyak at baka mapagkamalan ng tao na meron relasyon kayong dalawa. Mahirap na at baka akalaing eklabs ka eh masama naman yata yun.

Gustong gusto ko sanang maintindihan yung eulogy ni Balbas pero masama talaga ang sound system ng UP Chapel. Gusto ko sana ipakuwento kay Alyssa pero nung nasinagan ko sa malayo eh iyak ng iyak kaya akala ko hindi na rin niya naintindihan. Meron lang tatlong words ang naintindihan ko. They are sacrifice, service and love. I think I know the context these words are being used by your Dad. When I try to reflect on these noble ideals, I am not even half the man that you are. Being a father to two little boys makes me understand how Balbas feels. Huli na para sa akin pero I will try to raise my kids to the ideals that are dear to you.

Oh sige na at mahaba na to para sa akin. Huwag mo nang sagutin yung mga tanong ko at baka magkaleche leche ang tulog ko.

regards,
Rajan.

1/25/03 - FROM REX PALMA (sent thru batch1981@aol.com)

Dear Batchmates,        

Losing someone that you know is really a hard thing to grasp. It only shows that we are all here on Earth on borrowed time. Jerome (Alpha-One) will surely be missed by all of us. Who can forget somebody whom I shared  COCC-life and Cadet Officer - life together. He was the best Alpha-One Platoon Leader.          

Keep marching Alpha-One!  
REX

2/7/03 - FROM IRENE ROSAL-MAGNO (posted in upis81.org guestbook)

Message:

Condolences to the family of Jerome. Nakakalungkot mang isipin, isa na naman sa atin ang nawala. I'm sure, wherever you are now, you are at peace with our Almighty Father.

2/8/03 - FROM RUFI VIGILAR (sent thru email & posted in upis81.org guestbook)

I forget how long ago, but an e-mail from Jerome addressed to the whole batch had coincided back then with my plans to see Palawan. I wrote him, thinking that on the off chance I might get a local resident's insight on the province instead of having to rely on a travel agent's hype. Unexpectedly, and quite promptly, he responded with a chatty and longish letter ending with an invitation not to neglect dropping by where he was, should chance bring me to Palawan. I thought it a true gentleman's gesture on his part to make time, whether from his work or leisure, to write back to a batch mate whom he hardly knew apart from a nodding exchange along the corridors of UPIS. That, apparently, was the only decent conversation, faceless and disembodied as it was, that I ever had with Jerome. As work has a way of stealing one's time, I never was able to make that trip. So much lost time has now been punctuated with the sad news of his passing. But I will never forget the voice and spirit of his letter - warm, sincere, so full of interest in life, and a ready willingness to share. I bet that smiling attitude had healed many, and better perhaps than any potion out of a doctor's valise. It rubs off on you, as the saying goes, like a salve. And in that, in hindsight, it bore a sense of what's close to eternal.

3/19/03 - A FRIEND FROM CLARET

I had become close to Jerome Santos and Erwin Flores when we became platoon members during Summer 1980 C.O.L.T. at UP in Diliman. It was a rather unique training in that it had to be handled by The Weekend Rangers instead of the UP Vanguards. 

I vividly remember Jerome's cheerfulness, tenacity, and discipline. He was baby-faced, then. I remember my camaraderie with Erwin Flores and several of his UPIS batchmates --- Jerome was an easy-going but 'war-freak-kuno' type. As officers in 4th year, our Claret CO Batch 1981 became all the more united with the UPIS CO's as we frequently visited each other's schools. With my aunt being the principal then at UPIS, I had learned to love this school as my second home. Jerome was always there to welcome me and my batchmates whenever we visit UPIS in the afternoons of some weekdays and Saturdays.

 It's so touching to see names of other good friends on this memoriam site such as Rex Palma, Armand Basug (UP FA platoonmate), Rufi Vigilar (a, elementary classmate of mine at Claret circa 1976-77), Rolly Perez (if I am not mistaken - also a former Claretian). 

Jerome --- pray for us here on earth as we await the repercussions of the war on Iraq. I am honored that in a way, you have been a Claretian at heart, even unto death. 

Godbless,
A friend from Claret CO Batch 1981

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