In honor of Horacio

Dear Horacio Castillo III,

I have never met you personally, but when I found out about your death, my heart broke. You were a student of my mother and she always talks about you so I had no words when she came home and told me you were found dead in Tondo due to hazing.

I was filled with grief, then anger, then sadness. Because even though we have never seen each other face to face, I felt like I already knew you from my mom’s stories. She said you were a very sweet and thoughtful person, that you would message her at midnight, asking about career decisions and life choices. She said you would always visit her in the office even though you already graduated from political science and moved to civil law. She said you were like a son to your professors and an amazing friend. Just from their stories alone, I can see that you were a great person.

You didn’t deserve this Kuya. I wish you didn’t join that frat. You should have just walked away when they started hurting you physically. You should have reported them. You should have said something, to your professors or to your friends. You didn’t need to get into that frat. They don’t deserve to be in the company of someone as great as you.

I was told you wanted to be remembered, to be relevant and leave a good mark in this world. Kuya, you will always be relevant and important.

Rest in peace, Kuya Horacio Castillo III. Heaven has gained another special angel.

NIÑA RODRIGUEZ, ninamrdrgz@gmail.com