I’m not really close to Arnel, but I was sad to learn that he passed away last Tuesday. I don’t know know the full details but it seems he succumbed to complications of a respiratory condition. The wake is at San Felipe Neri Church in Mandaluyong and the funeral is tentatively on Sunday.

Arnel was one of my councilmates back when I was a representative of my department to the Engineering Student Council, as well as a party-mate; he was one of the IE department reps then. He’s gay and he was definitely one of the liveliest people I’ve ever worked with. There was never a dull moment with him around.

His passing marks a milestone in my life. He is the first among my more-than-mere acquaintances and within my generation to pass on.

“Eternal rest give to him, O Lord, and let perpetual light shine upon him.”