"She died on August  16, 2011 at the age of 22, but our friendship will not end because of her death."


During elementary years, I had three bestfriends, named Kean, Ryan, and Herlo. We were among the top 5 students of our batch. Here came the girl I hate the most, her name was Mikay, my gradeschool enemy [before]. This girl was so fierce "matapang", noisy and an average student.  Since, I only made friends with the top students, so she did not qualify for my so called "standard"[yabang]. Also, I don’t like the way she act and speak. She's like a gata salvaje.

But the story had changed when we got into high school. My three bestfriends and I got separated. Kean enrolled in the city, Ryan and Herlo, although we were still classmates and friends, but find their comforts with other companions. And now, I was with non-regular and changing friends. Then I have no choice but to try different mix of friendships. There I got a chance to befriend with Mikay and also with Alvimie, Charisse and Yvonne. As our friendship evolved, I noticed that she was bubbly and very sociable. She was the exact opposite of my personality. But our differences made us even closer. That when I'm with her my introversion fades away. And if she's with me, her grades got better[assumption]. We became lunch buddies together with Ryan, Yvonne, Jerra Mae and Sheryl Lyn. We also became closer and share each other's dream.

After high school, our paths cross differently. I became lucky that I got a scholarship from a reputable college in Bacolod City. However, due to poverty, I feel pity for her for dreams may end up for nothing. She had no choice but to work at young age to help her family. She worked as a cashier at Gaisano Mall in Bacolod and later she decided to work in Manila as housemaid. But Mikay was still eager to continue her college as she believed that education will be her only weapon and treasure that will always remain and protect her on her personal battle. That’s why I greatly admire her. After years of working as housemaid, she went back to Bacolod and asked me if I could help her in searching for scholarships, but we found none. Another misfortune and financial difficulties arose which require her to work again as housemaid. Before she left for Manila, I promised her that I will help her achieve her goals and dreams. After 7 months, I texted her that I got a work in Manila as junior accountant. She even congratulated me for what I achieved. However, she informed me that time that she was on her way to the Province (Candoni, Negros Occidental) and she complained that she was half paralyzed which alarmed me. I asked her why but she was uncertain.

After 2 weeks, I was informed that Mikay had brain tumor and diagnosed as brain cancer and I don’t know what stage was. I was scared that I may lost my bestfriend. She who puts confidence in my heart, she who inspires me, she who never leaves me and she who shows happiness in the midst of struggle. I went back to the Province to see her condition . I really feel her agony and struggle that I tried to hold on my tears to drop. And as I was looking at her, a picture of desire to survive for her dreams was still alive. However, after 6 months of struggle, her mission and agony ended.  She died on August  16, 2011 at the age of 22, but our friendship will not end because of her death.

Mikay, the the way you inspire me is unique. I really admire you for being a happy and strong woman. Our world may be exactly different but I am proud that you are my bestfriend. Thank you for the confidence you left in my heart. Mikay, its been two years since you left us but I will never forget you. I love you and I miss you.