This post was written when one of the most influential and talented personalities in the Philippines, FrancisM, passed away last year. A year ago today, one of the biggest personalities passed away. Michael Jackson, you love him or you hate him, was undeniably talented. One way or another, he gave what he can offer to a world that asked quite a lot from him. I respect him ultimately for his gifts to the world of music. Regardless of his shortcomings, he was loved by many. His music clearly transcends his death.

This was the effect to me of  feeling the loss of a great Filipino patriot and icon. Now, this is how I see what time really does, with respect to life, and with respect to death. All we can really do is continue to learn as we live.

***

Published: March 9, 2009

For many years I have discounted the old adage, “the older you are, the wiser you get”. Perhaps it is because even until now, I am usually younger than my peers. Or, perhaps it’s just many times in the past, I’ve met people older than me who simply baffle me with their, well, lack of wisdom.

But after the death of FrancisM, and after I wrote my entry as a tribute to him, I finally found the meaning of that quote – or, at least it finally meant something to me.

As you age, many significant occurrences happen in the world (and time) you are living in. You witness many significant people and personalities that you would choose to be influenced by, i.e. FrancisM. These people have lived, and died, and you have witnessed their wonderful life, and you have been influenced by their words, and you have learned from their principles.

These people, those younger than you, will never get to know, will never get to be influenced by them. At least not the same way. And they will only be an image of the past – of something old.

And it is these significant occurrences/significant people in your lifetime that make one who has witnessed the most wiser than those who have witnessed less.

Of course, there are still those who did not choose to learn in their lifetime, and they will still continue to baffle me.