I have been meaning to post an entry on kapatid na Ferdie. I found the best opportunity today, inspired as I am by the photograph above. It was taken at Cameraderie's photo exhibit at the Philippine Embassy Chancery last Friday [Feb. 23], in celebration of National Arts' Month. The photo shows [from left] Dennis, Chris, Ferdie and me. The exhibit coincided with the induction of officers of the camera club. The induction and the exhibit was graced no less by the new Philippine Ambassador to Saudi Arabia, H. E. Antonio P. Villamor.Ferdz, as he is more fondly called by friends, is one of Dennis' oldest friends in Riyadh, with their friendship dating back to the early 1990's. On and off ang nature nung friendship specially during the time when Ferdz was very busy with a performing arts group he founded. The friendship however was somehow rekindled these past few years. And as I always say about rekindled or new-found friendships, we're all the better/richer for it.
At the induction ceremonies, it was frequently mentioned that Ferdz finally, has decided to leave Saudi Arabia after about 15 years. Cameraderie planned on roasting Ferdz but when the supposed roaster stood up, she became quite emotional and never did make fun of Ferdz. Instead she lavished praise on Ferdz. Praise, if I may say so, that is well-deserved.
Ferdz has been so giving not only to his friends (including us) but to the Filipino community in Saudi at large, through his various involvement and participation in many activities of organizations which he invariably founded or served as one of the founding members. A nurse by profession, Ferdz also found passion in performing and in photography. As a photographer and as one of the founding members of Cameraderie, Ferdz has travelled to the other major cities of Saudi, such as Jeddah and AlKhobar, to organize workshops for other Filipino photography hobbyists and enthusiasts. On a personal note, Ferdz had been instrumental in helping bring back my brother to the Philippines after a prolonged stay in the Middle East.
Kung madami mang natulungan si Ferdz, equally marami din ang heartaches and difficulties he had to endure lalo na from unwarranted intrigues from certain individuals and groups. Pero based nga sa napag-aralan ko noon sa Sociology, where there are humans, intrigue thrives. For sure, Ferdz will be the first one to admit he is not perfect and he may have been responsible for causing heartaches and difficulties to other people but to describe Ferdz as bad or evil even for causing such, is vile and unjustified.
Anyhow, intrigues, heartaches and difficulties aside, this gentle giant deserves more than them. Kung ako nga lang ang masusunod, dapat Bayaning Pilipino din si Ferdz. Kaya lang, parang he deserves more than even such kind of an accolade din. Sabi nga nung roaster nya, Ferdz' most admirable quality is the pureness of his heart. Just about any other title or award would not match the invididual it purports to elevate.
Mabuti na lang, Ferdz is oblivious to these. Importante lang talaga sa kanya, in the pursuit of his passions, marami din siyang natutulungan at napapaligaya. Dun lang, more than sulit na.
Photograph by Rommel Sanchez.
