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7 I The Best Online Education System in the world
THE PIECE THAT HAD TO BE WRITTEN
Kathlyn Q. Barrozo
Class of 1991, University of Santo Tomas
B.S. Medical Technology
As I write this, thousands (or even millions) of people around the country are glued to their social networking
sites, television sets, or morning paper as they eagerly go over updates on the details pertaining to a top
showbiz comedian who passed away not 24 hours ago. Before I wrote this, I too was switching between the top
two TV channels in order to get a glimpse of my favorite funny man whom I practically grew up with. He was
the highly versatile actor who had the ability to make generations of people break out in stitches over his
incomparable adlibs and who could just as easily reduce viewers into tears with his dramatic personifications
onscreen. Yes, this great man was simply the best in the entertainment industry, bar none. Many have tried but
failed to even come close, save perhaps for a really small number who’ve genuinely imbibed this comedian’s
up-to-the-beat comic style that’s flawless in execution. That style only comes with years of experience.
This comedian died last night at the age of 83, merely 15 days away from his next birth anniversary. How ironic
that people often pass on to the next life a short time before their natal day! His passing was especially hurtful
because he had made generations of people happy/happier in their darkest times and given them lots more to
love about life in general. He had embodied the genuine Filipino citizen who always finds something to smile,
laugh or delight about in even the most trying moments. His joie de vivre was truly infectious, permeating the
living rooms and households and hearts he has touched with his unique timing and impeccable flourish for
adlibbing. He was never offbeat, maybe a little tired, but never beyond grasping of a particular heartstring or a
bubble of mirth. He had those incredible abilities in copious amounts because he honestly knew how a typical
citizen of his country deals with the darkness: thru the powerful light that comes with reverberating laughter.
Artists come and go, but their ability to leave us in awe of their skills and talents never quite depart so easily
from our hearts. This great comedian may be beyond our reach now, but the depths with which he has touched
our hearts with utmost humility and perseverance remain profound. He was the country’s Everyman: someone
who always knew how cruel life can be, but how extremely enjoyable it ultimately is in the long run. He it is
who has inspired this piece that needed to be written.
QUESTIONS FOR DISCUSSION:
1.
Is there a particular person you admire for their ability? Why do you admire this particular person?
2.
What abilities do you have which you believe the generations after you can try to emulate?
3.
What do you think makes entertainment artists incomparable?
4.
Aside from show business, in what other field can we find people with great abilities? Choose one
such person and be able to talk about his/her accomplishments.
5.
Which person do you admire for having overcome his/her personal struggles through his special
abilities? What makes this person specially influential for you?