Remembering Fermin Taruc

Ten years ago today, Feb. 26, 2011, my undergrad organization, UP Economics Towards Consciousness (UP ETC), had a sudden, instant reunion among some alumni who were invited by SMS just hours before the gathering. Our friend from NYC, Esther Habana, was in town and has a one on one with another friend, Fermin "Tarcs" Taruc, a Manila-based tech businessman. Later they decided to invite others, me included. Below from left: Gladys, Esther, Jojo, and Tarcs.

Three of us followed later. Below from left: Jojo, Roland, Esther, Tarcs, Gladys, Roger, me.

It was another fun-filled evening with fellow ETCers. Many others were invited but they could not come due to short notice, just few hours. 

That was a Thursday night. Days later, Monday morning, we just learned that Tarcs died. He had a heart attack Sunday night and since he was living alone in his condo, no one brought him to the hospital. His officemates who wondered why he was not responding by email or by phone call, went to his condo. The guards assisted them to come in, they found Tarcs unconscious inside. They brought him to the hospital, it was late.

Thanks for the friendship, Tarcs. You are a good and friendly man. 

Since then, I attended all reunions with friends from college. I have many organizations and groups of friends from UP, including former dormmates (I stayed in Molave, Yakal, Narra dorms).