f. sionil jose

There are occasions, very few, that turn out to be large and significant, when someone enters your life. That he is special and rare you only realize gradually, as he enriches you in so many ways, a quiet, abiding influence. As friendship grows into brotherhood and more, as you talk of little and big things. Over a breakfast of bangus, or buffet in Padre Faura, including a roast pig, during gatherings at his home in Quezon City, we talked of family, passing events, the ways of politicians, the destiny of our growing nations, and much else. Every time you meet, and after he has left, the conversations continue.