Super! Erwin "Pastour" Emata came home to Davao last Thursday, June 8, and Oh my! I did have a difficult time chasing him to have a picture taken with him. Sobra dami tao crowding and demanding his attention. Earlier, he texted me that they were at Matina Town Square, Davao City. They had a late night press conference with the local media. Geezzz… sikat na kaayo akong kumpare. And I’m so proud of him.
Kumpare? yes, why not? I’m the ninang of his youngest son. The least I have done was give a Christmas gift to the tiny tot — a walking battery-operated lion (hehehe) and the most I did were offer prayers and high hopes for the Philippine Team to succeed. On the side, I took the liberty of proclaiming my "bragging rights" that he is my friend and he was with me when I broke my shoulder bone on a mountain biking accident. That was in 2003 (I guess) and because of his friendly nature, my X-ray expenses were free, courtesy of his newfound friends and fans at the hospital. My operation ordeal was a breeze since they called me up while I’m in the hospital bed and they were at Siargao participating in an adventure contest. He then gave his winning red jersey to me (of course after washing it).
Pastour and I, along with several of our outdoor fanatic friends, have been together for quite a time inside caves, over mountains and hills, under tents and dilapidated barangay halls. He is indeed a great person. When everybody is already so tired after scaling all the wonders of the mountain inside and out, he still has enough energy to cook dinner for us and wholesome stories to boot. He even clears up the mess afterwards when other guys were already snoring. The morning after, he wakes us up in his sweatpants after his early jog and most likely, he has prepared coffee for everybody. I could not say anything more — such a kindred spirit, a wonderful soul. The more I am proud to have known a person like him.
I am also proud to say that Pastour is a humble person. A year before this historical feat, he tells us that the best way to let his children appreciate what he will be doing is to have his name included in the "Araling Panlipunan" textbooks someday.
Today, the magnitude of his achievement being the 2nd Filipino (after Leo Oracion) to reach Mt. Everest peak hasn’t fully dawned on us yet. It’s so overwhelming, to say the least. A small street named after him is just one small gesture. But him, being my friend, a very good friend; my kumpare; comrade; what else? His name and our memories together before he became this famous is already seared in my heart. And I will not tire of proclaiming my bragging rights once more.
Indeed, the best way for people to remember us is for our good deeds and for who we really are before the limelights and media frenzy takes over. Long live my friend!
photo: Pastour (center) and Apollo of Sports TV at MTS, Davao City last June 10, 2006
