Third wake this Christmas week. Another passes on, Jeland de Guzman, 47, once with the Student Christian Movement and Kilusang Magbubukid ng Pilipinas (under Rafael Mariano).

I was struck by his personal effects--a Mao cap, another one with a green leaf symbol, a cluster of necklaces with medallion, trinkets, and rosary. These somewhat speak of what the man cherished in his heart when he lived--a revolutionary ideal, an advocacy for Mother Earth, a deep spirituality. Jeland completed the 9 masses of this Season's "simbang gabi." When asked what he would wear on Christmas, he rejected the more formal shirts; and especially on Christmas day, he chose a rather casual shirt on which is emblazoned "World's Greatest Dad." But on this day he moved on to Soul World. And so he wears the shirt he chose, which I would say is "smart casual"-greatest dad!

Last night we had quite a laughter as we imagined him wearing a barong Filipino in his death. That could not and should not be, which could have been the height of awkwardness for a man who gave us light-heartedness and humor. Even his name is conversation piece. We learned that Jeland was derived from Magellan; Jeland was born on the day Magellan is known to have come to these islands, March 16! A happy send-off for a komrad who left us feeling good and feeling light, a spiritual value, something that matters a lot in our continuing daily toil and in our struggle for peace and social justice.

Dr. Ferdie Llanes

from https://www.facebook.com/fcllanes/media_set?set=a.10152110494044173.1073...