para sa'yo...kasama

i remember when i first met rachelle...it was on a cegp's workshop at ocean pearl in cebu...both of us were newbies at our respective publications...after all the lectures and activities some of us opted to stay at the resort and get to know each other...there i laughed and bonded with her for the first time...then series of events led us to be close and eventually treat each other like sisters...

rachelle has always been a witty companion...there will never be a dull moment as long as rachelle is around...we were often mistaken as sisters since we're both "chubby"...we had a lot of fun moments together after meetings, after workshops, rallies, press cons and other activities...you might not even look at her as someone that is so serious since we have more 'kulitans' than serious moments...

another thing that rachelle is known for is her will to help the people...to reach out to the oppressed masses, farmers, workers and serve the people...we often talk about in what ways will we able to serve the people...and if ever there were instances that discourages us we always comes down to one statement 'serve the people' then all of our worries are gone...it has been her drive force in her daily life...she lived, breathed and existed to serve the people...

i remember the day when i last saw rachelle...she just got elected as the new editor of vital signs and i was there as a panel to conduct an interview for their new members...after a lot of deliberations and talks, we ate dinner and i think i hugged her before i left...never did i thought that it may be the last time that i will see her smile back at me...i never imagined her to be lifeless, to be just a mere memory of what she used to be....

it hurts me that she is being tagged as an armed rebel...and if ever she is, i cannot blame her with the way our society and government continues to oppress the masses...she lived to serve...she died amidst of the people that she chose to serve...she is and will forever be a hero to the people...i know that when i look at the eyes of every struggling farmer, worker, and even a sidewalk vendor i will see in them rachelle's passion for the people...

i am giving my highest tribute and admiration to my friend, sister and comrade rachelle...you will always be in our thoughts and forever in our hearts...

rachelle mae palang...(1986-2008)