Nilo's Friends

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Some years ago when the Batch63 Wednesday Kapihan was in its early stages, Nilo Villanueva was one of the first balikbayans to support the system. In one of his visits, I told him: “Nilo, I understand you go to Batch63 reunions no matter how far and minor an event they are. These trips require time and resources. You are lucky to have these. ” Nilo answered not in so many words: “It’s about friends. How many more reunions do you think I have in me?” Today, Nilo came to Manila mainly to inter the remains of his wife (in Pangasinan) but he is also happy for the opportunity to see his Manila friends again. As a matter of fact, several of the Batch63 guys were to join Nilo and his wife’s family in Pangasinan when they permanently inter Roxanne’s ashes this weekend.

Last Sunday, Nilo was in his apartment feeling bad so he called up Vince Misa (who lives nearby) to help him go to the hospital. It was a good thing for that since he was in the care of professionals when he experienced cardiac related problems on Monday morning. It was a close call according to the Doctors. At this moment, Nilo is confined in Makati Medical’s ICU where his bio signs are being stabilized. He looked real weak that first night but when the rest of the gang came to visit the next day, he was completely awake. Batch63 heard about his situation from the texts of Bert Saenz and Vince. Having no immediate family that can be notified immediately, Nilo had mainly his Batch63 friends (one childhood friend also came) who were listing up on the visitors record books – at least in the first days of his confinement. The Doctors and nurses were amazed at seeing all these old men coming and going to visit in the ICU.

We are praying for Nilo’s recovery. Batch63's Dr. Loi de la Fuente is conveniently based in the hospital which gives us the assurance that Nilo is in good hands. Feisty as ever Nilo had insisted to the Doctors that he needs to go to his wife’s burial this weekend. Despite all the tubes on him and his need to rest, he was alert even that first night in the ICU when the Batch63 guys were there. He even tries to participate in the conversation but hindered by the contraptions on his face and arms. But what else is new for stubborn Nilo? The assigned doctor specialist for diabetes commented: “I thought I’ve seen him before in this situation”. She is right, she was Nilo’s doctor the last time around.