And if your gift is knowing when you will die... will you use it?

In one of my earlier blog posts (dated July 29, 2009... click here to view the original blog post), I wrote about this man whom, I incidentally found sitting on a curb in front of an old, abandoned building in the city's downtown area. I took his picture that moment and as I was taking his picture, he asked me, "Mapapahamak ba ako sa litrato na yan?" (Will I get in trouble with those pictures?) Then I answered, "Hindi po 'tay, libangan lang 'to" (No, this is just for my hobby)

Then out of no where, he told me, "Kung sabagay, kahit mapahamak ako, ayos lang... Mamamatay na ako eh.. malapit na...." (Well anyway, it doesn't matter if I get into trouble... I'm going to die... very soon...)

After what he said registered in my mind... I felt a surge of coldness inside me... My head went blank and there was an empty and blunt throb in my heart... I walked backwards... slowly... away from him... and rode off in my car... I even forgot to ask his name.. (As I always take my time to talk to people in the streets whom I take pictures of...)

After a week or saw I learned his name from a common acquaintance... His name is Fedencio Aquino... or "Mang Piding" to those who are close to him...

About four days ago, our common acquaintance told me Mang Piding died of a heart attack last September 8, 2009 during the peak of a typhoon.. while the streets where flooded...

His name: Fedencio Aquino... a brother, a father, a grandfather, a friend to many, and a husband... He always had this peculiar grin in his face and he was always happy... and most of all he had this gift of knowing when he will die...

To view and read the July 29, 2009 post, please click here