Eulogy to a Departed Friend and Classmate

Noel Mendoza

My name is Rebecca Sengco De Borja, a classmate

and close friend of Noel for many years up until his untimely
death which we never expected. We were all disheartened
to his early demise as we even have had a reunion last year.
The first time we met Noel was in our general
engineering course, a 2-year preparatory course at Mapua
Institute of Technology in 1971 before the final course
specialization in the following years. At first glance he was a
tall lad fresh high school graduate from St. Paul College of
Bocaue, Bulacan filled with smiles in his face, friendly,
approachable, and very accommodating as you can easily
mingle with him in any subject we were assigned to and
discuss homework either of science or mathematics in
nature. He became more popular when he was elected as
one of the officers in our Freshmen Student Council as well
as one of the favorites in English subject under Mrs.
Magtira, our instructor.
We were then in our second year when our group A-1
Company was created, a group of young students where the
aspirations were common, that is to excel in our studies as
well as enjoy our camaraderie in and out of school. We were
very happy visiting each member student flying the route of
Pasig, Pateros, Manila and vice versa and truly happy with
the music of Baron Transit. We were joyous in tasting food
merienda provided by the mother of another friend Norma
Santana. It was indeed a very contented moment for the
group every time we were together after completing hard
examinations and projects in the school.
I still remember one time that we decided to spend a
group excursion in Liliw Laguna. Everybody was there
including Noel. We rode to a jeepney family owned by
another friend, Rustico De Borja which later in life became
my husband. Truly, that event in our lives was unforgettable.
All were thrilled, the childish behaviour went out in each and
everyone, swimming in the cool running water in the river,
playing and splashing with water, cracking jokes, while
others were contented in eating while roasting fish, chicken
and meat barbecues. Everybody went home elated and
delighted with that happy experience. Our stay of five years
schooling at MIT Intramuros, Manila through thick and thin
has bonded us more and made us closer through the years.
We have had numerous reunion not only in the school but
also to our group in private. Even if each has its own family
now, our connection never ended. Thanks to technology ,
using Facebook we have had constant communication
wherever one is located.
Two days ago, we were saddened with the news of his
death. We were surprised, after knowing it. Our A-1 group
was informed including those residing and living now in the
United States. All were shocked and could not say a word,
Noel was now gone and could no longer intermingle not only
with the A-1 Group but also to his classmates, friends,
relatives and most of all his loved ones, his family.
We know that it is truly very hard to accept and lose a
loved one but we need to realize that Noel will just
transferring to another dimension, where happiness, joy, rest
and fulfillment resides, that is to Heaven together with the
God almighty! So let us all rejoice! For NOEL is now in the
hands of GOD!! In Jesus we Praised!

Thank You